What are Voles?
They are brown, small, plump, ground-dwelling rodents also referred to as “meadow mice”. Many people think they look like pocket gophers. Voles can reach 6 inches long, be stocky, with short tail and legs at full maturity. They have a short lifespan and only live for one to two years. They feed off of plants and grasses, which causes homeowners to see them as a nuisance.
What Damage Can They Cause?
Voles can create shallow, visible tunnels above ground. Voles are mostly spotted above ground but the biggest sign of their presence are the prominent runways that connect their holes in the ground. Voles can kill plants in the garden, fruit trees, and vegetables. The tunneling and high traffic areas cause major damage to a lawn. Be careful, these rodents have been known to bite!!!!
Getting Rid of Voles
- Using predator urine
- Using garlic-based sprays
- Hot pepper spray
- Castor oil
- Planting mint or herbs can deter them