When small rodents invade your yard or home, telling voles vs mice apart can be tricky. While they may look similar at first glance, these pests have distinct behaviors, habitats, and risks. At Pest Jam, we help homeowners and gardeners identify, prevent, and manage rodent problems effectively. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from physical differences to prevention strategies—so you can take action with confidence.
What Is a Vole?
A vole (sometimes misspelled as “v o l e” or confused with “whst is a vole”) is a small, stocky rodent often mistaken for a mouse. Unlike the sleek house mouse, voles have rounded faces, shorter tails, and stouter bodies. They belong to the same family as lemmings and muskrats and are commonly found in grassy fields, gardens, and wooded areas.
Common Vole Species
- Townsend’s vole (found in the Pacific Northwest)
- Meadow vole (widespread in North America)
- Prairie vole (common in grasslands)
If you search for “vole images animal” or “vole pics”, you’ll notice their fur is typically brown or gray, and they have small eyes and ears compared to mice.
Key Differences Between Voles vs Mice
1. Physical Appearance
- Voles have:
- A chunkier body
- A short, furry tail (1-2 inches)
- Smaller ears and eyes
- Blunt snouts
- Mice have:
- A slimmer, more agile body
- A long, hairless tail (3-4 inches)
- Larger ears and eyes
- Pointed snouts
If you’re unsure whether you’re seeing a vole vs mouse, check the tail—this is the easiest way to tell them apart.
2. Behavior & Habitat
- Voles are primarily outdoor pests, burrowing in lawns, gardens, and fields. They create surface runways in grass and chew plant roots, making them a major nuisance for gardeners.
- Mice are opportunistic invaders that often enter homes for food and shelter. They nest in walls, attics, and basements, contaminating food and spreading disease.
3. Diet Differences
- Voles are herbivores, feeding on:
- Grass, roots, bulbs, and bark
- Garden vegetables and flowers
- Mice are omnivores, eating:
- Grains, seeds, and fruits
- Insects, meat scraps, and even glue or soap
This is why are voles dangerous differs from mice—voles destroy landscaping, while mice pose health risks indoors.
4. Reproduction & Lifespan
- Voles reproduce rapidly, with females having 5-10 litters per year (3-6 pups each). Their lifespan is short (3-6 months in the wild).
- Mice also breed quickly (6-10 litters yearly) but live longer (1-2 years), making infestations harder to control.
How to Identify Vole vs Mice Damage
Signs of Voles
Surface runways (1-2 inch-wide trails in grass)
Chewed plant stems (clean, angled cuts near the base)
Burrow entrances (small holes in soil, often near plants)
Vole poop (small, greenish-brown pellets near runways)
Signs of Mice
Droppings (small, pointed, found near food sources)
Gnaw marks on food packaging, wires, or furniture
Nests made of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation
Scratching noises in walls or ceilings at night
How to Prevent and Control Voles vs Mice
For Voles
- Remove ground cover – Keep grass short and clear mulch away from plants.
- Use hardware cloth – Protect garden beds with buried wire mesh.
- Natural repellents – Castor oil sprays deter voles from digging.
- Trapping – Live traps baited with apples or peanut butter can help reduce populations.
For Mice
- Seal entry points – Check for gaps around pipes, vents, and foundations.
- Store food properly – Use airtight containers for pantry items.
- Set traps – Snap traps or humane traps work best for small infestations.
- Use peppermint oil – Mice dislike the scent, making it a natural deterrent.
Myths About Voles vs Mice
Voles and mice are the same. → False! They have different diets, habitats, and risks.
Voles carry diseases like mice. → Mostly false. Voles rarely transmit illnesses to humans.
Cats will solve a mouse problem. → Partially true. Cats help but won’t eliminate an infestation.
When to Call Pest Jam
If DIY methods fail or you’re dealing with a large infestation, Pest Jam provides expert rodent control. We use:
- Inspection to identify entry points and nesting areas.
- Exclusion techniques to seal off your home.
- Safe removal for both voles and mice.
Knowing the difference between vole and mouse helps you take the right action—whether protecting your garden from voles or keeping mice out of your kitchen. For persistent problems, Pest Jam offers reliable solutions tailored to your needs.
Found a rodent? Don’t guess—identify it correctly and act fast!