What Are Voles and Why Are They Damaging Your Yard?
Voles are, in fact, small-sized rodents, in simple words, between mice and rats with rather short tails. Aptly termed field mice or meadow voles, they develop complex surface runway systems under grass and mulch. They do not like to live in houses like their house mouse relatives, but rather outdoors. They feed chiefly on tree and plant roots, shifting up well for the seeds they collect to bury in the underground stores.
In Canada, the most widespread species of voles are the prairie vole and the meadow vole. These critters are small, usually just inches long, but they cause big problems for homeowners. A single female vole can bear 5-10 litters in one year. Thus, if this is not controlled, it can be a quick explosion of the vole populations.
Spotting Vole Damage in Your Yard: Act Early to Protect Your Property
1.Visible Runways Through Grass
Voles create vole runways - narrow paths about 1-2 inches wide - as they travel through your lawn. These trails become especially visible after snow melts in spring.
2. Damaged Tree Bark Near Ground
Voles damage trees by chewing bark around the base during winter when other food sources are scarce. This "girdling" can kill young trees.
3. Dying Plants and Bulbs
In case you have flowers or vegetables wilting suddenly despite proper care, voles must be feeding on the roots of trees and plants underground.
4. Small Holes in Lawn
Voles dig many small entrance holes to their underground tunnels, usually hidden underground covers like mulch or thick grass.
Voles vs Mice: How to Tell the Difference
Voles:
- Short tails, around an inch long
- Thicker bodies
- Leave noticeable runway trails on surfaces
- Munch on plants and roots
Mice:
- Tails that are a bit longer
- Usually between 2 to 4 inches
- They have slimmer bodies.
- You won’t see
Professional Vole Removal Methods
When vole numbers get out of control, professional help is often needed. Here are the most effective solutions:
1. Specialized Trapping
While mouse snap traps can work, professionals use larger traps baited with peanut butter placed along active vole runways.
2. Habitat Modification
Reducing ground cover like tall grass and mulch removes the protection that voles need.
3. Tree Protection
Installing tree guard barriers prevents winter damage to the bark.
4. Population Monitoring
Experts track vole populations to determine the best control timing.
Preventing Vole Infestations: Take Control of Your Property's Health
1. Keep Lawns Trimmed
Mow regularly to eliminate hiding spots and surface runway systems.
2. Use Gravel Barriers
Create a 12-inch gravel border around gardens to deter digging.
3. Install Hardware Cloth
Bury wire mesh around special plants to protect the roots of trees.
4. Natural Predators
Encourage owls and hawks by installing perch poles.
When to Call Professional Vole Control
Contact IPM Pest Solutions if:
- You see extensive vole runways
- Young trees show gnaw marks
- Plants keep dying unexpectedly
- DIY methods using mouse snap traps fail
Our experts will apply humane and effective methods for vole control while keeping and preserving your property. Professional vole control does not only mean the elimination of the existing voles but also includes preventive methods to stop future infestations — giving you peace of mind about the health of your lawn and garden
Final Thoughts
While voles are small, they can cause significant damage to Canadian lawns and gardens. Their extensive runway systems can ruin the aesthetic appeal of your lawn, and their habit of feeding on tree roots can lead to the death of your plants. By acting early at the first signs of voles damage, you can prevent costly repairs to your landscaping.
Need vole removal? Contact IPM Pest Solutions today for fast, effective service across Canada! Our team specializes in humane vole control solutions tailored to your property’s needs.
