Pictures of Moles, Voles, and Shrews Oh My! The easiest way to distinguish between a mole vs shrew is looking at the length of the rodent. Mouse Problems. Identifying Voles and Vole Damage. While they share similar habitats and somewhat similar appearances, voles and moles are entirely different animals. Voles are rodents and are about the same size as moles (4 to 6 inches in body length) with relatively large black eyes, small ears, a blunt face, and prominent orange front teeth for gnawing. Voles have compact, stocky bodies and are usually 5 to 7 inches long from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. For voles, the Holper’s process begins with a thorough inspection and is followed with a personalized treatment program combining the elements of professional services that your situation requires. Moles are the largest, ranging in size from 5 – 7 inches with velvety fur and paddle-like forelimbs for digging. 1-800-837-5520 The mole on the left with the funky nose is a Star-nosed mole. Whenever someone like Jeff in Manassas writes in asking for help with “moles,” I always ask: Do you indeed have moles? We know how to tell the difference between moles, voles and shrews and we can eliminate them from your premises, so reach out to us today. Voles are also known as field mice, resemble most other rodents like shrews, hamsters, and gerbils. However, this is where the similarities end. Entering your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your area. People are also more likely to actually see a shrew than a mole, as shrews spend more time out of their tunnels. Their names even sound the same. or contact us. What is the difference between a mole, a vole and a shrew? Mole vs. Vole By admin November 19, 2019 December 12th, 2019 No Comments To prevent mole and vole infestation it’s important to know the difference between them: If you've seen a mole, vole or shrew at your home or business, get in touch with us here. Moles are five to seven inches in length while shrews are no more than three inches in length. Step 4 - Shop Here Mole signs. caused by a vole using the mole’s tunnels. We are well-versed in rodent control and will use an effective strategy to eliminate the voles or mice from your premises. Also, voles mainly eat grass and plants but mice can eat grains, seeds and even dead animals. A shrew will fit neatly into a tablespoon. Like moles, voles also tunnel and create runways through your lawn. Shrews do not create surface tunnels but may feed in runways or tunnels of other small mammals. For a clear visual reference, a shrew is around the size of a silver dollar. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Vole. Step 3 - Locate "Hot Spots" of Vole Activity. If you’re experiencing a problem in your yard or lawn with moles, voles or shrews, be sure to contact an Ehrlich pest control expert for assistance. View our privacy policy. Shrews have many habitats, depending on the species. Step 2 - Learn About the System. Shrew vs. vole vs. mole The differences between shrews, moles, voles, and mice are minimal, so they’re often confused. Mice like locations with cover due to predator activity. The most noticeable characteristic are the paddle-like forefeet which are bent sideways for digging. What is the difference between voles vs mice? All three are small mammals that can be found in your yard. Effects of shale gas development on forests and birds, Wildlife habitat management on private lands. Here’s one way to tell: voles have short tails, but mice have longer tails (about their body length). It has an elongated head and snout, small eyes, and no external ears. Moles vs. voles. This adaptation allows moles to travel both forward and backward through the soil. They have favorite things that they can’t r… A vole (or meadow mouse), has a body and ears and is black and brown, or reddish with a gray underside. Voles prefer to live in creeping vegetation or in low-lying, and make trails through the snow or grass. Voles make several exit holes in flower beds and lawns. Our animal professionals have provided some key differences between these two animals. Shrews: Shrews have a pointed snout, with smaller front feet. A good way to identify a shrew is by its small size. Moles are solitary animals, so ridding the landscape of one or two moles will make a big difference. Moles, voles and shrews can easily be distinguished from one another by looking at some of the key physical characteristics of each. A good way to identify a shrew is by its small size. A vole's body and is reddish or brown and black in color with a gray underside. A vole may be attracted to peanut butter as bait; a mole most likely will not. Voles are primarily herbivores and will feed on the roots, bulbs, bark and seeds of many ornamental plants and grasses. Also, a shrew’s eyes are tiny, but they are visible in most species. Shrews are small and mouse-sized, while moles are larger, with bodies about 6½ to 7 inches long (not including the tail). The tunnels are dug at a rate of 18 feet per hour and can add 150 feet of new tunnels in law… Voles prefer to live in low-lying or creeping vegetation, and make trails through the grass or snow. 1. And finally, a shrew has a pointed snout, but unlike the mole, a shrew’s front feet are not enlarged. To an untrained eye, the difference between a vole vs. mole can be subtle and it can also be difficult to distinguish a vole vs. a shrew, which is why any pest in the yard needs a professional assessment. Holes in lawns about one inch wide may belong to shrews. Similar Animals Two other mammals that beginners sometimes confuse with moles and voles are pocket gophers and shrews. So, before we go any further, let’s clear it up. For pictures do a Google search for “pictures of garden voles”. Shrews will reuse the tunnels made by moles and voles, and