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Vole Damage
Jun 13, 2011 01:16 PM
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Vole Damage and Control
Many people in southeastern Idaho are frustrated each spring when they find rodent damage in their lawns. Damage to the lower bark of younger trees like apple also can occur. They find an abundance of dead and thatchy litter and burrowing ‘runs” all through their lawn.
This type of damage is caused by voles or meadow mice (Microtus montanus). These mice are larger than house mice or deer mice and are recognized by their robust body and short tail. They are grayish brown to black with a whitish belly. Populations of voles this past winter have been very high and feeding on the foliage of lawns underneath snow cover has been significant.
Normally, voles will spend most of their time during the summer in pastures feeding on groundcover of grasses or grass like plants. By fall they look for seeds, tubers, bulbs, and rhizomes. As winter approaches they find an abundance of rhizomes and other food sources in our ornamental landscapes. A more serious problem is the girdling off smaller trees in our landscapes especially when that opportunity comes under snow cover. Rarely do they ever enter a home.
We are asked many times how can one control these voles. The answer is probably that complete control is unlikely, however, we can concentrate our efforts around our more critical plants such as trees. Removing snow back several feet around young trees can eliminate the cover that voles prefer which minimizes damage. Wrapping the lower 1-2" of bark with fine metal screen during winter months may also limit vole access. Lawn damage though it looks serious is generally superficial and limited to the foliage only. Once cleaned up in the spring, grass quickly re-grows and provides a full stand of grass within a few weeks.
Baits are available and can reduce populations. Placement of bait must be done to avoid access by pets such as cats and dogs since ingestion can be fatal. A professional pest control technician is advised when using bait.
Vole Damage
Vole Damage and Control
Many people in southeastern Idaho are frustrated each spring when they find rodent damage in their lawns. Damage to the lower bark of younger trees like apple also can occur. They find an abundance of dead and thatchy litter and burrowing ‘runs” all through their lawn.
This type of damage is caused by voles or meadow mice (Microtus montanus). These mice are larger than house mice or deer mice and are recognized by their robust body and short tail. They are grayish brown to black with a whitish belly. Populations of voles this past winter have been very high and feeding on the foliage of lawns underneath snow cover has been significant.
Normally, voles will spend most of their time during the summer in pastures feeding on groundcover of grasses or grass like plants. By fall they look for seeds, tubers, bulbs, and rhizomes. As winter approaches they find an abundance of rhizomes and other food sources in our ornamental landscapes. A more serious problem is the girdling off smaller trees in our landscapes especially when that opportunity comes under snow cover. Rarely do they ever enter a home.
We are asked many times how can one control these voles. The answer is probably that complete control is unlikely, however, we can concentrate our efforts around our more critical plants such as trees. Removing snow back several feet around young trees can eliminate the cover that voles prefer which minimizes damage. Wrapping the lower 1-2" of bark with fine metal screen during winter months may also limit vole access. Lawn damage though it looks serious is generally superficial and limited to the foliage only. Once cleaned up in the spring, grass quickly re-grows and provides a full stand of grass within a few weeks.
Baits are available and can reduce populations. Placement of bait must be done to avoid access by pets such as cats and dogs since ingestion can be fatal. A professional pest control technician is advised when using bait.