Moles vs. Voles: Identification, Habits, and Control

Moles and voles damage gardens differently. Knowing which you have is crucial for effective control.

Appearance: Moles are dark gray with pointed snouts, tiny eyes, large paddle-like front feet, and short hairless tails. Voles resemble mice but have shorter tails, visible eyes, and longer front claws.

Habits: Moles tunnel underground constantly. Voles use surface runways in grass/mulch and also burrow, often nesting under perennials and eating roots.

Diet: Moles eat insects (grubs, worms) — they don't eat bulbs. Voles eat bulbs, perennials, bark, and young shoots. Chipmunks and squirrels dig up bulbs; voles gnaw them from below.

Repellents: Castor oil (liquid for large areas, granular for small) drives out both without toxic residues.

Reduce food: Treat grub infestations to deter moles. For voles, protect bulbs with hardware cloth (1/4-inch mesh) at planting. Mow lawns to limit surface runways.

Trapping: For moles, find active tunnels (fresh mounds) and set snap traps. For voles, use mouse/rat traps baited with peanut butter. Check daily.