Often confused with moles or mice, voles (also known as meadow mice) are small rodents that can wreak havoc on your lawn and landscaping during the winter months. Recognizing the signs early is critical to preventing extensive damage to your turf and ornamental plants.
Identifying Vole Damage
The most obvious sign of a vole infestation is the presence of "runways"—shallow, serpentine trenches carved into the surface of your lawn. These tracks are usually discovered in the early spring as the snow melts, revealing where the voles traveled and fed all winter.
Moles vs. Voles
It's important to distinguish between the two. Moles are insectivores that tunnel deep underground, pushing up distinct, volcano-shaped mounds of dirt. Voles are herbivores that travel above ground (often under snow cover), eating grass blades, roots, and the bark of young trees.
Habitat Modification
Voles thrive under protective cover. To deter them, mow your lawn short for the final cut of the year before snow falls. Clear away excessive mulch, leaf litter, and tall weeds around the base of trees and shrubs to remove their hiding places.
Protecting Trees and Shrubs
During harsh winters, voles will girdle young trees by eating the bark around the base, which can kill the plant. Protect valuable landscaping by wrapping the lower trunks with hardware cloth or specialized tree guards, ensuring the guard is buried a few inches into the soil.
Trapping and Repellents
For active infestations, traditional mouse snap traps placed directly in the runways and covered with an inverted box can effectively reduce populations. Castor oil-based repellents can also be applied to the lawn and garden to make the area less appealing to these pests.