Moles and Voles: How to Tell the Difference

Pests can cause a nuisance, but you need to understand the difference between various types of pests. Knowing what kind of pest you’re dealing with can help you determine the best course of action for pest control. In this blog post, we’ll focus on two common yard pests—moles and voles—and how to spot the difference between them.

Moles

Moles are small mammals that live underground and feed on insects. They are cylindrical in shape with short legs and a long snout. They have gray or black fur and they have small eyes and ears. Most people cannot see their ears, as they hide beneath their fur. Moles create tunnels in your yard as they search for food, which can lead to damage of your lawn or garden.

Voles

Voles, also known as meadow mice, look similar to moles in size and coloration. However, they have noticeably different features. While moles have long snouts, voles have short noses with visible whiskers. Voles also have small ears that are more visible than moles’ ears. Additionally, voles have larger eyes that protrude from the sides of their head. Voles feed on plants and roots, making them particularly problematic in gardens or any area where grass or flowers grow.

How We Can Help

The most effective way to get rid of moles or voles is to contact a professional pest control service. The service you call can help identify which type of pest you’re dealing with. Next, they can recommend an appropriate solution for removal. However, if you want to try DIY solutions first, there are several methods that can be used for both moles and voles such as traps, repellants, baits and more. That being said, professional pest control treatments are much more effective.

It is important for homeowners to know how to identify moles vs voles because each requires different strategies for removal from your property. Moles favor insects while voles prefer plants; therefore, it is important to distinguish which one is causing damage before attempting any kind of pest control measure. If you find yourself facing either mole or vole infestation on your property, contact a licensed professional who can help identify the pest correctly and provide recommendations on how best to remove them from your yard or garden safely and effectively.  With their knowledge and expertise, they will ensure that all pests are eradicated quickly so you may enjoy a safe outdoor environment again soon!

At A-1 Able Pest Doctors, we specialize in treating moles and voles in residential properties throughout Dayton, Springfield, Troy, and the Miami Valley regions. If your home needs mole or vole treatment, reach out to us today. Our team will perform an inspection and provide you with our professional recommendations. Call us today to get started with your residential pest control treatments!