Mole and Vole Control

Moles are more of a nuisance than a financial liability. The ridges of their tunnels make lawn mowing difficult. They are capable of tunneling one foot per minute. Mole activities may indirectly damage vegetation, even though their feeding on insects and other soil organisms is beneficial. Voles are similar in appearance, but their diet consist of a wide variety of vegetation. Due to this, they share the same habitat. You should know how their habits differ, so that you can identify and implement the proper (IPM) control methods. Examine characteristics chart.

Eastern Mole: Scalopus Aquaticus
Prairie Vole: Microtus Ochrogaster
Meadow Voles: Microtus Pennsylvanicus

Characteristics:

Use pesticides/grubicides/fumigants only according to label instructions. Toxicant/fumigants can be hazardous to humans, pets, livestock and non-targeted wildlife. Precautions should be taken to prevent secondary poisonings. Some states prohibit the killing of moles. Contact your county extension agent for details within your county. Transonic devices have very limited research to demonstrate their effectiveness.

  Whole Control Repellent  

Mole Out Granules
IPM strategies discourage nuisance animal extermination. The use of multiple methods often increases the efficacy of both. Use the safest methods possible. 

Pack soil with a roller and reduce moisture. Use of an insecticide to control their food source: worms, grubs, etc., is strongly recommended. 

Mole:
* Inspect for raised ridges or surface tunnels and mounds. Moles leave cone-shaped mounds, and are most active early mornings and late afternoon.
- Traps are among the most successful and practical method to rid and eliminate damage. Set traps in straight surface tunnels. These are travel tunnels. Assure you have chosen a travel tunnel, then make a small impression which should close off the tunnel. Observe for repairs late that afternoon or early next day. University studies have shown caster oil deters mole activity. This digestive tract irritant is consumed as worms, insects, & grubs are eaten within treated soils.

Vole: (meadow mice)
* Prairie voles construct surface runways.
* Pine voles have extensive underground runways and nests.
- Spot treatment with baits and repellents are effective in eliminating voles. Most damage is noticed in the spring, although they damage nursery stock throughout the winter. Whole Control and Mole Out Granules, are two repellents labeled for the expulsion of moles, pocket gophers, armadillos, and voles, is a 100% natural deterrent that assists in controlling but does not kill the animals. Vegetation and weed control is critical. Baits and traps are somewhat effective for the short term control. Establish the safest and least offensive control possible.

Tunnels disfigures lawns, golf courses, gardens, & cemeteries. Voles often kill expensive nursery stock. Tunnels expose plant roots to air, causing wilting or death of valued plants or shrubs. Physical damage to bulbs and flowers. Damage to woody plants, usually during the fall.