What are the differences between moles, voles, and shrews?

• <div><p>Moles live underground and feed on insects. They dig and move through tunnels, usually in meadows or forests but sometimes in lawns and gardens. They are about 6 inches long with large claws, tiny eyes, and hidden ears. </p><p>Shrews do not dig their own tunnels but will use other animals’ tunnels, and are about 3 to 4 inches long. They look similar to mice and feed on insects.</p><p>Voles are similar in size to moles but have large eyes and small but visible ears. Rather than eating insects, voles are herbivores that prefer seeds, grasses, and plant roots.</p></div>

What can I put under my house to keep mice away?

• <div><p>You can use commercial repellents to help deter rodents, but they often have mixed results. A better solution is preventing rodents from getting under your home in the first place. Using steel wool or foam sealer, plug all potential entry points like gaps and cracks in the foundation. </p><p>Also, consider installing hardware cloth or wire mesh over vents, utility openings, and any openings under the porch or foundation. Regular inspections and maintenance will aid in early detection and prevention, ensuring a rodent-free environment beneath your house.</p></div>

Do mice go away on their own?

• <div><p>Mice are very unlikely to go away on their own. As long as there is food and shelter available in your home, they’ll call it their home, too. If your DIY efforts aren’t working, you need to <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/exterminators/">hire a local pest control service</a> to remove the mice infestation. Aside from carrying diseases, mice can chew through wires, insulation, drywall, and more.</p></div>

Best pest control specialists near Alderson, WV

Q: What attracts moles to your yard or property?

• <div><p>The primary attractant for moles is food. With a powerful sense of smell, they seek out grubs, earthworms, ants, and other insects in the soil. Other factors can also draw them in, such as moist, loose soil which makes tunneling easier, so an overwatered lawn can be an invitation. Additionally, male moles may enter your yard to expand their territory or find a mate, and if a neighbor has a mole problem, it's possible for them to tunnel over to your property.</p></div>

Q: How do I protect my pets or kids from spiders?

• <div><p>Most spiders are harmless or do little more than the equivalent of a bee sting. Prevention is the best option for more serious cases. Keep spiders out of your home when possible. When you find spiders, a spider nest, or egg sac, remove it quickly before an inquisitive pet or child gets involved. When children are old enough, teach them to recognize the few dangerous species of spiders and avoid them to prevent getting bitten.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Alderson, WV

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Alderson, WV is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Alderson, WV is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on September 25, 2026

Top-Rated Pest control specialists in Alderson - Updated Nov 2026

Ehrlich Pest Control

4.3(

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+2 more

Serving Alderson, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1921

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I had a fantastic experience with Ehrlich Southeast. Their customer service was excellent, from scheduling the appointment to the completion of the service. Their technicians were friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient, and they ensured my property was pest-free. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of pest control services."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,074

)

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Termite+6 more

Serving Alderson, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very knowledgeable guy who seem to know what he’s doing. Don’t know results of spraying. Have had much rain since. Will have to see if it worked. Terminex will spray again the beginning of next month."

52 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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Alford Home Solutions Inc

4.4(

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+3 more

Serving Alderson, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 1963

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Eliminated pests and offered great service and advice to prevent this in the future"

Termite shelter tube hanging from floor joist.

Termite Damage to floor joist, rim joist and sill plate.

Termite and Moisture Damage to wood in crawl space.

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Termite

Serving Alderson, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

When it comes to protecting homes, Terminix has satisfied more customers than any other insect and pest control company in the industry, with more than 15 million service visits annually.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+3 more

Serving Alderson, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"United Air Temp was able to procure a replacement furnace controller board in a couple of days and Zachary was out within 4 days of the initial visit. The furnace now works very well."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Pest Control FAQs, answered by experts

The primary attractant for moles is food. With a powerful sense of smell, they seek out grubs, earthworms, ants, and other insects in the soil. Other factors can also draw them in, such as moist, loose soil which makes tunneling easier, so an overwatered lawn can be an invitation. Additionally, male moles may enter your yard to expand their territory or find a mate, and if a neighbor has a mole problem, it's possible for them to tunnel over to your property.

Moles live underground and feed on insects. They dig and move through tunnels, usually in meadows or forests but sometimes in lawns and gardens. They are about 6 inches long with large claws, tiny eyes, and hidden ears.

Shrews do not dig their own tunnels but will use other animals’ tunnels, and are about 3 to 4 inches long. They look similar to mice and feed on insects.

Voles are similar in size to moles but have large eyes and small but visible ears. Rather than eating insects, voles are herbivores that prefer seeds, grasses, and plant roots.

You can use commercial repellents to help deter rodents, but they often have mixed results. A better solution is preventing rodents from getting under your home in the first place. Using steel wool or foam sealer, plug all potential entry points like gaps and cracks in the foundation.

Also, consider installing hardware cloth or wire mesh over vents, utility openings, and any openings under the porch or foundation. Regular inspections and maintenance will aid in early detection and prevention, ensuring a rodent-free environment beneath your house.

Most spiders are harmless or do little more than the equivalent of a bee sting. Prevention is the best option for more serious cases. Keep spiders out of your home when possible. When you find spiders, a spider nest, or egg sac, remove it quickly before an inquisitive pet or child gets involved. When children are old enough, teach them to recognize the few dangerous species of spiders and avoid them to prevent getting bitten.

Mice are very unlikely to go away on their own. As long as there is food and shelter available in your home, they’ll call it their home, too. If your DIY efforts aren’t working, you need to hire a local pest control service to remove the mice infestation. Aside from carrying diseases, mice can chew through wires, insulation, drywall, and more.

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