Vole Removal And Control
Known to some as "field mice," voles can cause extensive damage to crops and gardens by gnawing on stems and roots, leading to considerable economic losses. In urban settings, their burrowing habits can damage lawns, parks, and golf courses, creating unsightly conditions and potentially unsafe ground.
Unique Characteristics
Voles are small rodents that form part of the Muridae family, which is notable for including mice and rats, yet they possess distinct characteristics setting them apart. Often confused with other small rodents, they are unique for their stouter bodies, shorter tails, small eyes, and partially hidden ears. Unlike the sleek appearance of mice, voles have a denser, somewhat shaggy coat, which can vary in color from brown to gray, adapting them well to their mainly subterranean and ground-level lifestyles.
Voles have one of the highest reproduction rates among mammals. Depending on the species, a single female can produce five to ten litters annually, with each litter consisting of three to six young. This rapid reproduction rate is facilitated by the females' ability to breed at a young age, sometimes within a month of being born, ensuring a continuous increase in population under favorable conditions.
They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a wide range of plant material, including grasses, herbaceous plants, bulbs, and roots. This diet places them in direct conflict with human agricultural and gardening efforts, as they can cause significant damage to crops, lawns, and ornamental plants.
Why They Target Your Home or Yard
Yards with dense vegetation, gardens, or landscaped areas provide ideal conditions for them, offering both sustenance and protection from predators. Overgrown grasses, groundcovers, and the presence of mulch or leaf piles can make a property particularly appealing.
The types of vegetation and landscaping that attract them include fruit trees, ornamental plants, and vegetable gardens. Additionally, properties adjacent to fields or wooded areas may be more susceptible to infestations.
During the winter months, they seek shelter in more protected environments, which can lead them closer to homes and other structures. Conversely, in the warmer months, their activity increases outdoors as they take advantage of the abundant food sources and nesting materials. Their primary method of movement and habitat creation is through the construction of extensive tunnel systems. These underground tunnels and surface runways allow voles to navigate and inhabit a yard without being easily detected.
The role of these tunnels is twofold: they provide safe pathways for voles to access food sources and escape from predators, and they serve as nesting and breeding sites. The entrances to these tunnels can sometimes be openings to crawl spaces, garages, or sheds, providing accidental access to indoor environments.
Health Risks And Property Damage
They can carry and transmit several diseases, though the risk of transmission to humans is relatively low compared to other rodents like rats or mice. They are potential carriers of tularemia, leptospirosis, and, in some cases, hantavirus, diseases that can be transmitted through direct contact with voles or their urine and feces. It's important for homeowners to exercise caution when dealing with infestations and to use protective gear when cleaning up after them.
For homeowners, the aesthetic and structural damage caused by voles can result in a significant decrease in property value and enjoyment of outdoor spaces. Lawns riddled with tunnels and gnaw marks on trees and shrubs can deter prospective buyers and diminish curb appeal. For commercial properties, especially those in the agricultural sector, landscaping, or retail, the appearance of professionalism and care can be severely compromised, potentially affecting customer perceptions and revenue.
Businesses involved in agriculture, horticulture, or those with large green spaces are particularly vulnerable to the economic repercussions of vole activity. Crops can be decimated, nursery stocks damaged, and golf courses or public parks can require extensive and costly repairs. The operational costs associated with repairing damage, replacing plants, and implementing control measures can quickly accumulate, impacting profitability and operational efficiency.
Misconceptions And Odd Facts
One widespread myth is that voles are simply another name for moles, leading to confusion about their habits and the best strategies for control. In reality, they are distinct from moles, who are insectivores, with unique behaviors and dietary preferences that necessitate specific management approaches.
Another common misconception is that they are not a significant threat to outdoor spaces because they are small and supposedly have a minimal impact on gardens and lawns. However, due to their rapid reproduction rate and voracious appetite for plant roots and stems, they can cause extensive damage in a short period, making them a formidable pest for any property owner.
Some species can have a lifespan of only 3 to 6 months in the wild due to predation. Additionally, they have been known to create "vole highways," visible paths in grass or snow that connect their burrow entrances, which are used for quick navigation and escape from predators.
We encourage property owners facing vole challenges to contact Varment Wildlife Control. Our team is ready to provide comprehensive, effective management solutions tailored to your unique situation. Whether your property is currently experiencing an infestation or you're seeking preventative strategies, we are here for you.
Frequently Asked Vole Questions
Q1. Can voles swim?
A1. Yes, surprisingly, some species are capable swimmers. While not all are found making a splash, certain types, like the water vole in Europe, are known to inhabit rivers and streams and can swim and dive well. https://www.britannica.com/animal/meadow-vole
Q2. Do they hibernate during the winter?
A2. Voles do not hibernate. They remain active throughout the year, even under the snow. During winter, they create a network of tunnels beneath the snow to protect themselves from predators and the cold. This allows them to continue feeding on plant roots and stems, often to the dismay of homeowners who find their lawns and gardens damaged in the spring.
Q3. Are they solitary or social creatures?
A3. The social behavior of varies significantly between species. Some species are highly social, living in complex communities with elaborate tunnel systems shared by many individuals. Others lead more solitary lives, coming together only to breed. The meadow vole, for example, is known for its social structure and communal nesting habits, while other species may be more territorial and less inclined to share their space.
