Vole Facts
Voles are commonly found across North America. Mating occurs year-round as long as weather permits. The vole’s diet consists of plants, roots, bark, mushrooms, snails, insects, and occasionally other young voles. These rodents can be seen looking for food at any time of day.
Vole Damage
Vole damage can be found year-round, destroying different types of crops and plants, unlike its rodent cousin, the mole. They will uproot and eat maturing vegetables, eat newly planted seeds, or dig up flower bulbs. They will leave your lawn and garden a wreck with holes and pits from all their digging. While voles don’t often interact with people, the rodents can spread tularemia to humans. Tularemia can cause fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, red lesions, and, in rare instances, even death if left untreated. Seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms after coming into contact with these rodents.
Vole Infestation
After pruning thick vegetation, you may notice a series of crisscrossing tunnels. Piles of elongated dropping that measure about 1/4-inch and remnants of chewed plants are all signs of a vole on the property.
Types of Voles
Vole Identification
Voles can are not large and typically grow to be no more than eight inches in length. Voles have dark brown to reddish-brown bodies, along with coarse black hair. Their undersides are either gray or white. Voles have tails that measure almost the same length as their bodies.
Voles in the Yard & Garden
If you’ve got plants on your property, then voles might pay you a visit. Voles are commonly found in moist meadows and fields, gardens, and orchards. Pine Voles prefer forests with a lot of vegetation. Voles can swim very well and are also capable of climbing, so you might see them in ponds and trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep voles away?
Keeping the grass around your home short and trimming your trees will reduce their hiding places. Remove and ground cover or other organic debris that may be near you garden to discourage tunneling. If you till your garden before planting, existing tunnels will be destroyed. Repellents are also available that will offer some short-term relief from the vole, but these must be applied regularly. Trapping is also an option, as they can be caught and deposited in areas where they won’t cause much harm.
What are the benefits of professional vole pest control?
Expert pest specialists have the educational background, equipment, and skill to control and remove wildlife nuisances from a property in a safe, efficient way.
If you’re struggling with voles on your property, contact us. Our technicians can remove the critters and help you regain control of your property and sanity.