Top Attractions- What Compels Moles and Voles to Invade Your Garden

What attracts moles and voles to your garden or property can be a source of frustration for many homeowners. These burrowing creatures, while often misunderstood, can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping. Understanding what draws moles and voles to your area is the first step in effectively managing their presence and minimizing the damage they can cause.

Moles and voles are primarily attracted to areas that offer them the resources they need to survive and thrive. Here are some of the key factors that may attract these pests to your property:

1. Food Sources: Moles and voles are voracious feeders, particularly on grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling insects. A lush, healthy lawn with a high grub population can be an irresistible attraction for these creatures. Additionally, they may be drawn to gardens with abundant vegetation or to areas where birdseed or pet food is left out.

2. Cover and Shelter: Moles and voles require a burrow system to protect themselves from predators and harsh weather conditions. They are attracted to areas with dense vegetation, such as thickets, shrubs, and tall grasses, which provide them with the cover they need to build their burrows.

3. Moisture: These creatures prefer moist soil, as it is easier to dig through and provides a better habitat for their food sources. Areas with poor drainage or close to water sources are more likely to attract moles and voles.

4. Human Activity: Sometimes, human activity can inadvertently attract moles and voles. This includes overwatering lawns, leaving pet food or birdseed out, or even using mole traps incorrectly, which can lead to the death of these animals and potentially attract more of their kind.

To manage moles and voles effectively, it’s important to address these attractants:

– Maintain a Healthy Lawn: Regularly aerate and fertilize your lawn to promote a healthy population of earthworms and grubs, which can help deter moles and voles.
– Control Vegetation: Keep your garden and landscaping well-maintained, removing thickets and tall grasses that provide cover for these pests.
– Improve Drainage: Ensure that your property has proper drainage to prevent moist soil conditions that attract moles and voles.
– Be Mindful of Pet Food and Birdseed: Clean up any spilled pet food or birdseed promptly to avoid attracting these pests.
– Use Mole Traps: If you choose to use mole traps, be sure to place them correctly and check them regularly to prevent the death of other animals.

By understanding what attracts moles and voles, you can take proactive steps to manage their presence and protect your property from the damage they can cause.