Green Meadow Lawncare Learning Center

Moles vs Gophers vs Voles

Written by Dave Schwarm | Feb 17, 2021 6:21:31 PM

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:

  • 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. 

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. 

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. 

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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 to find out more about how our services can help you or visit our Youtube Channel to view more in our Learning Center Series.

To speak to our Customer Service Manager, please call Dave (view Dave's video bio here) with any questions. Dave has been in the industry for 30 years and is always happy to help with his expert advice.  

860-870-5700
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