Have you ever been enjoying your gardens just to come upon a plant that is dying for no apparent reason? Or have you seen some claw and teeth marks marring the base of your plants? We have and we know how devastating it can be.
If you’re noticing these things you’re probably dealing with a pest problem. Moles and Voles are common here in Middle TN but that doesn’t mean they need to be welcomed into your gardens.
In order to protect your landscape and eradicate these tiny pests it’s important to figure out exactly what you’re dealing with. Let’s get into their similarities and differences so you know what you’re fighting against and then we’ll get into how to stop them from doing more damage to your gardens this year!
Moles
Appearance: Moles are insectivores with cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, and small eyes and ears that are often hidden beneath their fur. They have large, shovel-like front paws equipped with powerful claws for digging.
Subterranean lifestyle: Moles are primarily subterranean creatures, spending the majority of their time tunneling through the soil in search of earthworms and other soil-dwelling insects. Their extensive tunnel systems can span large areas and result in raised ridges and molehills on the surface.
Tunneling behavior: Moles create two types of tunnels: shallow surface runways used for foraging and deeper, permanent tunnels where they nest and raise their young. Surface runways may appear as raised ridges in lawns and gardens, while deeper tunnels are located several inches below the surface.
Plant damage: Unlike voles, moles do not feed on plant roots or foliage. However, their tunneling activity can disrupt plant roots and soil structure, leading to indirect damage such as uprooted plants, exposed roots, and soil erosion.
Voles
Appearance: Voles, also known as meadow mice or field mice, are small rodents with stocky bodies, short tails, and rounded ears. They typically measure around 5-8 inches in length, making them slightly larger than mice.
Above-ground activity: Despite their subterranean tendencies, voles are also active above ground. They leave behind telltale signs such as gnawed stems, stripped bark on trees and shrubs, and runways through grass and vegetation.
Burrowing behavior: Voles create shallow surface runways that are visible in lawns and gardens. These runways are typically about 1-2 inches wide and may lead to burrow openings. Unlike moles, voles do not create raised ridges or molehills in the soil.
Plant damage: Voles primarily feed on plant roots, bulbs, and lower stems. Their feeding activity can result in damage to the base of plants, causing them to wilt, die, or become stunted. Additionally, voles may clip off the above-ground portions of plants near their burrow entrances.
How do I get rid of Moles or Voles?
This is the ultimate question! Once you’ve figured out exactly what you’re dealing with you can tailor your approach to have the best chance of eradicating them. Though some parts of the process are similar the differences make a big difference in fully eradicating your pest problem.
Treating Moles:
Physical Barriers: Since moles primarily tunnel underground in search of insects, physical barriers such as underground fencing or hardware cloth can be effective in preventing their access to specific areas of the garden. These barriers should extend several inches below the surface to deter moles from burrowing underneath.
Trapping: Trapping is one of the most common methods of mole control. Various types of mole traps, such as harpoon traps or scissor traps, can be set along active runways to capture and remove moles from the area. It’s essential to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting traps to ensure they are placed correctly and safely.
Repellents: While repellents are not always reliable for controlling moles, some gardeners choose to use castor oil-based products or commercial mole repellents to deter these pests. These repellents create an unpleasant odor or taste in the soil, which may discourage moles from tunneling in treated areas.
Biological Control: Introducing natural predators of moles, such as certain species of predatory insects or domesticated animals like cats, can help reduce mole populations in the long term. However, this method may not be suitable for all garden environments and requires careful consideration of potential ecological impacts.
Treating Voles:
Physical Barriers: Similar to moles, voles can be deterred by physical barriers such as wire mesh or hardware cloth. These barriers can be installed underground to protect plant roots and bulbs from vole damage. Additionally, protective cages can be placed around vulnerable plants to prevent voles from accessing them.
Rodenticides: Unlike moles, voles are herbivores and can be targeted with rodenticides specifically formulated for small rodents. One-bite poisons containing anticoagulants are commonly used for vole control, as they deliver a lethal dose with a single consumption. However, it’s crucial to use rodenticides responsibly and follow safety precautions to minimize the risk of unintended exposure to non-target species.
Habitat Modification: Modifying the garden environment to make it less attractive to voles can help reduce their presence. This includes removing dense vegetation, debris, and mulch where voles can hide and creating open spaces that are less conducive to their burrowing activities.
Trapping: Live traps or snap traps can be used to capture voles in areas where they are actively feeding or traveling. These traps can be baited with peanut butter, seeds, or other food items to lure voles inside. Once captured, voles can be humanely relocated to a suitable habitat away from the garden.
By tailoring your pest control approach to the specific characteristics and behaviors of moles and voles, you can effectively manage infestations and protect your garden from damage. It’s essential to employ integrated pest management strategies that combine multiple methods for the most successful and sustainable results. Additionally, regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial for preventing future infestations and preserving the health and beauty of your garden ecosystem.
As always make sure to give us a call if you need help identifying or eradicating any kind of pest! We’re here to take care of all your landscape needs so that you can enjoy a healthy outdoor living area all year round! Get in touch to schedule a consultation today.
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