Is That a Vole or a Mouse?
When homeowners spot a small animal scurrying across the kitchen floor or digging in the yard, they may wonder if they have a problem with voles or mice. Both pests belong to the rodent family, so it is easy for people to mistake one for the other.
Certain characteristics help identify each animal for proper control.
Concerned you have a vole or mouse problem? Find a local technician.
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Differences Between Voles and Mice
Appearance
Since voles and mice are both around five to eight inches long and have gray or brown fur, it may take a closer look to tell them apart.
Voles are stockier than mice with shorter tails, larger eyes, and smaller, less prominent ears.
Habitat
Homeowners may find voles or mice in the house, though one of these scenarios is more likely than the other. Mice thrive anywhere with food and shelter, including homes and barns.
Voles live outside in yards and stay near the ground. These pests prefer to eat plants, so those that do wander indoors won't find many reasons to stay.
Vole vs. Mouse Problems
In yards, voles dig burrows and create pathways of dead grass, called runways, in lawns. They also consume a variety of garden plants and eat the bark from trees.
Property owners wondering if they have a vole or mouse in the house are likely dealing with mice. These pests cause issues in homes by eating stored food and contaminating surfaces with their waste. Their feces spread diseases, notably the bacteria that causes food poisoning.
Removing Voles vs. Mice
Getting rid of voles or mice involves modifying their habitat, though each pest requires slightly different changes. Mowing and removing protective foliage in the yard can help prevent voles. Keeping floors and countertops free of crumbs and spills deters mice.
Get them out.
Keep them out.®
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Best Bat Removal
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in
Tulsa!
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.
Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.
Because
bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious
bat droppings.
Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.
She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!
Service:
Bat Removal
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.
He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!
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