will also occasionally invade buildings. Take a closer look at the hole and know what to look for to identify the unwanted visitor. Mole droppings are larger than vole ones but are harder to spot because they remain mostly underground. Our two common species are … Mole fur is short, soft, velvety, and when brushed offers no resistance in either direction. Male moles may cover up to 20 times the area of male gophers. Why is it important to distinguish which one you are dealing with? Oftentimes our customers call us to report seeing a small, mouse-like creature scurrying around their landscape. In yards, voles dig burrows and create pathways of dead grass, called runways, in lawns. Voles typically tunnel on the surface and eat their way through the grass to get to their burrows. Mole mounds are sometimes mistaken for gopher mounds (Comparison of Gopher and Mole Mounds). A vole is a small, bulky, beady-eyed, mouse-like creature with a long, furry tail and distinct molars. Shrews are the smallest of the three averaging slightly less than 4 inches in length with short, grayish fur. Shrews are much smaller than moles (3 to 4 inches in body length) and are mouse-like in appearance with a long, pointed snout, a short dense coat of fur, and small eyes. Voles also look heavier than mice. Also, a shrew’s eyes are tiny, but they are visible in most species. Shrews hunt for insects above ground and in tunnels made by moles or voles. These basic characteristics can help you determine voles vs moles and voles and moles vs shrews. As for negative effects, mouse droppings may contaminate food and they can also carry disease. The short black-to-brownish-gray fur has no grain, which allows the mole to move easily forward and backwards in the tunnels. Moles may be controlled with harpoon traps or mole repellents. Is it a vole or is it a mole? Sometimes grey, sometimes light brown or dark brown. The culprits are little creatures commonly referred to as moles, but in reality, they may actually be a mole, vole or a shrew. The hind feet are small and narrow with slender, sharp claws. Step 2 Knowing which rodent you’re dealing with will be important so you can get the right kind of strategy to kill them. Image by G. San Julian. If you have vole signs Follow the 4 Steps to Vole Control: Step 1 - Learn Even More About Voles. Moles primarily feed on earthworms, grubs, beetles and other animals or arthropods found in soil. They can also make small runways underneath the surface that are about two inches in diameter. Identify the shrew, mole or vole by its size. It can be difficult to distinguish the damage between moles, voles, and shrews. Shrew vs. Mole Damage. Step 1 Estimate the size of the hole. Moles have eyes and ears so tiny that they are not visible. Image by Michael David Hill, Wikimedia. A vole problem may present itself as runs in your grass, whereas mice are likely to stay in spots with more cover, like vegetation and next to a structure. What They Eat– They are omnivores, and will eat anything. Typically, customers notice burrows in their mulch, or runways that part the grass or in the snow. Managing moles, voles and shrews can be challenging, so using an integrated pest management approach with tools such as trapping, baiting and habitat modification will give the best chance for success. Shrews have smaller feet than moles, and most species have tiny but visible eyes and ears. Aside the various physical characteristics, voles, moles, and shrews each live in different habitats and have unique food preferences. Vole Mole Shrew Moles, voles and shrew behavior For more information on grub control, please see HGIC 2156, White Grub Management in Turfgrass. Moles, voles and shrew … A vole, also called a meadow mouse, has rounded ears and body and is reddish or brown and black in color with a gray underside. Like a mole, the shrew's feet tend to be a bit paddle like in shape but compared to their body size, are closer in proportion to that of a mouse. A vole, also called a meadow mouse, has rounded ears and body and is reddish or brown and black in color with a gray underside. While voles are known to burrow underground, they prefer to reside in low-lying vegetation. Unlike the predacious moles, voles are primarily herbivores and … Call us for a free quote at The rodent is alternately known as the field mouse or meadow mouse. These basic characteristics can help you determine voles vs. moles and voles and moles vs. shrews. Vole vs. In addition to different physical characteristics, moles, voles and shrews each live in different habitats and have distinct food preferences. Get in touch with us today. Their small eyes and the openings of the ears are concealed in the fur, and there are no external ears. Moles live underground and are specialized for life underground. Well, like most of the pests that we deal with, proper identification is critical because each have different characteristics that will help dictate the best management strategy. or fill out your details and we will call you back, https://www.facebook.com/EhrlichPestControl, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehrlich-pest-control, Differences between moles, voles and shrews, Moles have enlarged front feet used for digging. But they tend to like plants much better. See All Pest, Disease and Weed Identification, See All Beer, Hard Cider, and Distilled Spirits, See All Community Planning and Engagement. Let's start with the basics. Voles are rodents and are about the same size as moles (4 to 6 inches in body length) with relatively large black eyes, small ears, a blunt face, and prominent orange front teeth for gnawing. When it comes to the question of vole vs mole, the similarities stop with their names. Offspring may number from four to seven each year. If large ridges appear in the lawn, the culprit is likely a mole. Additionally, voles tend to be active in open land whereas mice are thigmophilic, which means they like making contact with surfaces. You may see a rodent around your property, but it can be hard to know exactly what kind of animal it is. DuPage is home to the deer mouse, meadow jumping mouse, western harvest mouse, white-footed mouse, meadow vole, prairie vole, least shrew, masked shrew, northern short-tailed shrew and eastern mole.Next to bats and chipmunks, these mammals are some of the smallest in the county with sizes ranging from the masked shrew, which weighs less than a dime, to the eastern mole, which weighs … A mole is 4 to 7 inches in length with paddle-shaped feet and prominent digging claws. