Voles and moles, though both burrowing creatures, cause distinct types of damage and require different strategies for permanent removal. Understanding their differences and employing a multi-faceted approach is crucial for a pest-free yard. This guide will explore the characteristics of each pest, methods for identification, and a range of solutions for lasting control.
Understanding Voles and Moles: Know Your Enemy
Before launching a counter-offensive, it’s essential to differentiate between voles and moles. Misidentification can lead to ineffective and frustrating control efforts.
Voles: The Meadow Mice
Voles, often mistaken for mice or gophers, are small rodents that primarily feed on plants. They are typically 5-8 inches long, with short tails, small eyes, and rounded noses. Their fur is usually brown or gray. The real problem with voles is what they eat. They create extensive surface runways with numerous entrance holes, often hidden under vegetation or snow. They are active both day and night throughout the year, breeding prolifically. Vole damage is typically characterized by gnawed stems, girdled tree trunks, and damaged roots. They can decimate lawns and gardens quickly.
Moles: The Insectivores
Moles, on the other hand, are insectivores, meaning their primary diet consists of insects, grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates. They are typically 6-9 inches long, with pointed snouts, small eyes often hidden by fur, and large, powerful front paws adapted for digging. Moles create raised ridges and molehills in lawns as they tunnel beneath the surface. While they don’t directly eat plants, their tunneling can damage plant roots and disrupt the soil structure. Mole activity is most noticeable in spring and fall when they are actively searching for food near the surface.
Identifying Vole and Mole Damage
Accurate identification is key to choosing the right control methods. Take a close look at the evidence to determine which pest is responsible.
Recognizing Vole Signs
Look for the following signs to identify vole activity:
- Surface runways: These are shallow, well-defined paths of trampled grass or bare soil, typically about 2 inches wide.
- Entrance holes: Small, dime-sized holes leading into vole runways.
- Girdling: Damage to the bark of trees and shrubs, usually near the base of the plant.
- Damaged roots: Plants that are wilting or dying for no apparent reason.
- Droppings: Small, rice-shaped droppings scattered along runways.
Detecting Mole Activity
Look for these telltale signs of mole presence:
- Raised ridges: Long, winding ridges of raised soil on the surface of the lawn.
- Molehills: Cone-shaped mounds of soil pushed up from underground tunnels.
- Soft spots: Areas of the lawn that feel spongy or uneven due to tunneling.
- Dead patches: Areas of grass that have died due to root disturbance.
Long-Term Strategies for Vole and Mole Control
Eradicating voles and moles permanently requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the immediate infestation and the underlying conditions that attract these pests.
Habitat Modification: Making Your Yard Unattractive
The first step in long-term control is to make your yard less inviting to voles and moles. This involves modifying their habitat and removing sources of food and shelter.
- Remove dense vegetation: Voles thrive in areas with thick ground cover. Remove overgrown bushes, weeds, and piles of leaves or mulch. Keep grass mowed short, especially near trees and shrubs.
- Clear debris: Eliminate potential hiding places by removing piles of wood, rocks, and other debris from your yard.
- Manage thatch: Excessive thatch in your lawn provides a perfect habitat for voles. Dethatch your lawn regularly to reduce thatch buildup.
- Control weeds: Weeds provide food and cover for voles. Implement a weed control program to eliminate weed infestations.
- Consider gravel barriers: Surround vulnerable trees and shrubs with a layer of gravel to prevent voles from girdling the bark.
Exclusion: Blocking Access
Exclusion methods create physical barriers to prevent voles and moles from entering your yard or damaging specific plants.
- Hardware cloth barriers: Bury hardware cloth (1/4-inch mesh) around garden beds, trees, and shrubs to prevent voles from accessing roots and stems. The barrier should extend at least 12 inches below ground and 6 inches above ground.
- Tree guards: Install tree guards around the trunks of young trees to protect them from vole girdling.
- Fencing: For larger areas, consider installing a vole-proof fence made of hardware cloth. The fence should be buried at least 12 inches deep and extend 2-3 feet above ground.
- Mole netting: Install mole netting beneath the lawn surface during new construction or renovation projects. This netting prevents moles from tunneling near the surface.
