Mole or Vole: What is the Difference?

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Budgetanimal

Are mysterious tunnels and unsightly mounds wreaking havoc on your lawn or garden? You’re likely dealing with either moles or voles. Although often mistaken for one another, these underground critters have distinct differences that affect how they should be managed. By understanding their physical traits, habits, and how they damage your property, you can take the right steps to eliminate the problem effectively.

This guide will help you identify whether you’re dealing with yard moles or voles, understand the damage they cause, and explore prevention and wildlife control strategies designed specifically for the Midwest. Protect your garden, lawn, and peace of mind with these tips.

The Difference Between Moles and Voles

Physical Characteristics

The first step in addressing your pest problem is correctly identifying whether you’re dealing with moles or voles. They may both wreak havoc underground, but they look quite different.

Moles

Moles are small mammals with a cone-shaped body and velvety fur. They have broad, powerful front paws tipped with sharp claws, perfectly designed for digging. Their tiny eyes are mostly hidden, and their elongated snout allows them to detect their favorite food sources underground. Moles generally range from 4 to 7 inches in length.

Key Features of Moles:

Cone-shaped body with velvety gray or brown fur
Small, almost invisible eyes
Large, clawed front paws for digging
Long, pointed snouts

Voles

Voles, often referred to as field mice, are rodents with stocky bodies, small rounded ears, and short tails. They resemble typical mice but have shorter, less prominent ears and a blunter snout. Voles grow to about 3 to 5 inches in length and are often covered in brown or gray fur. They look like wild hamsters!

Key Features of Voles:

Stocky, mouse-like appearance
Round ears and short tails
Blunter snout
Usually brown or gray coat

Habitat and Behavior

Moles

Moles live underground, creating intricate tunnel systems to hunt insects and worms. They are solitary creatures, meaning you’ll typically find only one mole per tunnel system. Their need for protein keeps them busy digging, which inadvertently aerates your soil.

Moles prefer:

Loose, moist soil packed with worms and insects
Underground tunnels for hunting and resting
Gardens and lawns with soft dirt for easy digging

Voles

Voles are herbivores, feeding on roots, grasses, bark, seeds, and vegetables. Unlike moles, voles are social animals and live in colonies. They create surface runways and shallow tunnels, causing widespread damage to vegetation.

Voles prefer:

Overgrown gardens, tall grasses, and leaf litter
Access to roots, bark, and vegetable plants
Shallow tunnels and surface pathways

Learn More About Yard Mole Removal

Damage They Cause

Recognizing the signs of mole or vole damage is key to addressing the problem effectively.

Moles

Moles are often unjustly blamed for plant destruction, but they actually feed on insects, not roots. However, their tunneling can cause secondary damage by uprooting plants and creating tripping hazards. Their signature above-ground ridges make it easy to identify mole activity.

Mole Damage Includes:

Raised tunnels and ridges across the lawn
Dirt mounds where tunnels start
Uprooted plants due to disrupted soil

Voles

Voles, on the other hand, directly damage plants by feeding on roots, bulbs, and bark. Their surface runways are visible as grooves in the soil or grass, and they can decimate gardens in a short period.

Vole Damage Includes:

Chewed roots, bulbs, and bark
Runways or grooves in grass and soil
Damage to trees and shrubs at the base

Prevention and Control

When dealing with moles and voles, prevention is always better than reactive animal removal. Here’s how to protect your lawn and garden from these pesky visitors.

For Moles

Natural Predators: Encourage owls, hawks, and outdoor cats to reduce mole populations naturally.
Physical Barriers: Install underground fencing around gardens to limit mole access.
Mole Repellent: Apply castor oil-based repellents to deter moles. These are Eco-friendly and safe for your garden.
Trapping: Use specialized mole traps strategically placed in active tunnels. Ensure traps are set according to local regulations.

For Voles

Habitat Management: Clear overgrown vegetation and leaf litter to reduce vole hiding spots.
Protective Guards: Use tree guards or wire mesh to protect vulnerable plants and trees.
Trapping: Use vole traps baited with apple slices or peanut butter to catch voles effectively.
Rodenticides: Use rodenticides sparingly and as a last resort, following safety guidelines to protect non-target animals.

Integrated Approaches

Sometimes, the best solution is a combination of methods tailored to your unique situation.

