Identifying Lawn Tunnels: Moles vs. Voles in Virginia

Key Differences

Your Symptoms

• Air holes and trails around tree roots
• No consistent raised ridges
• Poison baits ignored

This strongly suggests voles (meadow mice), possibly with some mole activity.

Next Steps

1. Send photos to svantassel2@unl.edu for confirmation.
2. Visit ICWDM → Solutions → Animal Damage ID.
3. Trap correctly: Snap traps in vole runways (peanut butter bait); mole traps (harpoon/scissor) in active deep tunnels.

Why Poison Failed

Mole baits (worm mimics) don’t attract voles. Vole baits (grain-based) require proper placement in runways.

Accurate ID saves time, money, and frustration.