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Vole Wars

By farmerdill
May 13, 2014

Growing plants entails a constant battle with the elements, insects, viruses, and bacteria. Even when we learn to live with these, other mammals slip in and upset our best efforts. Deer, groundhogs, and raccoons are major problems, but there are other small mammals that are both elusive and very destructive.

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Avatar for Frillylily
May 13, 2014 10:29 AM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
My cat killed a rodent and it was about 5-6 inches long, did not have a tail, gray, had large webbed looking feet and appeared to not have eyes. I know sounds hideous. Whatever they are they are digging all over my yard. Even after she killed this one, there were new tunnels the next day. Is this a mole?
She didn't eat it btw, just played with it and then left it on my deck !
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May 13, 2014 10:42 AM CST
Name: Dillard Haley
Augusta Georgia (Zone 8a)
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Garden Ideas: Master Level
Description fits mole. https://www.google.com/search?...
Avatar for Frillylily
May 13, 2014 10:46 AM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
ok, thank you, yes that is it. U G L Y

So I guess I thought that moles were territorial and that is why I can't figure out why I have several in the same area, is that not the case? They are really tearing the place up. I am so disappointed that with having NINE cats here, they don't catch more of these. (btw the cats are not mine! I just can't get rid of them)
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May 13, 2014 1:20 PM CST
Name: Dillard Haley
Augusta Georgia (Zone 8a)
Celebrating Gardening: 2015 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Garden Ideas: Master Level
You may be a victim of your own success. The moles favorite food is the earthworm, so a lush beautiful lawn attracts them.
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May 13, 2014 1:27 PM CST
Name: Christine
North East Texas (Zone 7b)
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My cat has decided to retire this year but the dogs seem to be sniffing up these little creatures. I think they can smell them in the ground and will dig holes trying to get at them. Luckily, this is usually out in the woods away from my gardens. I didn't realize the dogs were digging for critters until recently when one of the dogs dug up "something" and when I took it from him, it was this tiny hairless pink thing with a pointed snout and half tail that stuck straight out, probably a new born. I'm pretty sure it was a vole.
May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day --Native American Proverb

Avatar for Frillylily
May 13, 2014 4:23 PM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
oh, nasty. Well yes I have LOTS of worms around here, but I thought moles only ate those whitish colored grubs? If they eat earthworms, I am increasing my artillery LOL
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May 14, 2014 11:55 AM CST
Name: Wes
Ohio (Zone 6a)
I've got more than my share as do my two closest neighbors but so far they seem to be content wreaking havoc in the yard. If the time comes they choose to assault things I actually care about my current attitude towards them will change!

It's my understanding there are no really good solutions for control as far as commercial novelties go. Good reading here: http://www.themoleman.com/cont...

As for the feline's general dislike for mole meat? Every "gift" I've ever removed from the porch always had a distasteful odor (even freshly delivered). I don't know if there's any science to back my theory but if they taste like they smell? Would you eat one? Sticking tongue out
Avatar for Frillylily
May 14, 2014 12:44 PM CST
Thread OP
Missouri (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Plant Identifier
Wes, thank you for that link, very informative and now I have to go buy a trap!
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