Professional Wildlife Control: Consult experts who assess ecological impacts and provide environmentally conscious solutions.
Regular Monitoring: Check your property consistently for mole and vole activity to catch problems early.
Cultural Practices: Maintain a healthy lawn through proper watering, mowing, and fertilization to make your yard less attractive to pests.

FAQs About Getting Rid of Yard Moles

Q: How do I know if there are moles in my yard?

There are a few signs that can indicate the presence of moles in your yard. These include visible tunnels or raised ridges on the surface of your lawn, freshly dug mounds of dirt, and dying or wilting vegetation.

Q: Why should I get rid of moles in my yard?

Moles can cause significant damage to your lawn and garden by tunneling and creating unsightly mounds of dirt. They also eat earthworms and other beneficial organisms that help maintain healthy soil, which can lead to further problems with plant growth.

Q: Can I use home remedies to get rid of moles?

While there are many home remedies suggested for getting rid of moles, they are often ineffective and may even harm the environment. It is best to consult a professional pest control service for safe and effective removal methods.

Q: How can I prevent moles from coming back?

Moles are attracted to areas with abundant food sources, such as grubs and earthworms. To prevent their return, you can eliminate these food sources by using organic pest controls or adjusting your lawn care practices, such as aerating and watering less frequently.

Additionally, you can also make your yard less appealing to moles by keeping it well-maintained and free of clutter, as moles prefer to make their homes in messy and unkempt areas. Installing physical barriers, such as underground fencing or mesh wire, can also deter moles from burrowing into your yard.

Regularly inspecting and repairing any holes or openings in your yard can also prevent moles from making a home on your property. If you continue to see mole activity despite these measures, contacting a professional animal removal service may be necessary for more advanced removal methods.

CONCLUSION

Protecting your yard from moles requires a combination of preventative measures, consistent maintenance, and patience. By understanding the habits and preferences of these pests, you can implement effective strategies to reduce their presence and minimize damage to your lawn.

Remember, maintaining a clean and well-manicured yard not only deters moles but also enhances the health and appearance of your outdoor space. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance to ensure your yard remains a place of beauty and enjoyment. Taking action today can save you from long-term frustration and restore peace to your property.

If you’re dealing with a mole or vole problem in the Midwest, don’t wait for the damage to worsen. Contact Budget Animal Removal for a tailored, Eco-friendly yard mole control in Indianapolis. We do not remove voles—contact rodent control for vole removal.

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Don’t Let Moles Ruin Your Yard – How to Protect It

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Budgetanimal

Moles are a common yard nuisance that can cause serious damage to the lawn and garden. They dig underground tunnels, create mounds of dirt, and eat plants and roots. If you have noticed mole activity in your lawn, it’s important to take action right away before the problem gets out of hand.

In this blog post, we will cover some methods for yard mole removal as well as tips on how to prevent them from coming back in the future. With these helpful strategies, you can keep your yard looking its best without having to worry about pesky moles ruining it!

Call 317-875-3099 to Speak With Our Yard Mole Trappers in Indianapolis Indiana

The 101 on How to Get Rid of Yard Moles

One of the best ways to get rid of moles in your yard is with mole control products. There are a variety of mole repellents and baits available that can be used to drive them away or even kill them if necessary. These products will often come as granules, gels, sprays, and traps, so you should have no problem finding the right solution for your specific needs. Just be sure to read all instructions carefully and always use these products according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Also check with your local laws and regulations that pertain to wildlife control repellents. You do not want to use anything that can be toxic to non-target wildlife, surrounding flora, bodies of water, and so forth. Only a trained professional has the knowledge and experience to properly implement mole extermination repellents of those kinds.

Mole Traps and Devices

A second option for getting rid of moles is using live trapping methods. This involves setting up traps around areas where you have noticed mole activity and waiting until they enter one before removing it from the area. If you do not feel comfortable handling the traps yourself, there are also services available that specialize in mole trapping and removal.

Mole Proofing

While mole control products and live trapping can be effective for getting rid of moles from your yard, it is important to take preventative measures as well. Keeping food sources out of reach, like pet food bowls or bird feeders, is a good way to discourage these pests from entering your yard in the first place. You should also regularly check for signs of mole activity such as raised soil mounds and tunnels so you can take action quickly if necessary. Finally, make sure to keep vegetation trimmed away from pathways and entrances where moles could potentially gain access to your property.

