Everyone knows that moles can dig tunnels and cause damage but did you know that voles and gophers are also diggers and can do significant damage to a lawn?
Determining which you have depends a lot on which part of the country you live in but we'll point out some of the major differences below:
Moles:
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Carnivores. They eat grubs, worms and other invertebrates.
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A mole is not a rodent - insectivore.
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Long nails for digging tunnels.
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Will leave large piles from digging.
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Dirt mound - a round dome shaped hill with fine dirt.
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Small eyes/ears.
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Create large ridges in lawn from digging tunnels.
Pro tip: Don't over water your lawn - earth worms are one of moles' main food sources and they are more abundant in wet soil.
Pocket Gophers:
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Rodents.
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Long nails for digging tunnels.
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Will leave big piles from digging.
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Dirt mound = a mound with a hole and semi circle around hole/indent.
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Eats plants.
Pro tip: Wire mesh slightly below the ground around plants can help protect them from gophers. Raised garden beds will deter gophers from a garden.
Voles:
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Not related to Moles. A Vole is a rodent.
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Eats plants
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Will not leave mounds of dirt but can still do a lot of damage. You might see holes in the ground that lead to their network of tunnels.
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Can damage tree/shrub roots.
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Do not create raised ridges in lawn from digging tunnels.
Pro tip: Mow your lawn regularly and reduce the amount of plants on the ground - voles are drawn to yards with a lot of vegetation which is their food source.
Related Articles:
- Are Grubs Attracting Moles in Your Yard?
- How Do I get Rid of Moles in My Yard?
- How to treat for Grubs [Prevent before it's too late]
- Tunnels in My Lawn When the Snow Melts [Voles?]
- What Do Grubs Eat? It's NOT Just Grubs
- How to Repair Grub Damage
- How To Repair Mole Damage
Since 2007, Green Meadow Lawn Care has provided homeowners throughout the greater Tolland, Connecticut area with premium fertilization programs, tick control, mosquito management, seeding & aeration and tree & shrub care.
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