Mole damage? Runways in lawn - Ask Extension
We discovered that our lawn has "runways" or surface tunnels - based on my internet searching it appears to be damage caused by moles or vol...
Knowledgebase
Mole damage? Runways in lawn #783285
Asked March 05, 2022, 12:46 PM EST
We discovered that our lawn has "runways" or surface tunnels - based on my internet searching it appears to be damage caused by moles or voles. Can you advise us on 1) how to get rid of the animals causing this damage? and 2) how to repair the lawn? I have attached a picture of our lawn. Thanks for any help you can offer.
Thanks.
Larry Kutt<personal data hidden>
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Larry,
Yes, this is the work of voles.
You can read more about them here:
https://csuhort.blogspot.com/2019/05/theyre-baaaaaaack-voles.html
They are relatively easy to trap - with unbaited mouse traps.
As for repairing the lawn? A little vigorous raking in the spring, along with fertilizing the lawn to get it growing, and the turf should recover by early summer.
Another product that can repel them is the fertilizer called Milorganite. This is sold at Ace hardware, Bomgaars ranch and farm stores, Tractor Supply, and Walmart (during the active gardening season). The Milorganite can be used in lawns, shrub beds (often where the voles are actually living), and vegetable and flower beds. Depending on severity of the vole infestation, 3-4 applications per year may be needed to repel the voles.
Another product to consider (though I haven't used it personally - but I'm told it works well) is Vole X. It is people and pet safe, but appears to to a pretty good job of controlling voles.
Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Thanks,
Tony
Yes, this is the work of voles.
You can read more about them here:
https://csuhort.blogspot.com/2019/05/theyre-baaaaaaack-voles.html
They are relatively easy to trap - with unbaited mouse traps.
As for repairing the lawn? A little vigorous raking in the spring, along with fertilizing the lawn to get it growing, and the turf should recover by early summer.
Another product that can repel them is the fertilizer called Milorganite. This is sold at Ace hardware, Bomgaars ranch and farm stores, Tractor Supply, and Walmart (during the active gardening season). The Milorganite can be used in lawns, shrub beds (often where the voles are actually living), and vegetable and flower beds. Depending on severity of the vole infestation, 3-4 applications per year may be needed to repel the voles.
Another product to consider (though I haven't used it personally - but I'm told it works well) is Vole X. It is people and pet safe, but appears to to a pretty good job of controlling voles.
Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Thanks,
Tony
