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Name rhymes and similar behavior can lead to serious property damage. But in the end, voles and moles are completely different creatures.
Both are small animals and will destroy garden plants and lawns if left unattended. And they will do so almost invisibly, as uninformed property owners don’t detect attacks until it’s too late! It is a good idea to have an understanding of these two animals and their behavior in order to detect their presence.
Why are voles and moles harmful?
Voles prefer to chew on plants and tree bark. Moles gnaw insects and everything that moves. Digging them erodes the surface of your turf, leaving unsightly pits and embankments behind. Moles damage grass and garden plants. There is also a risk of gaping holes that people can enter.
Voles eat up your vegetation, damage the root system of plants. Moles dig in the soil all year round looking for earthworms and other living things that they can feed on. In winter, voles look for snow covers to protect themselves from the cold. After the snow melts, the creatures leave obvious wear-and-tear marks on the lawns that may be irreversible.
Comparison of vole and mole
Let’s take a look at some of the differences between these animals in terms of appearance, behavior, and other factors.
| Birthmarks | Voles | |
|---|---|---|
| Moles are not rodents. They are insectivorous and spend their whole life underground. In search of food, they grind country gardens and lawns. | Voles are small rodents. You can find voles above the ground, but they will dig several holes for protection and cover. They populate quickly, with a density of 2,000 voles per acre. | |
| The emergence | Moles are small and underground. Their bodies are cylindrical with velvety hair. They have short, powerful forelimbs, large legs, smaller hind limbs, and tiny inconspicuous eyes and ears. | Voles, belonging to the family of hamsters and lemmings, are small rodents with a thick body, hairy, short tails, smaller ears and eyes, and a slightly round head. |
| Size and weight | A mole can grow up to 4.5 inches and weigh about 1.7 ounces. | A vole can grow up to 4.5 inches and weigh about 0.95 ounces. |
| Behavior | Moles only come out when they find food, sticking out long enough to attack grass, plants, flowers, etc. | Voles are year-round creatures, day and night. They feed on grass, bulbs, herbaceous plants, tubers, bark and tree roots. They store plant material underground. |
| Wednesday | Living underground, the mole searches for grasslands, meadows, wetlands and coastal habitats. | Voles love grassy and weedy areas with dense ground cover. They also find refuge in ponds and stream banks, in gardens, hayfields and pastures. |
7 main differences between moles and voles
Here are the important traits of a mole and a vole that distinguish the two creatures.
1. Vole versus mole: they are not the same species
Voles are rodents, but moles are not. Voles are members of the Mammalia class, the Rodentia order, and the Cricetidae family. They are relatives of lemmings and hamsters. Moles are mammals of the Talpidae family, classified as Mammalia in the order Eulipotyphia.
2. Vole versus mole: food
Voles will stick to plant life. Predatory moles hunt for larvae, insects and worms.
3. Vole versus mole: unique features of their work
Moles are likely nearby if there are furrows in your area. Voles eat plants, but do not burrow like an underground mole. Voles feed on grass, flower roots, bulbs and seeds. If food is scarce, they will eat tree bark and bushes.
4. Vole versus mole: distinct manifestations.
The vole is often mistaken for house mice. But the vole has a shorter tail. Moles have tails equal to body length.
5. Vole versus mole: reproduction
Like mice, voles reproduce rapidly. In a few weeks, a vole colony can triple. They produce litters five to 10 times a year. Moles only breed once a year and usually have two to six puppies in their litter (as they are also called).
6. Vole versus mole: lifestyle
Moles are predators and do their dirty work underground. Once they find enough food, they stay. Voles live in creeping or lowland vegetation. They leave footprints through grass and snow. Voles are herbivores and hunt for your seeds, bulbs, and roots.
7. Vole vs. Mole: Survival Mode
The eyes of the mole are so small that they cannot be seen. They are color blind and can only detect movement and light. They are stationary and use sensors at the tip of their nose to detect the smell of prey and other moles. Voles also have poor eyesight and use their body shape and claws to navigate.
Next: Slug vs Snail: 3 Key Differences
Vole vs Mole: Frequently Asked Questions about 7 Key Differences (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do you know if you have moles or voles?
Moles are carnivores, but they leave a lot of damage in their constant search for food. The constant digging of holes indicates the presence of the creature. Voles also dig, but you will see them work in destroying your garden and lawns.
What attracts voles to your yard?
Voles love abundant vegetation, tall grasses, and weeds. These elements serve as excellent shelter and food.
What attracts moles?
Moles are constantly looking for food. If they find them, they will stay there, leaving hills, tunnels and holes everywhere. In their zeal, they rip off plant roots, kill plants, trees and lawns, and encourage weeds to grow.
How to get rid of voles in your yard?
You can take natural steps, such as eliminating what attracts them in the first place. Mow your lawns regularly. Remove bushes, bushes, and lowland bushes. If they are already ingrained in your ecosystems, you may need to hire a professional fighter jet.
How do I get rid of moles in my area?
Eliminate food sources such as lawn insects, larvae, ants, mole rats. Since moles love moist soil, avoid over-watering your property. They only need one inch of water to feel right at home. You can also use repellents, baits and traps. If their presence cannot be controlled, call a specialist.
Are voles and moles bad?
They pose a serious threat that permanently damages your ecosystem.
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