Mole and vole infestations can be a nuisance for homeowners and gardeners. These small mammals can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping by burrowing underground and creating tunnels. They can also eat plants, bulbs, and roots, causing further damage.
Symptoms
- Raised, irregularly shaped mounds of soil in lawns or gardens
- Tunnels or runs in the soil, often visible as raised ridges
- Damage to plants, including gnawed roots and stems
- Damage to bulbs, flowers, and other underground plant structures
- The presence of mole or vole burrows or holes in the ground
- Dead patches of grass or plants in lawn or gardens
- Damage to irrigation systems or underground utility lines
- The presence of mole or vole tracks or droppings in the area.
What is a Mole or Vole
Moles:
- Small, burrowing mammals with dark, velvety fur
- Small eyes and ears
- Large, pointed snouts
- Large, clawed front paws used for digging
- Typically grow to be about 6-8 inches long and weigh around 4-5 ounces
Voles:
- Small rodents that resemble mice
- Small, rounded ears and a short, furry tail
- Typically brown or gray in color
- Small eyes and a small, pointed snout
- Typically grow to be about 5-7 inches long and weigh around 2-4 ounces
- They have smaller front legs and larger hind legs, which makes them more agile than moles and able to move more quickly on the surface.
Treating a Mole or Vole Infestation
It is important to note that mole and vole infestations can be difficult to completely eliminate, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring may be required to keep populations under control. Additionally, it is important to consult with local wildlife authorities, as many species of moles and voles are protected and cannot be killed.
Treatment options for mole and vole infestations include:
Trapping
- Traps can be used to capture moles or voles and remove them from the area.
- Traps can be either live traps that capture the animal without harming it or kill traps.
- Live traps should be baited with worms, fruits or vegetables.
- Kill traps can be scissor-jaw, choke-collar, or harpoon traps.
- Traps should be placed in the active runs or burrows.
- This method is considered as the most efficient and humane way to get rid of moles and voles.
Repellents
- Repellents, such as castor oil or predator urine, can be used to deter moles and voles from the area.
- These repellents work by altering the smell and taste of the soil, making it unappealing to the animals.
- These products should be applied to the soil in the affected area.
- This method can be effective in preventing future infestations but may not be as effective in removing an existing infestation.
Fencing
- Underground fencing can be installed to prevent moles and voles from entering an area.
- The fencing should be buried at least 6 inches deep and extend at least 6 inches above the ground.
- This method can be effective in preventing future infestations, but it may not be as effective in removing an existing infestation.
Poison bait
- Poison bait can be used to kill moles and voles.
- However, this method should be used with caution, as it can also harm other animals and should only be used under the guidance of a professional.
- Poison bait is placed in the mole or vole burrows or runs.
- This method can be effective in removing the pests, but it is not humane and has the potential to harm other animals. It is important to note that mole and vole infestations can be difficult to completely eliminate, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring may be required to keep populations under control. Additionally, it is important to consult with local wildlife authorities, as many species of moles and voles are protected and cannot be killed.