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Voles

IdentificationBiologyInspectionControlPro Tips

Identification

  • Voles are small, chunky rodents that reach a length of about 7 inches. The tail is usually short (about 1-1/2 inch). Their ears are fur-covered, and do not project much above the fur on the head. Mature voles are chestnut-brown mixed with black on the back; the underparts are dark gray, and the feet are brown. Young voles are uniformly gray.

Biology

  • Breeding period: March-November but can be year round
  • Gestation:  20-23 days
  • Birth period:  Spring, summer and fall is most common
  • Litters per year: 8-12
  • Litter size:  4-8
  • Feeding period: Year-round, day and night
  • Voles feed on grass, seeds, grains, bark and sedges.
  • Range

Inspection

  • Voles are a common rodent throughout Varment Guard service territory.  Customers may request service because of damage of the lawn such as tunneling as well as damage to ornamental plants.   
  • Remember to use the information provided by the customer as a starting point for inspection. This may come from direct communication with the customer or the notes from client service detailed in the work order/proposal. 
  • On initial inspection start by walking around the yard. Look for lines of dead grass, tunnels chewed in grass above ground and holes between 1-2 inches in diameter. 
  • Voles may girdle the bottom of ornamental plants and chew roots leading to damaged/dying plants.
  • Droppings can sometimes be found in the trails of grass.
Vole Droppings
Landscaping Damaged by Voles
Vole Hole
Vole Runs in Snow
Vole Runs in Lawn
Vole Damage Girdling Tree Base

Control

  • Lethal trapping using snap traps is the most used method of controlling voles.
  • Using rodent baits according to the label can be another option for vole control.
Snap Trap

Pro Tips

  • Checking tunnels for freshly chewed green grass will indicate that those specific tunnels are still active.
  • Widening the runs with the claw of a hammer can help the traps to fit better into the run.  More stable traps sets will result in increased catches.
  • Baiting with peanut butter and sunflower seeds can be effective with snap traps.