Homeowners frequently misidentify lawn damage caused by either moles or voles, leading to ineffective pest control strategies. Moles, which are insectivores, create underground tunnels, while voles, being herbivores, leave behind surface runways indicative of their feeding on grass and plant roots. According to experts from Clemson University and Oregon State University, recognizing the distinct patterns of damage is critical. For instance, narrow clipped runways suggest vole activity, especially visible after snow melts in late winter or early spring, while raised soil mounds indicate mole presence. Implementing the wrong treatment can exacerbate the issue, as mole control focuses on trapping and disrupting tunnels, which does not address the plant-eating habits of voles. Thus, accurate identification of the pest is essential for effective management and prevention.