Moles and voles are common garden pests in the U.S. Moles are part of the Talpidae family, which includes other small rodent-like animals such as shrew moles and desmans. Voles, on the other hand, are small rodents closely related to mice.
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The Impact of Moles and
Voles on Gardens
2. Moles and voles are common garden pests in the U.S. Moles are part of the Talpidae family,
which includes other small rodent-like animals such as shrew moles and desmans. Voles, on
the other hand, are small rodents closely related to mice.
The animals multiply quickly and can infest gardens, causing property damage which costs
gardeners hundreds of dollars every year.
3. Moles
Moles are small fossorial animals, meaning that they lead a largely subterranean lifestyle. The
small creatures measure between three to five inches in length and have a muscular, cylindrical
body. They are almost entirely blind, relying on their sense of touch and smell to navigate the
earth for food.
Moles have powerful forelimbs that they use to dig through loose soil. Due to their propensity
for digging, the animals are particularly damaging to lawns and ornamental plants. A mole
infestation leaves small mounds of dirt and unsightly holes on the surface of the ground. They
also uproot and kill plants as they dig.
4. Voles
Voles are a major garden pest that is especially damaging to fruit bearing plants. The small
mice-like rodents are herbivorous and eat a wide range of different plants. Voles eat foliage,
seeds, and fruit. They may damage pea seedlings, apple trees, strawberry plants, and crocus.
Voles also strip the bark off of trees by gnawing on the wood. Voles, like moles, like to tunnel
underneath the ground and may also leave holes and small heaps of soil everywhere.
Gardeners can rid themselves of moles and voles through trapping or extermination.
Homeowners may need professional pest control to prevent further damage to properties.
While voles can easily be controlled using chemical means, moles are more difficult to trap
and to poison. Moles are insectivores and primarily eat worms and insects. Some
exterminators choose barrier methods to trap moles digging underground.
Sources:
http://www.yespestpros.com/services/
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Tetlin/wildlife_and_habitat/mice_voles_shrews.html
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/animal/get-rid-of-moles/#page=0