Moles and voles are two small mammals that are often confused with each other. They both live underground and can cause damage to gardens and lawns. However, there are several key differences between the two that are important to understand in order to properly identify and manage them.
In this article, we will explore the differences between moles and voles, including their physical characteristics, behavior, and impact on gardens. We will also address common misconceptions about moles and voles and provide tips for identifying them in your yard. Whether you are a gardener, homeowner, or simply interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures, this article will provide valuable insights and information.
Key Takeaways
- Moles and voles are two distinct species of small mammals that live underground and can cause damage to gardens and lawns.
- Moles have pointed snouts, large claw-like hands, and primarily eat insects, while voles have a mousy appearance, eat a vegetarian diet, and often attack garden plants.
- Proper identification of moles and voles is important for effective management and prevention of damage to your yard.
Mole vs. Vole
Understanding Moles
Physical Characteristics of Moles
Moles are small, burrowing mammals that are found in many parts of the world. They have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other animals. Some of the key physical characteristics of moles include:
- Elongated snout
- Small eyes and ears
- Large, paddle-like front feet with sharp claws
- Thick, velvety fur that is usually dark brown or black
Moles are adapted for a life spent underground. Their eyes and ears are small and not very useful, as they spend most of their time in the dark. Their front feet are large and strong, allowing them to dig through soil and create tunnels.
Habitat and Behavior of Moles
Moles are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. They prefer moist soil that is easy to dig through, and they are often found near bodies of water such as streams or ponds. Moles are solitary animals that are active year-round, though they are most active during the spring and fall.
Moles are primarily insectivores, and they feed on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. They use their keen sense of smell to locate their prey, and they are able to detect vibrations in the soil caused by moving insects.
Moles are known for their extensive tunneling systems, which can cover large areas of land. They create two types of tunnels: shallow surface tunnels that are used for foraging, and deeper tunnels that are used for nesting and protection from predators.
Overall, moles are fascinating animals that are well adapted to life underground. Their physical characteristics and behavior make them unique and interesting creatures to study.
Understanding Voles
Physical Characteristics of Voles
Voles are small rodents that are often mistaken for mice due to their similar size and appearance. However, there are some key physical differences between the two. Voles have a rounder body shape with shorter tails and smaller ears than mice. Their fur can range from reddish-brown to gray-brown, and they typically have a lighter-colored belly.
One of the most distinctive physical characteristics of voles is their teeth. They have large incisors that are constantly growing, which they use to gnaw on vegetation and other materials. Unlike moles, voles have eyes and ears that are visible on the surface of their head.
Habitat and Behavior of Voles
Voles are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation, as this provides cover and food sources. Voles are herbivores and primarily feed on the roots, bulbs, bark, and seeds of plants. They will also eat insects and other small animals if necessary.
Voles are active year-round and are known for their prolific breeding habits. They can have several litters of young each year, with each litter containing up to 10 pups. Voles are social animals and live in colonies, with each individual having its own burrow system.
One of the most notable behaviors of voles is their tendency to create runways or tunnels through vegetation. These runways are often visible on the surface of the ground and can be used to identify vole activity. Voles also create nests in their burrows, which are made of grass and other plant materials.
| Physical Characteristics of Voles | Habitat and Behavior of Voles |
|---|---|
| Small round body shape | Found in various habitats |
| Short tails and small ears | Prefer areas with dense vegetation |
| Large incisors for gnawing | Herbivores, primarily feed on plants |
| Visible eyes and ears | Active year-round, prolific breeders |
| Create runways and nests in burrows | Social animals, live in colonies |
Mole vs. Vole: Key Differences
Physical Differences
Moles and voles are both small, burrowing mammals that can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden, but they have some distinct physical differences. Moles are typically larger than voles, measuring between 6 to 8 inches in length, while voles are usually only 4 to 6 inches long. Moles have paddle-shaped front feet with large, sharp claws that are perfect for digging tunnels, while voles have smaller, more delicate feet.
Moles have long, pointed snouts that they use to help them navigate underground, while voles have shorter, more rounded snouts. Moles also have small eyes and ears, as they rely more on their sense of touch and smell to find their way around. Voles, on the other hand, have larger eyes and ears, which they use to help them navigate above ground.
| Mole | Vole |
|---|---|
| Elongated snout | Rounded snout |
| Large, paddle-like front feet with sharp claws | Smaller front feet |
| Thick, velvety fur that is usually dark brown or black | Fur that varies in color |
| Insectivores | Herbivores |
| Create extensive tunneling systems | Create maze-like runways |
| Solitary animals | Social animals |
| Spend most of their time underground | Spend most of their time above ground |
Behavioral Differences
One of the key differences between moles and voles is their diet. Moles are insectivores, meaning they eat insects, grubs, and earthworms, while voles are herbivores that feed on the roots and stems of plants. This means that moles are more likely to cause damage to your lawn, while voles can do serious harm to your garden.
Another difference between moles and voles is their burrowing behavior. Moles dig deep tunnels underground, while voles create shallow burrows just below the surface of the soil. Moles create volcano-shaped mounds of dirt above their tunnels, while voles create maze-like runways across the surface of your lawn.
