Our sweet boy
Roly brought one of these up onto the front porch one day. Showing it off like a trophy. That's how I finally figured out we had one of these causing the raised paths popping up all over the yard. Too bad he got it and ran off with it. If only, I could have taken a picture of it. I do believe it was a vole, because I don't remember the feet looking like a mole's. My first thought was gosh that's a big rat, so maybe it was a vole. Roly was too quick with his surprise catch. He was so proud!
Roly dug a hole in one of the paths could be where he found the one he showed me
Roly brought one of these up onto the front porch one day. Showing it off like a trophy. That's how I finally figured out we had one of these causing the raised paths popping up all over the yard. Too bad he got it and ran off with it. If only, I could have taken a picture of it. I do believe it was a vole, because I don't remember the feet looking like a mole's. My first thought was gosh that's a big rat, so maybe it was a vole. Roly was too quick with his surprise catch. He was so proud!
Another mole/vole path
Yet, another path
If you look closely you can see the raised sections of the path
All of this is damage to the flower garden and the lawn/grass missing since they came to visit
Look at this! They took out the green grass lawn between the garden shed and the garden in no time at all. Not a pretty site, although it certainly caught my interest, along with the flower garden right next to the building. It lost a few flowers and ornamental grasses as well. Roly was busy digging trying to get at them all spring and summer. They also must have been in some of my rose gardens because he just about tore them up digging for them.
Closer view of the tunnels
Closer view of the tunnels
I'm not sure which we have here. We could have a combination of both. Please feel free to let me know if you know which I have here, not that it matters I'm just really curious. I don't want to harm them but would like for them to want to leave. They can really take out the grass really quickly, and who knows how many of my vegetables in the ground they enjoyed. (Thankful the others are growing in the Vegepods. The raised gardening no doubt saved those).
Poor critters will be lacking next time, you know I've minimized my gardening so small crop planting from now own. Maybe, not so many grub worms will be here as well, but heck if I know.
Do you have any?
Mole
Credit Clemson.edu
Moles are insect-eating mammals that live underground and leave raised ridges and volcano-shaped dirt mounds.
Moles have 4 to 7 inch bodies with velvety dark fur they have no visible ears, and have large paddle-shaped front paws for digging.
Moles eat earthworms, grubs, and soil insects. Credit Clemson.edu
Vole
Credit Clemson.edu
Voles are plant-eating rodents that look like chunky mice, They chew on roots and bark, and
Run along narrow shallow surface runway paths. small golf ball-sized entry holes, and chewed plants.
Voles are 3 to 8 inchs long. They look like field mice wih short tails, and have sharp orange gnawing teeth.
Voles eat grass roots, stems, bulbs, tree bark, and garden crops. Credit Clemson.edu
These little critters are kinda cute, but they sure can do some damage...
I don't want to harm them but will try to find a safe way to make them want to leave the gardens and lawn at least.
Credit Humane Solutions To Prevent Them In The Garden
Fox Run Enviromental Education Center
Fox Run Enviromental Education Center
Friends, I hope you're doing well
Please say a prayer for Roly to return home
He went off gallivanting with a neighbor's dog and hasn't returned
Thank You & Take Care!
Until Next Time
A Few Links To Look At Later
How to Tell the Difference Between Moles and Voles
Grasshopper Gardens
Dragonfly Farm & Nursery