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Pest identification and steps to take #919728

Asked October 11, 2025, 3:15 PM EDT

How do I identify if I have a mole or vole infestation? Every year my yard gets bumpier. There are no visible tracks or tree damage, but I think they are voles because we set up a camera at night and it looked more like a vole then a mole. Once I identify what type of animal it is, what next steps should I take? I'd like to remove them in a humane way, but they are a nuisance and I'm worried their tunnels are causing damage. Thank you for your time.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

HI Ann,

This could have a few causes. If it was caused by moles you’d see signs of their tunnels, with pushed-up turf. Voles are more of a threat to trees and shrubs than to lawns.

Especially on older lawns, earthworms often causes bumpiness.

See these pages:

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/bumpy-rough-lawns

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/turf/bumps.html

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/vole-damage

The site below has good suggestions on how to fix a bumpy lawn created by earthworms. However, in Minnesota using a heavy roller on a lawn is NOT recommended because on our soils grass will be damaged when soil is compacted. The rest of the suggestions are good.

https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/554.pdf

Hope this helps. Thanks.

MJ Replied October 12, 2025, 9:51 PM EDT

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