If you suspect you have a vole problem, there are a few signs you can look for. One of the most common indications is the presence of surface runways in grassy areas of your garden or yard. Voles create these unique, above-ground tunnels that are around 2 inches wide and often look like the grass has been neatly trimmed down to the soil. Additionally, you might notice entrances to their underground burrows, which are usually about 1-2 inches in diameter. Voles can cause noticeable damage to plants by feeding on roots, bark, and foliage, which might result in plants appearing chewed at the base or wilting unexpectedly. This rodent species is also known for gnawing at the bark of trees and shrubs, often creating a girdling pattern that can be deadly for the plant. In snowy conditions, vole activity may be traced via footprints, runways, or even tunnels in the snow. Unlike many other rodents, voles are not strictly nocturnal, so you might spot them during the day. They resemble house mice but have a stouter body, a shorter, hairy tail, a rounded head, and smaller eyes and ears. If you observe any of these signs, it’s quite possible you’re dealing with a vole infestation.
To prevent a vole infestation, it’s essential to create a less welcoming environment for these rodents. Regular landscape maintenance is crucial. By mowing your lawn and trimming back vegetation frequently, you can reduce the cover that voles prefer, making your property less attractive to them. Additionally, voles are particularly drawn to areas with abundant food sources. Therefore, ensure to clean up any fallen fruit from trees or spilled seeds from bird feeders on a regular basis to minimize the food available to them. Another useful preventative measure is the use of physical barriers. Installing hardware cloth or mesh around the base of trees or plants or beneath the surface around your garden beds can deter voles from gnawing on plant roots or establishing burrows. The goal is to make your yard less hospitable to voles, which will help discourage their presence.
The best time to control voles is during late fall and early winter. During this period, vegetation is beginning to die back, and snow hasn’t yet fallen in many regions, making it easier to spot signs of vole activity and to apply control measures. Voles are active year-round, but in the late fall and early winter, they begin to establish the under-snow tunnels and pathways that they will use all winter. Implementing control measures, such as placing traps or baits, clearing away vegetation near the garden, or installing physical barriers, during this time can prevent a population explosion in the spring. Additionally, controlling voles before the breeding season in the spring can help minimize the damage they cause to plants and trees throughout the year.
The most common method for exterminators to get rid of voles is through the use of traps. Trapping is an effective way to remove voles from your property, but it does require some effort and time to set up and check the traps regularly. If you have a serious vole problem, you may want to consider hiring a professional exterminator to take care of the issue for you.
Another way that exterminators can get rid of voles is by using pesticides. Pesticides are generally effective at killing voles, but they can also be harmful to other animals and plants if used incorrectly. It’s important to follow the directions on the pesticide label carefully and only use the pesticide in areas where voles are known to be active.
If you have a vole problem, the best thing to do is to contact a professional exterminator who can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. Exterminators have the experience and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively get rid of voles from your property.
You can see the difference between a vole and a mouse by their physical appearance. Voles have a rounder body with a shorter tail than mice. They also tend to be browner in coloration, while mice are typically gray or white. In terms of size, voles are typically smaller than mice. Another difference between these two animals is that voles create runways through grassy areas, while mice do not. You can also tell the difference in their behavior. Voles are more likely to be active during the day, while mice are more likely to be active at night.
Voles are not considered dangerous to humans or pets, but their activity can cause significant damage to vegetation and landscaping.
If the vole infestation is severe or if the damage they are causing is extensive, it is recommended to seek the help of a pest control professional like us at Birch Fumigators. We have the expertise and experience to identify the specific species of voles present and develop an effective treatment plan. Professional pest control services can offer advanced methods of control such as fumigation, which may not be safe or practical for individuals to perform on their own.
Voles are herbivores and primarily feed on plant matter, such as grasses, roots, bulbs, and seeds. They may also feed on bark, fruits, and vegetables.
est. 1900
est. 1900
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