Moles and voles are both common pests that property owners in Texas have to deal with. When it comes to moles and voles, there are some key differences between these two common lawn pests. Moles are small mammals that burrow underground in search of food, causing damage by disrupting the soil as they dig tunnels through your yard. On the other hand, voles are rodents known for their voracious appetite for vegetation; they cause harm by gnawing on plant roots and stems above ground. If you suspect an infestation of either pest, it's best to hire professionals who can accurately identify which one is present and implement effective methods to get rid of them from your property.
Moles: What are they and how do they damage your lawn?
Moles are small insectivorous mammals belonging to the family Talpidae. These creatures have cylindrical bodies covered with velvety fur, short limbs adapted for digging, and long snouts equipped with sensitive noses used to locate prey beneath the surface of the earth. Moles primarily feed on insects such as grubs, beetles, ants, worms, and spiders found within the topsoil layer.
Their presence becomes apparent when you notice raised ridges or mounds of dirt scattered across your lawn. This happens because moles create extensive tunnel systems while searching for food, displacing large amounts of soil along the way. However, excessive tunneling leads to unsightly bumps and uneven surfaces throughout your lawn. This causes the roots of grass to become severed, leading to significant lawn damage.
Voles: what are they and how do they cause harm?
Unlike moles, voles belong to the rodent family Cricetidae. Also referred to as field mice or meadow mice, voles closely resemble house mice but possess shorter tails and stockier builds. Their diet consists mainly of plants, particularly grasses, seeds, bulbs, and bark.
Signs of vole activity include runways or paths worn down into the grass where voles travel frequently. You may also observe chewed-off sections at the base of trees or shrubs, indicating that voles have been feeding on woody material. In severe cases, entire patches of turfgrass might disappear overnight due to heavy grazing pressure exerted by voles.
What should you do if you suspect a mole or vole infestation?
If you suspect mole or vole activity on your property, taking prompt action is essential to prevent further damage. The best approach is to hire professionals who can conduct thorough inspections to determine whether moles or voles are the culprits. Once identified, they will develop a targeted strategy to address the issue effectively. Depending on the severity of the infestation, professionals may use various control methods, including applying baits that will effectively eliminate them. By working with experts familiar with local regulations and best management practices, you can ensure your landscape is protected from these animals.
Call us today to schedule our mole and vole control service!
If you want to protect your lawn from becoming damaged by moles or voles, we are the team to turn to! At Sureguard Lawn & Pest, a mole and vole control service is offered that includes a thorough inspection of your property ot identify which pests are infesting your lawn. Then, baits will be strategically applied to eliminate them so they can't continue to damage your turf. This service is offered to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Mabank, Cedar Creek, Frisco, Midlothian, Carrollton, TX, and throughout the surrounding areas. Give us a call at (972) 406-8600 to sign up for our mole and vole control service today!