Finally, moles are solitary creatures that prefer to live alone, while voles are social animals that live in large colonies. This means that if you have a vole problem, you are likely to see many of them at once, while moles tend to be more elusive.
| Mole | Vole |
|---|---|
| Insectivore | Herbivore |
| Paddle-shaped front feet | Delicate front feet |
| Long, pointed snout | Short, rounded snout |
| Small eyes and ears | Large eyes and ears |
| Deep tunnels underground | Shallow burrows below surface |
| Volcano-shaped mounds of dirt | Maze-like runways |
| Solitary | Social |
Mole vs. Vole: Impact On Garden
Moles and voles can both cause significant damage to your garden, but in different ways. Understanding their habits and behaviors can help you identify which pest is causing the damage and take appropriate action to control it.
Moles
Moles are insectivores and feed primarily on insects, grubs, and earthworms. While they may help control pests in your garden, their tunneling behavior can cause damage to your lawn and garden beds. Mole tunnels can displace soil, damage plant roots, and create unsightly mounds of dirt on the surface.
Moles are active year-round and can tunnel up to 18 feet per hour. They create distinctive raised ridges in your lawn or garden beds as they tunnel just below the surface. If left unchecked, mole damage can quickly spread throughout your garden.
Voles
Voles, on the other hand, are herbivores and feed on the roots and stems of plants. They can cause significant damage to your garden by gnawing on the bark of trees and shrubs, eating bulbs and tubers, and girdling the stems of young plants.
Voles are active year-round and can breed rapidly, with females producing up to 10 litters per year. They create shallow surface tunnels in your lawn or garden beds, which can be identified by the presence of small holes or runways.
Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you distinguish between mole and vole damage in your garden:
| Mole Damage | Vole Damage |
|---|---|
| Raised ridges in lawn or garden beds | Shallow surface tunnels |
| Displaced soil and unsightly mounds | Gnawed bark and damaged roots |
| Damage to plant roots | Girdling of stems |
| Active year-round | Active year-round |
| Insectivores | Herbivores |
By identifying the type of damage in your garden, you can take appropriate action to control the pest and minimize further damage. Mole and vole control methods include trapping, exclusion, and repellents, depending on the severity of the infestation.
Mole vs. Vole: Common Misconceptions
When it comes to moles and voles, there are many misconceptions floating around. In this section, we will address some of the most common ones and set the record straight.
Moles and voles are the same thing.
Despite the fact that the names are similar, moles and voles are two very different animals. Moles are insectivores, while voles are herbivores. Moles burrow underground and feed on insects, grubs, and earthworms, while voles burrow just below the surface and feed on the roots and stems of plants.
Moles and voles are blind.
While moles have small eyes that are often obscured by fur, they are not blind. Voles, on the other hand, have much larger eyes and are not blind either.
Moles and voles are rodents.
Despite their similar appearance, moles and voles are not rodents. Moles are part of the family Talpidae, while voles are part of the family Cricetidae.
Moles and voles are harmful to your lawn.
While both moles and voles can cause damage to your lawn, they do so in different ways. Moles create tunnels underground as they search for food, which can cause the ground to become uneven and damaged. Voles, on the other hand, burrow just below the surface and can damage the roots and stems of plants.
Moles and voles can be eliminated with poison.
While it may be tempting to use poison to eliminate moles or voles, it is not recommended. Poison can be harmful to other animals and can also be ineffective, as moles and voles may avoid it. Instead, it is recommended to use traps or other humane methods to remove these pests from your lawn.
In summary, moles and voles are two very different animals that are often misunderstood. By understanding the differences between these pests, you can take the appropriate steps to control them and protect your lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do moles eat?
Moles are insectivores. They primarily eat earthworms, grubs, and other small insects. They are known to consume up to 100% of their body weight in food per day.
Do moles have eyes?
Yes, moles have eyes but they are very small and almost invisible. Their eyes are hidden behind fur and are not functional. Moles rely on their sense of smell and touch to navigate and hunt for food.
What do voles look like?
Voles have rounded ears and face, with a short tail. They have reddish-brown and black bodies with a gray underside. They look like small mice, but with shorter tails.
How can you tell the difference between moles and voles?
Moles have paddle-like front paws and sharp claws that they use to dig tunnels underground. Voles, on the other hand, have smaller front paws and do not dig tunnels. They create shallow runways on the surface of the ground.
What is the difference between a mole hole and a vole hole?
Mole holes are typically larger and deeper than vole holes. Mole holes are also surrounded by a raised ridge of soil, while vole holes are not. Vole holes are shallow and often have multiple openings.
How are voles different from moles and gophers?
Voles are rodents and are related to hamsters and lemmings. They have a vegetarian diet and primarily feed on the roots, bulbs, bark, and seeds of many ornamental plants and grasses. Moles and gophers, on the other hand, are insectivores and primarily feed on insects and grubs.
| Characteristic | Moles | Voles | Gophers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diet | Insectivores | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Front Paws | Paddle-like, Sharp claws | Smaller | Smaller |
| Tunnels | Deep, surrounded by raised ridges | Shallow, no ridges | Deep, no ridges |
| Appearance | Small eyes, pointed snout | Rounder ears and face, short tail | Small eyes, short legs |
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