Personally, I would like it if moles were in my garden because as you say, it is super aeration but the only drawback would be if voles began using their tunnels as they sometimes do. Voles damage plants, moles don't. It is important to know that moles are carnivores that eat grubs and worms and that voles are herbivores that eat bark, roots and such.

My cats like 'em well enough. Yum, moles! They like 'em so much that they bring them in my house, unharmed, to play with later. Moles are fearless little creatures though. When one saw an open doorway he started chittering angrily and charged my cat who backed off from the fierce thing. So he's back outside now, but I've stopped seeing tunnels so maybe he decided to move to a more friendly neighborhood.

I had voles, and they ruined my hosta bed. they ate the roots, and the bed was distroyed. They are such tiny animals its amazing how much damage they can do. I have read if you put used kitty litter in the holes they will stay away.

Thanks for the replies. That is too funny about the mole charging at the cat!

The tunnels are getting larger and more numerous. Maybe Mr. Mole has a family.

How would I know if I get voles? Would I see any?

I may try the kitty litter thing. I have an indoor cat, so no problem acquiring the "used" litter.

Moles vs. Voles (to restate what eddie said):

- moles eat insects, worms, grubs and destroy plants only as a result of accidently tunneling beneath them (they don't eat plants).

- voles eat plants

So, if you are seeing lots of plant destruction (especially having the plant sheared off at the soil surface, leaving a plant top but no roots), then you likely have voles.

I would also put used kitty litter "products" in the holes (poop!); not sure if that was what the first person meant or just the litter itself.