Cover the hole above the trap with some type of material, such as a flower pot. Repeat the apple sign test a month after control measures have been taken. Make the test at least twice each year, once in the fall and once in the early spring. After successful treatment, meadow voles can be discouraged from repopulating the area by close mowing and reducing or removing grass thatch. Nonlethal measures that are effective against pine voles involve setting up wire guards around plants you wish to protect.
Moles are a very shy animal.
All are similar in general appearance. Moles have a short neck, and muscular forelegs support broad, heavily clawed feet. They are dark gray to black and range in length from 5 to 8 inches. Moles are harmless to people or pets. The mole's diet is almost entirely animal, including earthworms, white grubs, ants, beetles and other subterranean insects.