Voles, often mistaken for mice or moles, are small rodents that can significantly impact gardens and lawns. Recognizing vole activity and understanding their habits is crucial for effective management. This article will delve into what a vole is, distinguishing them from similar creatures, identifying signs of vole damage, and exploring practical management strategies.
First, let’s clarify what exactly a vole is.
Voles are frequently referred to as meadow mice or field mice, leading to confusion with common house mice. However, voles are distinct rodents with specific characteristics. Belonging to the Cricetidae family and Arvicolinae subfamily, they are more closely related to lemmings and muskrats than to house mice. In Indiana, the most prevalent species is the Meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus).
Voles are compact rodents characterized by stocky bodies, short legs, and relatively short tails. Their size typically ranges from 3.5 to 5 inches in body length, with the tail adding another 1.5 to 2 inches. Their fur is generally brown or gray, providing excellent camouflage in their natural habitats, although color variations can occur. A key distinguishing feature is their small, mouse-like front feet, unlike the large, powerful digging feet of moles. Their eyes are small, and their ears are partially concealed within their fur, adaptations to their ground-dwelling lifestyle.
Meadow voles are adept at constructing nests, typically made of dry grass and about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. These nests are often found on the surface of the ground, cleverly concealed under objects like old boards, metal sheeting, logs, or other forms of cover. Occasionally, nests may be located in shallow underground burrows, providing further protection.
Voles are primarily herbivores, with a diet consisting mainly of seeds, grasses, and the leaves and stems of various green vegetation. They may also consume roots and bulbs, particularly during times when other food sources are scarce. A telltale sign of vole presence is their creation of surface runways in turf areas. These runways are formed as voles repeatedly travel along the same paths, chewing grass and vegetation down to the ground. Furthermore, voles exhibit gnawing behavior, which can cause damage to the trunks and roots of trees and ornamental plants. They may also capitalize on readily available food sources such as spilled birdseed from feeders.
Understanding the differences between vole and mole damage is essential for effective pest management. Moles, insectivores that tunnel underground in search of grubs and earthworms, create raised ridges and molehills in lawns. These tunnels are disruptive to lawns and gardens, but the damage is distinct from that caused by voles. Voles, in contrast, operate mainly above ground. They create noticeable surface runways, approximately 2 inches wide, through grass and ground cover. This runway system may not be immediately apparent until snow melts in winter, revealing the extensive network beneath. While vole damage to turfgrass is often superficial and may recover naturally, their gnawing activity can cause significant harm to trees and shrubs, potentially girdling young plants and leading to their decline.
Managing vole populations involves a range of strategies, from cultural practices to trapping and, in some cases, the judicious use of rodenticides.
Cultural practices play a significant role in vole management. Reducing vole habitat is key. Eliminate weeds and dense ground cover around lawns and gardens, as these areas provide ideal shelter and food sources for voles. Regular lawn mowing also helps to make the environment less hospitable to voles. When mulching around trees and shrubs, avoid piling mulch directly against the trunks. Maintain a 2-3 inch air gap between the mulch and the base of the plant to deter voles from nesting and feeding on the bark.
For minor vole infestations, trapping can be an effective control method. Standard mouse snap traps can be utilized. Place traps perpendicular to vole runways with the trigger end positioned directly within the runway. Effective baits include a mixture of peanut butter and oatmeal or slices of apple. Fall and late winter are often the most successful periods for trapping voles, as food sources may be scarcer, and vole populations are often more concentrated.
In situations where vole populations are substantial and cultural practices and trapping are insufficient, rodenticides may be considered. However, extreme caution is necessary when using these products. Rodenticides are typically formulated as baits designed to be placed in burrow openings or runways. It is crucial to remember that rodenticides can pose a risk to non-target animals, including domestic pets like dogs and cats, which may prey on voles or be attracted to the bait. Always consult local and state regulations regarding rodenticide use and strictly adhere to all label directions. Use rodenticides sparingly and responsibly to minimize risks to non-target wildlife and pets.
For further in-depth information on moles, Purdue Extension offers publication ADM-10-W, Moles, accessible online at www.edustore.purdue.edu. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources provides resources on moles at https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/living-with-wildlife/eastern-mole/. For specific details on voles, consult the Purdue Extension “Hot News” bulletin by Tim Gibb at: https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/HN-67.pdf.
By understanding what a vole is, recognizing their distinctive characteristics and damage patterns, and implementing appropriate management strategies, homeowners and gardeners can effectively minimize vole-related issues and protect their lawns and landscapes.