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. It digs characteristic volcano-shaped hills in the lawn. Erhlich specialists are experts in vole control. Moles, voles, or shrews March 9th, 2016 by Tuff Turf Molebusters . Identification– They’re mouse like. Shrew: Examples of shrews, which will often reuse tunnels of voles and moles. Good question. Moles will not eat grain-based bait. Most people – myself included — feel that voles are by far the worse of these creatures and responsible for most of the damage that new gardeners might attribute to moles or mice. 1. And meadow voles can produce up to 17 litters each year! In the war of moles vs. voles, you will always be the … When you hear the term mole, vole, or shrew then what you're really starting with is a group of animals. Moles have a larger range in comparison to other burrowing animals because it must cover a greater territory to meet its food requirements. Their faces are not quite as pointed. Voles vs Moles. Moles and shrews belong to the order Insectivora and as the name suggests feed primarily on insects and invertebrates. The whole mole/vole thing always causes confusion. A shrew has a pointed snout and, contrary to a mole, its front feet are not enlarged. If you have no experience with identifying these kinds of creatures, you might think that a vole and a mole are one and the same. Both chipmunk and mole holes are approximately 2 inches in diameter. Voles, typically around half a foot long, lack the unmistakable pointed snout and enlarged feet of a mole and instead look comparable to a common mouse or shrew. By entering your email, you consent to receive communications from Penn State Extension. The difference between mole vs vole tunnels is that mole tunnels are much wider and bigger, while vole tunnels get much more numerous, especially once the vole population grows out of proportion. A shrew’s eyes are tiny, but visible in most species. Image by G. San Julian. Voles are primarily herbivores and will feed on the roots, bulbs, bark and seeds of many ornamental plants and grasses. Shrews feed on insects, earthworms, slugs, small animals, seeds and roots. Voles are small but in their adult stage can be between four and nine inches. So, you see a small animal digging around in your yard. Their feet have large claws for digging. This little mammal hunts for insects above ground and in tunnels made by moles or voles. This large food requirement results in fewer moles per acre than gophers or voles. There are many types of moles, many types of voles, and many types of shrews. Property owners wondering if they have a vole or mouse in the house are likely dealing with mice. Get notified when we have news, courses, or events of interest to you. If voles or mice have taken up residence at your property, it’s best to contact a pest control professional, like Ehrlich. This could be due to the striking similarities in their looks or due to the fact that voles almost always adopt burrows left behind by moles which enforces the view that they are the same.However, when you take a deeper look, you wil… Moles and chipmunks frequently make holes to reside in. A mole has a pointed snout, enlarged front feet, and eyes and ears so tiny that they are not visible. To help keep voles from becoming a problem, mow your lawn and minimize vegetation that’s against the structure. Plus, you can see the eyes in most species. Why do we need this? They also consume a variety of garden plants and eat the bark from trees. If your home or property has been experiencing issues with moles, voles or shrews, contact the experts at Ehrlich online or call us at 800-837-5520 to discuss possible solutions for the problem. If you look carefully at short-tailed shrews, moles, and voles, they don’t resemble mice, which have large, prominent eyes, big ears, and tails about as long as their bodies. Learn more about them. Shrew. As a general rule moles do not like to … Shrews and voles are often confused. In Ohio we have three types, two of which are pictured. And finally, a shrew has a pointed snout, but unlike the mole, a shrew’s front feet are not enlarged. A shrew will fit neatly into a tablespoon. Meadow voles, which are found on the East Coast, tend to stay outdoors in winter but house mice seek out warmer places, such as your home or business. Shrews are smaller than moles, about the size of a small mouse, and their feet are not quite as large as a mole's either. LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community, Moles have large paddle-like forefeet used for digging. They have beady eyes, brown or gray fur, short legs, and a short furry tail. A mole is an insect eating, underground dwelling, dirt digging machine. Pick up vegetables or fruit that has fallen in your garden. They have large front hands and claws for digging. As the snow melts in Michigan we see the damage created by pests under the snow. There are also baits available that mimic the look and smell of grubs or earthworms. © 2021 Rentokil Initial plc and subject to the conditions in the legal statement. 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