Moles

Appearance

Moles have elongated bodies, with velvety fur, small eyes, and no visible ears. They have large, paddle-like front feet designed for digging.

Diet

Moles are insectivores, primarily feeding on insects, earthworms, and grubs.

Behavior

Moles create extensive underground tunnel systems. Their tunnels are usually deeper and can cause raised ridges on the surface of your lawn.

Damage

Moles do not eat plants, but their tunneling can disrupt root systems, leading to plant damage.

Voles

Appearance

Voles, also known as meadow mice, have a more mouse-like appearance with a compact body, short tail, and small eyes and ears.

Diet

Voles are herbivores, feeding on grasses, roots, bulbs, and bark.

Behavior

Voles create shallow burrows and surface runways. They are more likely to be seen above ground compared to moles.

Damage

Voles can cause significant damage to plants by eating roots and bulbs. They also gnaw on tree bark, which can girdle and kill young trees.

Key Differences

Tunnels

Mole tunnels are deeper and create raised ridges, while vole tunnels are shallow and often accompanied by visible surface runways.

Diet

Moles eat insects and worms, whereas voles eat plants and roots.

Appearance

Moles have specialized digging feet and elongated bodies, while voles look more like small, stocky mice.

Understanding these differences can help you identify which pest is causing problems in your yard and take appropriate measures to manage them. Schedule your free inspection with a Mole Busters technician to get to the bottom of your mole, vole, or gopher problems!