Moles vs. Voles: Identifying and Controlling These Yard Pests

You've likely heard of both moles and voles, but distinguishing between these two lawn-damaging creatures is essential for effective control. Though often confused, they have distinctly different behaviors, diets, and control methods.

The Mole

Moles are small, carnivorous mammals—not rodents. They feast on earthworms, grubs, and soil insects, not your plants. So why do gardeners with moles report plant damage? Two reasons: their tunneling disrupts root systems, pushing plants upward or destabilizing them. Additionally, actual rodents exploit mole tunnels to access vegetation unseen.

The Vole

Voles resemble mice and are true rodents with vegetarian appetites. They happily reuse mole tunnels but also create their own surface runways. Voles devour flower bulbs, potatoes, plant roots, and the bases of trees and shrubs. Their burrowing directly through root systems kills young plants and causes dieback in established shrubbery.

Controlling Moles

Mole activity peaks in spring and fall, especially after rain. They maintain two tunnel types: shallow feeding tunnels and deeper connecting tunnels where they spend most time. Molehills—pushed-up soil mounds—mark their presence, but the tunnels themselves remain hidden.

Because moles are carnivorous, bait is unnecessary. Traps placed in active feeding tunnels work effectively. Options include live traps (for humane removal), scissor traps, choker traps, and harpoon traps—available at garden centers. Bury traps just beneath the surface in known paths. Being blind, moles won't detect them until triggered.

Controlling Voles

Voles tunnel at the surface, leaving visible runways. They nest above ground under debris or in mulch piled against trees and shrubs. Live traps can capture them, but repellents and rodenticides are also options—though poison baits risk harming pets and children.

For baiting, observe vole activity patterns for several days to identify optimal burrow openings. Place snap traps perpendicular to active runways with a dab of peanut butter. Consult a local wildlife pest control professional for the most effective approach.