What Is The Difference Between Moles And Voles? A Guide To Identification & Control

The difference between moles and voles is often confusing because they are very different pests with unique habits and control methods.

Moles dig deep tunnels, while voles create surface runways, and both can mess up your landscape.

Let us dive into their looks, behaviors, and how to manage them with practical tips for a pest-free yard.

 

What is the Difference Between Moles and Voles? (Appearance)

First, let us clear up what the difference is between moles and voles by looking at how they appear. These critters might both be small and furry, but their physical traits set them apart:

• Moles:

Moles can grow from 4 to 7 inches long with paddle-shaped feet and big digging claws, perfect for their underground lifestyle.

They have an elongated head and snout, tiny eyes, and no external ears. Their short fur (black-to-brownish-gray) has no grain, letting them move easily forward and backward in tunnels.

If you spot a sleek, eyeless critter digging up your lawn, it is likely a mole.

• Voles:

Voles look like field mice with short tails, measuring 5 to 8 inches long. They have compact, heavy bodies, small eyes, and ears that are partially hidden.

Their prominent orange-colored teeth are built for gnawing plant roots and stems. If you see a mouse-like creature scurrying along the surface, it is probably a vole.

 

Read also: Mole Control Products

 

What is the Difference Between Moles and Voles? (Tunnels and Habits)

Another way to answer the question of what the difference between moles and voles is is by examining their tunnels and behaviors:

• Mole Tunnels:

Moles are expert diggers, creating mounds that are shaped like volcanoes in your lawn as entrances to their deep tunnels. They also make exit holes in existing tunnels that are sized like golf balls.

These underground networks are where moles hunt insects and earthworms, often causing raised ridges in your yard. If you see mounds or ridges, that is a mole’s handiwork.

• Vole Tunnels:

Voles create thin, dirt-colored trails or runways that snake across your yard’s surface, often near plant roots.

They dig burrow entrances that are dime-sized around plants, where they gnaw on roots and stems. If you spot surface trails or small holes near plants, that is a vole’s signature.

 

How to Get Rid of Moles and Voles

Now that you know what the difference between moles and voles is, let us tackle how to get rid of them. Each pest requires a tailored approach, and we have provided tips to help:

Mole Control Strategies

Moles can turn your lawn into a lumpy mess, but here is how to address them:

• Trapping:

Trapping is the most effective way to get rid of moles. Use harpoon, choker, or scissor-jawed traps placed over active tunnels, especially in fall or winter when moles are most active.

Mouse-type snap traps are less effective, but hardware stores carry mole-specific traps.

• Avoid Poisons:

Poisoned baits, like gummy worms with bromethalin, can be risky for your pets, humans, and water sources. If you use them, place them in active tunnels and follow the label instructions carefully.

• Reduce Food Sources:

While grub treatments are common, they are not always effective, as moles eat other insects or earthworms if grubs are scarce.

Vole Control Strategies

Voles damage plants and lawns with their surface runways, so here is how to control them:

• Habitat Modification:

Voles need cover to thrive, so remove weeds, heavy mulch, or dense vegetation. Keep grass mowed and clear mulch from tree bases to expose voles to predators.

• Fencing:

Use wire fences with 0.25-inch mesh, 12 inches above ground and 6 to 10 inches buried, to keep voles out. This exclusion method works well for your gardens.

• Trapping:

Snap traps baited with apples or peanut butter and oatmeal are great for voles. Place these traps along runways or near burrow holes, with the trigger end toward the runway, and cover with a box or bucket for safety.

Fall and late winter are best for trapping voles.

 

Professional Pest Control

If moles or voles keep coming back, professional help is the way to go. A state-certified pest management expert can assess your yard, identify active tunnels or runways, and create a customized plan.

Pestclue connects you with local pros to solve the difference between moles and voles by identification and get rid of them for good, especially in tough cases.

 

What are the General Prevention Tips for Moles and Voles?

Do you want to prevent moles and voles from becoming a yearly issue? You should try these useful tips:

• Inspect Your Yard: Check for mounds, runways, or holes regularly to catch moles or voles early.
• Maintain Your Lawn: Keep grass mowed, remove weeds, and clear mulch to deter voles, while checking for mole tunnels.
• Seal Entry Points: Ensure fences or barriers are in place for voles, and monitor soil for mole activity.
• Get Expert Help: For persistent issues, we can link you to pros for effective mole and vole control.

 

Read also: How To Get Rid Of Voles: DIY Methods That Have Proven Effective

 

Conclusion

What is the difference between moles and voles? Moles are underground diggers with paddle feet, creating mounds, while voles are surface-dwelling, mouse-like pests making runways.

With our tips, like trapping, habitat modification, and professional help, you can tackle both pests effectively.

Contact us today for DIY guides, expert connections, and everything you need to answer your questions about moles & voles and keep your yard pest-free.

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