Trapping: A Targeted Approach
Trapping can be an effective method for removing voles and moles, especially in small areas. Choose the appropriate trap for the target pest and place it strategically in areas of activity.
Vole Trapping Techniques
- Mouse traps: Standard snap traps baited with peanut butter or apple slices can be effective for catching voles. Place the traps along vole runways, perpendicular to the path, with the trigger end facing the runway. Cover the traps with a box or board to protect them from birds and other animals.
- Cylinder traps: These traps consist of a cylinder with openings at both ends and a trigger mechanism in the center. Place the traps along vole runways and bait them with peanut butter or apple slices.
- Live traps: Live traps allow you to capture voles without killing them. Bait the traps with peanut butter or apple slices and release the captured voles several miles away from your property. Note: Check local regulations regarding the relocation of wildlife.
Mole Trapping Strategies
- Harpoon traps: These traps spear moles when they trigger the trap mechanism. Locate active mole tunnels by probing the ground with a stick or metal rod. Set the trap directly over the active tunnel, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Scissor-jaw traps: These traps clamp down on moles when they pass through the tunnel. Locate active mole tunnels and set the trap over the tunnel, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Tunnels: Constructing artificial tunnels and placing traps can be a reliable method.
Repellents: A Temporary Solution
Repellents can deter voles and moles from entering your yard, but they are often a temporary solution and may need to be reapplied regularly.
Vole Repellents
- Castor oil-based repellents: These repellents contain castor oil, which has an unpleasant taste and odor that voles find offensive. Apply the repellent to lawns, gardens, and around trees and shrubs. Reapply after rain or irrigation.
- Capsaicin-based repellents: These repellents contain capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers. They irritate voles’ skin and mucous membranes, deterring them from feeding. Apply the repellent to plants and soil. Reapply after rain or irrigation.
- Predator urine: The urine of predators, such as foxes and coyotes, can repel voles. Apply the urine around the perimeter of your yard or garden.
Mole Repellents
- Castor oil-based repellents: Similar to vole repellents, castor oil-based repellents can also deter moles. The castor oil disrupts their digestive system, making them less likely to feed in the treated area.
- Garlic and onion: Some gardeners claim that planting garlic and onions around the perimeter of their garden can repel moles. However, the effectiveness of this method is anecdotal.
- Sonic devices: These devices emit sonic vibrations that are said to repel moles. However, studies have shown that sonic devices are not consistently effective.
Natural Predators: Enlisting the Help of Nature
Encouraging natural predators can help control vole and mole populations in your yard.
- Owls: Owls are highly effective predators of voles and moles. Install owl boxes in your yard to attract owls.
- Hawks: Hawks also prey on voles and moles. Provide perches, such as tall trees or poles, to encourage hawks to hunt in your yard.
- Cats and dogs: Domestic cats and dogs can help control vole and mole populations, although their effectiveness varies depending on the individual animal.
Professional Pest Control: When to Call in the Experts
If you’ve tried the above methods and are still struggling with vole or mole infestations, it may be time to call a professional pest control company. Pest control professionals have the knowledge, experience, and tools to effectively eliminate vole and mole problems. They can assess the situation, identify the specific pest, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. They may use a combination of trapping, baiting, and repellents to control the infestation.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve gotten rid of voles and moles, take steps to prevent them from returning.
- Maintain a clean yard: Regularly remove debris, trim vegetation, and manage thatch to eliminate potential habitats.
- Monitor for signs of activity: Regularly inspect your yard for signs of vole or mole activity. Catch infestations early before they become established.
- Continue using repellents: Apply repellents periodically, especially during peak activity seasons, to deter voles and moles from entering your yard.
- Consider professional maintenance: Regular landscaping maintenance can help to prevent vole and mole infestations.
By understanding the characteristics of voles and moles, identifying their damage, and implementing a comprehensive control strategy, you can achieve lasting relief from these pesky pests and enjoy a healthy, beautiful yard. Remember that persistence and a multi-pronged approach are key to success. Don’t be discouraged if one method doesn’t work immediately; try combining different techniques for optimal results.