Year-Round Lawn Protection Against Moles

By following these simple critter control tips for moles, you can help protect your yard from these pests and make sure it stays looking its best year-round. If you have any questions or would like more information on how to get rid of yard moles, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Ready to get rid of moles with the help of some highly trained and experienced wildlife control professionals? Here at Budget Animal Removal, our licensed and insured mole trappers are fully-equipped and prepared to help residential and commercial customers with effective yard mole removal and control solutions. Contact us at 317-875-3099 today for a free quote or to set up an on-site walk through.

The 3 Most Common Yard Mole Species in the United States

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Yard moles are one of the most destructive and frustrating nuisance animals in the Tennessee region. Not only are they difficult to keep out, let alone get rid of, but they are also capable of causing a massive amount of damage to your lawn, mulch beds, and gardens.

If you are having an issue with nuisance moles in your yard, it is important to educate yourself on the best practices for critter removal and control. Start by learning about the most common yard mole species in the United States so you know which type of mole you are dealing with.

Mole Trappers Nashville Tennessee 615-337-9165 — The Common Mole (Scalopus aquaticus)

Types of Animal Moles in the United States

The most common species of moles in the United States are the Eastern moles, Star-Nosed moles, and Shrew moles. Although very similar in nature, each species has its own set of unique characteristics and attributes.

The Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus)

The Eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), also referred to as the Common mole or North American mole, is the most common species of mole in North America. In fact, they can be found in regions spanning from Canada to Mexico, giving them the widest range of all the mole species. They appear like any standard mole you would imagine, with long snouts, hidden eyes, dark sleek fur, short bodies, and spade-shaped paws. Adults are medium-sized, generally around 6 inches in length not including their tails, and around 2.5 ounces in weight. This same mole is known as the European mole in Europe and Asia.

Star-Nosed Mole (Condylura cristata)

Generally native to the Eastern coastal regions, the Star-Nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is a unique mole species due to its protrusions that extend out of their snouts, making them look like one of those monsters on Stranger Things. These are called their Eimer’s organs, which are touch organs that have over 25,000 miniscule sensory receptors. They use this star-shaped snout to acutely detect insects and similar prey in soil. Scientific theories suggest their sensory receptors can detect seismic wave vibrations! They also have hairy tails, making them even more distinct from the Common mole.

American Shrew Mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii)

The American shrew mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii), also referred to as Gibb’s Shrew Mole and Least Shrew Mole, is special in that it is the smallest species of yard mole in world. Now, shrews and moles are two different types of animals, but this mole gets its name because it looks more like a shrew than it does a mole, namely because of its fur. Their habitat range stays consistent, from Middle California to the southern-most cities in British Columbia. They can also survive at higher elevations, which is why they can be found inhabiting the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges.

Are you dealing with nuisance moles? Let’s put a stop to it immediately! Contact us at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, TN critter control for moles and more. We serve commercial clients, too!

What to Do About a Yard Mole Outbreak

Posted on July 26, 2021 by Budgetanimal

When you have a yard mole problem, you just know it. After all, it’s hard to blame all of those mounds of dirt on another burrowing animal since moles are much more common in Tennessee than voles and gophers. If you are experiencing bouncy or unstable patches of ground in your lawn, seeing an increase of dirt mounds (mole hills), or noticed signs of tunneling, you can safely assume it is mole animals.

Continue reading to learn your options for dealing with a yard mole outbreak, and who to trust for dependable and affordable critter control if nothing you do seems to work.

Yard Mole Removal Nashville TN — Yard Mole Removal and Control Nashville TN 615-337-9165

Moles are Destructive and Fast

Yard moles are innately equipped with long, sharp claws that are inverted, allowing them to gracefully dig and tunnel through the ground with ease. In fact, the Chehalis Indian word for a yard mole translates to “hands turn backward.” Because of this unique attribute, it is quite possible for just one mole to wreak havoc on a lawn in as little as 24 hours. In fact, they can dig an average of 18 feet an hour. Moles create extensive tunnel systems below ground in which they achieve scurrying speeds of up to 80 feet per minute! So, good luck catching a mole by hand!

