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Voles vs Mice – Which One is Destroying My Property? | Pest Badger Blog

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You see a small furry blur scurry past your garden, but it moved so quickly all you caught was a general outline of the critter. Was it a vole or a mouse? Many see voles and mistake them for mice as they look similar. They’re both small rodents, so many even use the terms voles and mice interchangeably. Though related, voles are actually more closely akin to hamsters than mice.
They share general similarities but have slightly different appearances and different behaviors and habitats. The most noticeable difference is that voles are chubby, whereas mice are more slender and have a lighter coat. Whether it’s a vole or mouse, you should contact a pest control professional if you happen across one in your yard or in your home as they are known to cause damage to properties.

The Difference between Voles & Mice

Although easy to confuse, there are many differences between these two rodents.

How Voles Look and Behave

Including the tail, adult voles range from 5 to 8 inches in length. They also tend to:
  • Be round and chubby
  • Have dark brown fur
  • Have small eyes and ears
  • Possess a short, rounded nose
  • Have a short furry tail
In addition to the physical characteristics, voles are highly secretive, preferring the cover of snow or tall grass to moving in the open. They’re also active night and day. Generally, outside of a garage or shed, you won’t see voles indoors.

How Mice Look and Behave

House mice have smaller bodies than voles but longer tails. But from the tip of their noses to the end of their tails, both species measure 5 to 8 inches. However, that’s where the similarities end, as house mice usually:
  • Have slender features
  • Possess large eyes and broad ears
  • Have a long snout
  • Have a long, almost bare tail
  • Are light brown, black, or gray
Mice are nocturnal creatures that sometimes travel outdoors but prefer to nest and reproduce inside. When it comes to food, mice aren’t picky as they’re omnivorous. Like voles, house mice also tend to be secretive but can be noisy when socializing with each other.

How Vole & Mice Damage Differ

Perhaps the damage they cause is the most significant indication of whether you’re facing a vole or mouse problem.
Voles – If you’re noticing above-ground tunnels or passageways on your lawn, it’s likely a vole. Since voles are vegetarian, they can do significant damage to plants and grass. Voles like eating vegetables too and have been known to gnaw bark rings around trees.
Mice – If you’re noticing small rodents in or near your home, it is likely a mouse problem. Mice can cause structural damage to the interior of your property. So, if you see small bite marks on your books, papers, clothing, or wood it’s probably a mouse. Mice are also fond of chewing electrical wiring.
If you encounter small rodents, be sure to keep your distance and contact a pest control specialist as rodents often carry diseases.

Keep voles and mice at bay. Call us today!

The simplest way to deter mice and vole activity near your property is to maintain a clean space. You want to keep your property free of debris, excess woodpiles, tall grass or weeds, or the like. However, should you see one, remember to avoid making contact with it. The safest and most effective way to deal with voles or mice is to seek the services of a vole and mouse control specialist.

If you’re here in Appleton, Green Bay, Bellevue, or nearby in Wisconsin, we’re your go-to pest control company. We assist commercial and residential property owners with pest issues. Put an end to your vole and mice problems, call us today at 920-634-6780.

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By submitting this form, I agree that my phone number and email address may receive communications regarding service notices, billing communications, promotions/deals, and other notifications from our company. These messages may be delivered via email, SMS, calls, or voicemails. You can opt-out of SMS communications at any time by replying “STOP”. You can opt-out of email promotional communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link. Your information is only used internally to provide/offer services and never sold to any 3rd parties. For more information, please review our privacy policy.

By submitting this form, I agree that my phone number and email address may receive communications regarding service notices, billing communications, promotions/deals, and other notifications from our company. These messages may be delivered via email, SMS, calls, or voicemails. You can opt-out of SMS communications at any time by replying “STOP”. You can opt-out of email promotional communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link. Your information is only used internally to provide/offer services and never sold to any 3rd parties. For more information, please review our privacy policy.