Voles In Yard

Voles, also known as meadow mice or field mice, are small rodents that can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and landscaping. These tiny creatures are often mistaken for moles, but they are actually quite different in terms of their behavior, habitat, and diet. Voles are typically between 4 and 8 inches long, including their tail, and weigh between 1 and 3 ounces. They have a stocky body, short legs, and a blunt snout, and are usually gray or brown in color.

Identifying Vole Damage in Your Yard

One of the most common signs of vole activity in your yard is the presence of small tunnels or burrows in the soil. These tunnels can be up to 2 inches in diameter and can extend several feet underground. Voles also create small holes in the ground, often surrounded by a mound of soil, which serve as entrances and exits to their underground tunnels. In addition to these physical signs, voles can also cause significant damage to plants and landscaping. They feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, clover, and ornamental flowers, and can also gnaw on tree bark and other woody vegetation.

Vole Diet and Habitat

Voles are herbivores, which means they primarily feed on plants and plant-based materials. They are active year-round, but are most active during the spring and fall when food is more abundant. Voles prefer areas with dense vegetation, such as lawns, gardens, and meadows, and are often found in areas with high grasses and weeds. They are also attracted to areas with an abundance of food, such as gardens and landscaping with fruit trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Controlling Vole Populations in Your Yard

While voles can be a nuisance, there are several steps you can take to control their populations and prevent damage to your lawn and landscaping. One of the most effective methods is to modify your landscaping to make it less appealing to voles. This can include removing weeds and debris, trimming back trees and shrubs, and using plants that are resistant to vole damage. You can also use physical barriers, such as hardware cloth or metal mesh, to protect plants and trees from vole gnawing.

Repellents and Traps

In addition to modifying your landscaping, you can also use repellents and traps to control vole populations. Repellents, such as predator urine or hot pepper sprays, can be effective at deterring voles from entering your yard. Traps, such as snap traps or live traps, can be used to capture and remove voles from your yard. However, it’s worth noting that traps should be used with caution, as they can also catch non-target animals, such as pets or other wildlife.

It's also important to note that voles can carry diseases, such as hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with their urine, feces, or saliva. As such, it's essential to take precautions when handling voles or their habitats, including wearing gloves and a mask, and washing your hands thoroughly after handling.

Long-Term Solutions

While controlling vole populations can be a challenge, there are several long-term solutions that can help prevent damage to your lawn and landscaping. One of the most effective methods is to create a vole-resistant landscape, using plants that are resistant to vole damage and modifying your yard to make it less appealing to voles. You can also use physical barriers, such as fences or mesh, to protect plants and trees from vole gnawing.

Vole-Resistant Plants

There are several plants that are resistant to vole damage, including daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips. These plants are toxic to voles, or have a strong scent that deters them from feeding. You can also use plants that have a strong, bitter taste, such as lavender or rosemary, to deter voles from feeding.