What is the difference between voles and moles, and why is it important to distinguish them?
Moles are primarily insectivores, feeding on grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling invertebrates. They create raised ridges in lawns and gardens as they tunnel through the soil in search of food. Voles, on the other hand, are herbivores, primarily feeding on plant roots, bulbs, seeds, and bark. They create shallow, above-ground runways and often damage plants directly.
Distinguishing between the two is crucial because their control methods differ significantly. Attempting to control voles with mole-specific strategies (or vice versa) will be ineffective and waste valuable time and resources. Identifying the culprit is the first step towards successful and permanent eradication.
What are some signs that I have a vole or mole infestation in my yard?
Signs of mole activity include raised ridges in the lawn, molehills (small mounds of soil), and generally disturbed soil. These tunnels are often shallow and visible on the surface. They may also disrupt plant roots, leading to wilting or even plant death.
Vole infestations are indicated by surface runways or paths through the grass or mulch, usually about 2 inches wide. You might also notice gnawed bark at the base of trees and shrubs, damaged bulbs, and small, round holes in the ground where voles are accessing roots or seeds.
Are there any natural or organic methods for getting rid of voles and moles?
Yes, several natural and organic methods can help deter voles and moles. For voles, consider planting deterrent plants like daffodils, marigolds, and garlic around vulnerable areas. Creating barriers around prized plants with hardware cloth can also prevent them from reaching roots and bulbs. For moles, introducing beneficial nematodes to the soil can help reduce the grub population, their primary food source.
Other organic approaches involve using castor oil-based repellents, which are unpleasant to both voles and moles. Regularly aerating and dethatching your lawn can also make the soil less hospitable to moles, discouraging them from settling in your yard. However, be aware that these methods may require consistent application and may not completely eradicate a severe infestation.
What are the most effective traps for catching voles and moles?
For voles, mouse traps or rat traps baited with peanut butter, apple slices, or other appealing foods can be very effective. Place the traps along vole runways, perpendicular to the path, and cover them with a box or bucket to prevent non-target animals from being caught. Check the traps daily and rebait as needed.
Mole traps are more specialized, designed to be placed directly in their tunnels. Scissor-jaw, harpoon, and choker loop traps are common types, each working on a different mechanism to capture the mole when it enters the tunnel. Proper placement and setting are crucial for success; research and follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
What are some preventative measures I can take to keep voles and moles away from my property?
Maintaining a well-groomed lawn is essential for preventing both voles and moles. Regularly mow the grass, remove leaf litter, and trim overgrown shrubs. This eliminates hiding places for voles and makes it harder for moles to find food. Removing potential food sources is key to preventing infestations.
Installing underground barriers made of hardware cloth around gardens and trees can prevent voles from accessing roots and bulbs. Similarly, removing grubs from the soil with appropriate treatments can reduce the mole’s food source and make your yard less attractive. A clean, less appealing landscape is less likely to attract these pests.
When should I consider calling a professional pest control service for vole or mole control?
If you’ve tried DIY methods for vole or mole control without success, or if the infestation is severe and widespread, it’s time to consider calling a professional pest control service. They have access to stronger, more effective treatments and traps that are not available to the general public. They can also accurately identify the pest and tailor a control plan to your specific situation.
Furthermore, pest control professionals can assess the extent of the damage and provide recommendations for preventing future infestations. They are trained in safe and effective pest control practices, minimizing risks to your family, pets, and the environment. If you are unsure about how to proceed or are uncomfortable handling traps and chemicals, professional help is the best option.
Are vole and mole problems seasonal, and do control methods need to be adjusted based on the time of year?
Vole and mole activity can fluctuate with the seasons. Voles tend to be more active in the spring and fall when they are breeding and foraging for food before winter. Moles are typically active year-round, but their activity may slow down during the hottest and coldest months as they burrow deeper into the ground.
Control methods may need to be adjusted based on the time of year. In winter, when voles are concentrated in smaller areas near food sources, trapping can be particularly effective. In summer, when moles are burrowing deeper, deeper set traps or soil treatments may be necessary. Understanding seasonal behavior can improve the effectiveness of your control efforts.