It's vole season! Are you noticing the unmistakable signs of these field mice making your lawn their home? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Runways and Trails (typically 1 - 2 inches wide and can extend for several feet across the lawn)
- Burrow Openings (holes about 1 - 2 inches in diameter, often in tall grass, mulch or beneath vegetation)
- Girdling of Trees and Shrubs (the gnawing on of tree bark and shrubs near ground level)
- Feeding Damage (damage to roots, bulbs, and lower stems of plants)
- Tunnels in Lawns (shallow tunnels where the lawn can feel spongy underfoot)
- Droppings (no explanation needed)
- Nesting Materials (nests built from grass, leaves, and other plant materials in random places on the lawn)
So, you have voles. Now what?
- Fix runways and trails by reseeding your lawn.
- Prevent future damage to tree bark by using tree guards.
- Deter voles by upkeeping your yard (removing woodpiles and other debris).
In extreme vole cases:
- Trapping and relocation of the voles could be an effective way of reducing the population in your yard.
- Contact a reputable pest control company for further assistance.
