Mole and vole mounds of earth look confusingly similar at first glance. In order to combat it, it is essential to identify the actual culprit beyond a doubt. Moles are subject to strict protection, whereas voles, as true pests, may be hunted. You can find out how to reliably distinguish between the two animal species here.

The entrance to the molehill is slightly smaller than that of a vole

Optical distinguishing features - an overview

The resemblance of their tunnel systems and mounds is only superficial. If you look closely, you will see striking differences between moles and voles. The following overview presents the most important criteria:

Hill shape and nature of the earth:

  • Mole: Tall, circular, without roots, leaves or grass, two fingers wide
  • Vole: Flat, uneven mounds of earth interspersed with plant debris, three fingers wide

Position:

  • Mole: Pile exactly in the middle of a corridor
  • Vole: Mound of dirt at the edge of a passage opening

If you discover bitten roots or other plant remains on or in a passage, you are dealing with a vole as the culprit. Moles feed exclusively on insects or earthworms. The soil in a molehill is therefore as clean and finely crumbly as if it were freshly sifted.

Verwuhlprobe gives the last security - that's how it works

If the optical distinguishing features are not clear, there is another option for identification. The rooting test leaves no doubt as to whether it is a mole or a vole. How to proceed:

Using a hand shovel or spade, dig up the passage in question in several places. A vole will carefully close up the holes within 6 hours as it is constantly using its burrows. Since a mole usually only uses a passage once, the openings are not blocked with soil or only over the course of the next few days.

tips

Are you still unsure whether you are dealing with a mole or a vole or water vole despite the visual indications and the rooting method. Then there is a control method that is just as effective as it is non-toxic and in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act. Neudorff's vole gas is based on purely vegetable lavadin oil to scare away the voles.

Category:

Animals in the garden