Voles

Identification

• 3 - 6 inches long
• hairy tail with short hairs
• make runways/tunnels in turf, mulch, etc.

Nesting Habits

• burrows in the ground along runways
• prefer areas of heavy ground cover

Diet

• plants, tubers, bark

Significance

• cause damage to turf and ornamental plantings
• occasionally enter buildings by accident, but do not become established indoors

IPM Recommendations

• Install tight-fitting door sweeps.
• Seal exterior cracks, crevices and areas around pipes and electrical that enter buildings through walls.
• Reduce clutter indoors and outdoors.
• Keep all exterior doors closed.
• Use snap-traps placed with triggers in vole runways.
• Eliminate weeds, ground cover, mulch and dense ornamental plantings that provide food and shelter during warm weather.