Voles are often mistaken for mice, rats, or even moles. How can you tell the difference? This guide will help you distinguish between voles and mice based on their appearance, diet, and signs of infestation.
Vole vs. Mouse: Key Differences in Appearance
The most significant difference between a vole and a mouse lies in their physical characteristics:
- Body Shape: Voles have a stockier, more compact body compared to the slender build of a mouse. Think of a vole as a small, robust field mouse.
- Tail Length: A vole’s tail is noticeably shorter than a mouse’s. Mouse tails are long, thin, and often covered in hair. Vole tails are short and stubby.
- Snout Shape: Voles have a rounded, blunt snout. Mice, on the other hand, possess a more pointed or triangular snout.
- Fur Color: While both can be brown or gray, voles often have a mix of chestnut brown and black in their fur, giving them a slightly darker appearance. Mice tend to have more uniform coloring.
- Ear Size: While both have rounded ears, a mouse’s ears are proportionally larger compared to its head size than a vole’s.
Dietary Habits: Vole vs. Mouse
Their diets also differ significantly:
- Voles: Primarily herbivores, voles prefer a vegetarian diet of grasses, stems, bulbs, tubers, and plants. They may also gnaw on tree bark and roots, especially during colder months.
- Mice: Omnivorous creatures, mice have a more varied diet. They enjoy seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. They can even resort to eating each other in desperate situations. Contrary to popular belief, cheese isn’t their preferred food.
Signs of Infestation: Vole vs. Mouse
Knowing where to look for signs of activity is crucial in determining whether you have voles or mice:
- Voles: Infestations usually occur outdoors. Look for shallow, winding tunnels approximately two inches wide in your lawn. You might also find damaged or gnawed roots of young trees and shrubs.
- Mice: Mice infestations are typically found indoors. Look for droppings that resemble tiny brown or black grains of rice. You may also notice a musky odor, shredded paper or fabric, and gnaw marks on various materials.
Conclusion
While voles and mice may appear similar at first glance, a closer examination reveals distinct differences in their physical attributes, dietary preferences, and habitat. By understanding these key characteristics, you can accurately identify the rodent you’re dealing with and take appropriate action. If you’re unsure or suspect an infestation, consulting a pest control professional is always recommended.
