Protecting your yard - Moles vs. Voles
Though people often confuse these little critters for one another, moles and voles are actually different in several ways. And now that all the snow is melted, the extensive winter and early spring damage of these two animals has become apparent to many homeowners.
Because moles are more common, most lawn damage is attributed to them; and while the two animals do similar damage there are several major differences between the mole and the vole.
Moles are not actually rodents. Most would consider these rat-like critters to be in the rodent family due to their appearance –which honestly is not very cute. Moles have fleshy noses that serve as a touch organ and front paws that resemble paddles. Voles, on the other hand, are rodents and often labeled as field mice.
Both moles and the voles do damage to yards. Moles primarily do damage under the surface by creating widespread tunnel systems. Some of the tunnels will be closer to the surface and the damage can be noticed, but others can be six inches below the surface. Moles also make hills with the dirt pushed up from the tunnels – another easy way to spot their potential damage.
Voles gnaw on trees and vegetable gardens and destroy lawns by digging extensive tunnel and runway systems. Unlike moles, voles create trenches (runways) along the surface of the lawn. Along with the lawn damages, voles also carry several diseases including the bubonic plague.
Both critters are active year-round, so the recent spring weather may bring their damage to homeowners' attention. The best way to take care of a mole or vole problem is to call someone who can remove the animals and educate homeowners as to how to take preventative action for the future.
The best thing to do, if neither of these critters has invaded your lawn yet, is to do a few things around the yard. Because voles like to do damage to trees and shrubs, be particularly careful about applying mulch too close to them. Young trees can also be protected by wrapping the bottom of the trunk with wire mesh. Also, by avoiding dense ground covers and mowing the lawn, vole problems are less likely to happen.
Many people take preventative action toward moles by planting barriers of certain plants whose smell moles find offensive. These can include daffodils or two classic spring flowers, the Siberian squill and the crown imperial.
These preventative actions can be taken if there is not yet a mole or vole problem. If you start to see runways forming and plants and trees being damaged, the best thing to do is call a professional, instead of spraying harmful pesticides and placing dangerous traps yourself.
