--- title: Moles vs Gophers vs Voles description: Moles can dig tunnels and cause damage but did you know that voles and gophers are also diggers and can do damage to a lawn?   image: https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202021-02-16%20at%2010.42.29%20AM.png --- [![GreenMeadow](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hubfs/Green_Meadow_LawnCare_January2019%20Theme/Image/download.png)](http://www.greenmeadowlawncare.com/) ## Learning Center # Moles vs Gophers vs Voles Posted by [Dave Schwarm](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/author/dave-schwarm) on Feb 17, 2021 1:21:31 PM ![Dave Schwarm](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hubfs/Dave%20Bio%20Pic.jpg) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) 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?   *![moles vs voles vs gophers ](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202021-02-16%20at%2010.42.29%20AM.png?width=1278&name=Screen%20Shot%202021-02-16%20at%2010.42.29%20AM.png)* 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: --- **![Mole vs vole vs gopher ](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mole.png?width=500&name=Mole.png)** ## **Moles:** - ### Carnivores. They eat grubs, worms and other invertebrates.  - ### A mole is not a rodent - insectivore.  - ### Long nails for digging tunnels.  - ### Will leave large piles from digging. - ### Dirt mound - a round dome shaped hill with fine dirt.  - ### Small eyes/ears. - ### 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.  --- ![Mole vs vole vs gopher ](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pocket-Gopher.png?width=500&name=Pocket-Gopher.png) ## **Pocket Gophers:** - ### Rodents.  - ### Long nails for digging tunnels.  - ### Will leave big piles from digging. - ### Dirt mound = a mound with a hole and semi circle around hole/indent.  - ### 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.  --- ![Mole vs vole vs gopher ](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vole_.png?width=500&name=Vole_.png) ## **Voles:** - ### Not related to Moles. A Vole is a rodent.  - ### Eats plants - ### 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.  - ### Can damage tree/shrub roots.  - ### 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?](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/are-grubs-attracting-moles-in-your-yard) - [How Do I get Rid of Moles in My Yard?](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/how-do-i-get-rid-of-moles-in-my-yard) - [How to treat for Grubs \[Prevent before it's too late\]](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/how-to-treat-for-grubs) - [Tunnels in My Lawn When the Snow Melts \[Voles?\]](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/tunnels-in-my-lawn-when-the-snow-melts-voles) - [What Do Grubs Eat? It's NOT Just Grubs](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/what-do-moles-eat-grubs-earthworms) - [How to Repair Grub Damage](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/how-to-repair-grub-damage) - [How To Repair Mole Damage](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/how-to-fix-mole-damage) --- *[![Learning Center Articles ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5267915/452a537a-2187-41a1-b79f-78fd381f9058.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5267915/452a537a-2187-41a1-b79f-78fd381f9058)* *[![Green Meadow Youtube Channel](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5267915/dc40a82a-7401-4bcd-92ad-da378114f73b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5267915/dc40a82a-7401-4bcd-92ad-da378114f73b)* [![Request a Free On-Site Estimate with Green Meadow Lawn Care](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5267915/3d9c2fe5-427a-49f8-b6cb-c480da7dd18a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5267915/3d9c2fe5-427a-49f8-b6cb-c480da7dd18a) *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. * *Visit our *[*Learning Center*](https://blog.greenmeadowlawncare.com/)* to find out more about how our services can help you or visit our*[ *Youtube Channel*](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZzJAZmz2qVfbPc1fQOf5Ig) *to view more in our Learning Center Series.* *To speak to our Customer Service Manager, please call* *Dave (view*[ *Dave's video bio*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP_5B_B-jbQ) *here) with any questions. 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