Methods of Yard Mole Control

Moles are insectivores, which means they eat insects and invertebrates. Many people assume they eat lawn grubs, so to get rid of yard moles they apply a poison to their lawns to kill off all the grubs. But the truth is, although moles will eat grubs, they mostly feed on earthworms, which you cannot get rid of. So, you will need to rely on and implement other kinds of mole control methods to ensure yard moles won’t be a bother to your property in the future.

Here is What You Can Do to Get Rid of Yard Moles:

☑ Castor Oil Applications

Moles hate the taste of castor oil. If you generally spray castor oil on the affected areas of your lawn every other week, it can help thwart their interest in your property. This is labor intensively, as it must be done every other week for 12 full months for full efficacy. It can also be quite messy, so be prepared to don old clothing and protective gear during applications.

☑ Natural Plant Repellents

Moles also hate the taste and smell of some natural plants, like alliums, fritillarias, castor beans, marigolds, and even something called a mole plant. If you garden in a perimeter around your property or the affected areas of your lawn, you can deter moles from entering. BEWARE: Mole plant and castor beans are poisonous to kids and pets, so be very cautious when applying them to your mole deterrent plan.

☑ Homemade Yard Mole Repellent

You can make a non-toxic and safe yard mole repellent that is not harmful to pets or children. Simply fill a clean plastic spray bottle with water, garlic oil (or minced garlic), hot peppers, moth balls, dish soap, and as mentioned before, castor oil. This solution will instantly repel yard moles due to its pungency.

☑ Professional Wildlife Control and Removal

Would you prefer a long-term solution to animal-proofing your property against moles and other nuisance critters? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee animal removal for yard moles and more. We serve commercial clients, too!

You Should Also Like:

What To Do if You Find a Dead Animal in the Yard
How to Protect Your House From Nuisance Wildlife in Tennessee
Common Household Ingredients That Will Repel Nuisance Wildlife

Tennessee Wildlife Removal and Control 615-337-9165

How Stop Yard Mole Damage to Your Lawn

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Budgetanimal

If you are experiencing animal mole damage on your property, such as endless molehills, it is time for you to take action before the problem gets worse. Fortunately, there are several safe and humane methods you can use to get rid of moles. Continue reading to learn how you can get rid of yard moles in your lawn, garden, and more.

Yard Mole Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Why Yard Moles are Causing You Problems

In the animal kingdom, moles are fossorial mammals that have a subterranean way of life. This means they are skilled at digging and mostly live and forage underground in a network of entrenched tunnels. As for homeowners, moles can be quite the pest when it comes to lawns and gardens. You see, moles are insectivores, so they primarily consume a wide range of insects. Some of their favorites include invertebrates like earthworms, grubs, ants, and millipedes, all of which can be found underneath your lawn. In as little as one night, a group of moles can tear up an entire lawn looking for something to eat.

Getting Rid of Moles in the Garden

This time of year, our gardens are very important to us since we don’t get warm weather and sunshine all year long here in Indiana. So, when we come to find that our gardens have been plundered overnight by pesky moles, it can be quite frustrating to say the least. One of the safest and most eco-friendly methods for protecting gardens from animal moles is to create a natural barrier using plants that grow complex stem systems.

Plants and flowers such as daffodils, fritillaries, cucumbers, alliums, and marigolds have prickly and sticky stems that nuisance wildlife often avoid. If food is not easily accessible, moles will not really go out of their way to get some. Mole plants and castor beans are additional options for a natural barrier fence, however they are poisonous, and should be used with caution around children and pets.

Getting Rid of Moles in the Lawn

There are several safe and humane options you can use to get rid of moles in your lawn. One of the safest and most eco-friendly methods is to make your own homemade, non-toxic nuisance wildlife repellent spray. All you need is a plastic spray bottle, clean water, and a few household spices or essential oils. Moles hate scents like menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint, cayenne pepper, and of course castor oil. Simply mix the ingredients together and spray around the perimeter of your lawn or in areas where you’ve noticed mole activity. Another of effective option is to have your lawn treated for grub worms and other targeted insects.

When Your Yard Mole Problem Persists…

If moles are a persistent problem on your property, your best course of action is professional intervention. Contact a local and licensed Indianapolis wildlife removal and control company for safe and humane animal mole abatement service. Not only can they extract moles, they can animal proof your property to reduce the likelihood of moles and other nuisance wildlife from returning in the future.

Professional Yard Mole Removal and Control in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable animal removal services for moles in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! Request a free estimate, today.