Ask Dr. Bug - Moles

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What can I do about moles or voles that eat away at my plants and lawn in the winter?

Let's take each of these problem pests separately.

Voles are small mouse like creatures that are primarily vegetarians. They develop pathways through lawns, eating the grass and eventually getting to their primary food source - plant roots. I am unaware of any products registered for voles. In most states, however, you may use any product registered for other animals (rodents) if the appropriate application site is listed on the label. You need to make sure your state accepts this use. Rodent blocks or rodent meal baits have been used by Pest Management Professionals during the winter months when vegetation is scarce. If the burrows have been located, the rodent blocks can be stuffed into the burrows. You can also apply an animal repellant to the base of your plants to prevent vole feeding.

Moles are different from voles in many ways. Moles will burrow in the soil of your yard, beneath the surface, which make them more difficult to control. They are considered omnivores and will eat both insects and plants roots. There are very few mole labeled products. Pest Management Professionals who offer mole control services will use a broadcast granular to the mole infested area to try and eliminate the insect food source or they will place mole traps along the trails to spear the moles as they cross. Both methods are time consuming with average initial success.

Identification of the actual pest problem is necessary in order to choose the correct treatment method. If you are unsure, consult a Professional Pest Management Company who specializes in this type of problem.