Is Your Lawn Under Attack?
If you’ve noticed soft, spongy soil, raised tunnels, or chewed-up plants, you might be dealing with moles or voles. These underground pests are common in St. Louis, and they can cause major damage to your lawn and garden.
But how do you know which one is the culprit? Identifying whether you have a mole problem or a vole infestation is the first step toward the right pest control solution.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between moles and voles, how to identify the damage, and what you can do to protect your yard.
Moles vs. Voles: What’s the Difference?
What Are Moles? (The Underground Tunnelers)
Moles are small, burrowing mammals that live underground and dig extensive tunnels. They do not eat plants, but their digging can ruin your lawn.
Signs of Moles in Your Yard
✅ Raised tunnels running through your lawn
✅ Molehills (small dirt mounds) at tunnel entrances
✅ Soft, uneven ground when you walk over your yard
What Do Moles Eat?
- Moles feed on grubs, earthworms, and insects—not grass or roots.
- If you have a lot of grubs in your yard, you may be attracting moles.
What Are Voles? (The Lawn-Destroying Rodents)
Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that live above ground and create shallow, visible tunnels in your lawn. Unlike moles, they eat plants, roots, and bark, which can seriously damage your landscaping.
Signs of Voles in Your Yard
✅ Shallow runways in the grass that look like tiny paths
✅ Chewed grass, roots, and plant stems
✅ Gnawed bark at the base of trees or shrubs
What Do Voles Eat?
- Voles eat grass, roots, bulbs, and seeds.
- If you see plants suddenly dying or tree bark getting chewed, voles might be the issue.
How to Tell If You Have Moles or Voles
If you’re seeing…
✅ Raised tunnels and small dirt mounds? → Moles
✅ Shallow surface runways with chewed plants? → Voles
✅ Soft, spongy ground in some areas? → Could be both!
Do Moles and Voles Coexist?
Yes! Some St. Louis homeowners have both moles and voles in their yards. Moles dig tunnels, and voles move into those tunnels, making the problem even worse.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Moles and Voles
How to Get Rid of Moles
✔️ Reduce Their Food Source – Use grub control products to eliminate their food supply.
✔️ Install Mole Traps – Traps can help remove active moles from your yard.
✔️ Professional Mole Removal – For severe infestations, expert pest control is the most effective solution.
How to Get Rid of Voles
✔️ Keep Grass Trimmed – Shorter grass makes your yard less appealing to voles.
✔️ Use Vole Repellents – Natural or chemical repellents can deter voles.
✔️ Protect Plants with Barriers – Wrap young trees or garden beds with wire mesh.
✔️ Seek Professional Pest Control – If vole damage is extensive, professional treatment is the best option.
Why St. Louis Lawns Are a Target for Moles and Voles
St. Louis homeowners frequently deal with moles and voles because of the city’s lush green spaces, gardens, and rich soil—which attract both grubs (a mole’s favorite meal) and plant life (a vole’s ideal food source).
Missouri’s seasonal weather changes also contribute to their activity, as these pests become more active in spring and fall when soil conditions are ideal for burrowing.
When to Call a Professional for Mole and Vole Removal
If you’ve tried DIY methods and moles or voles keep coming back, it’s time to bring in the experts. STL Pest Control specializes in safe, effective pest control solutions designed for St. Louis homeowners.
Why Choose STL Pest Control?
✅ Over 30 years of experience in St. Louis pest control
✅ Humane, effective removal methods for moles and voles
✅ Prevention strategies to keep your lawn pest-free
✅ Local experts who understand Missouri’s unique pest problems
Say Goodbye to Moles and Voles – Call STL Pest Control Today!
Don’t let moles and voles destroy your lawn. Whether you’re dealing with unsightly tunnels, chewed-up plants, or dead patches of grass, we can help!
📞 Call us today at 314-833-6222
📍 Serving St. Louis and surrounding areas with expert pest control services.
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