As a homeowner, noticing strange tunnels or holes in your lawn can leave you scratching your head. Is it a mole? A vole? Or maybe something else entirely? Both voles and moles can cause damage, but understanding the difference is key to preventing further destruction. Here’s a breakdown of what these critters are, how they damage your lawn, and what you can do about it.

Voles: The Lawn’s Hidden Threat

What Are Voles?

Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that live underground, and their damage often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Unlike moles, which are insectivores, voles are herbivores and feed on grasses, roots, and even the bark of young trees.

How Voles Cause Damage

Voles damage lawns by feeding on the roots of your grass and other plants. They create shallow tunnels just below the surface of the soil, and as they feed, they often kill the plants above. This can lead to large brown patches in your lawn, especially in the spring.

They’re also notorious for girdling trees, which can cause irreversible damage, stunting growth or even killing the tree.

When Do Voles Cause Damage?

Voles tend to cause the most damage in the winter and early spring when their food sources are scarce. The snow provides a cover for their underground tunnels, allowing them to feast without being disturbed.

Where Do Voles Cause Damage?

Voles often target lawns that are lush and well-maintained, as they’re easier to tunnel through. However, they also target garden areas, shrubs, and even fruit trees.

Why Voles Cause Damage

Voles are looking for food and shelter, and your lawn provides the perfect combination of both. Unfortunately, this results in them munching away at your grass, roots, and even damaging ornamental plants.

How to Prevent and Get Rid of Voles

To prevent voles from wreaking havoc on your lawn:

• Maintain your lawn: Keep grass short to make it less inviting. Remove any debris like fallen leaves or twigs where voles may hide.

• Use repellents: There are commercial vole repellents available, or you can make your own by using natural ingredients like castor oil or hot pepper.

• Trapping: If you have a vole infestation, traps can help you get rid of them.

• Hire a professional: Our spring cleanup service includes addressing any vole issues, such as removing nests and debris.

While you could encourage natural predators, like owls, to help control voles, we’re not sure if the city of Winnipeg is ready for a "volunteer owl program" just yet. But who knows? Maybe it's something city planners should look into!

Get Your Lawn Back to Its Best

Whether you’re dealing with voles or moles, we’ve got you covered. If you're dealing with lawn damage or want to proactively protect your lawn, consider our spring cleanup service, which will not only address potential rodent issues but also ensure your lawn is in great shape for the season ahead. We can also help with top dressing or overseeding to give your lawn the best start