Voles

Identification

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

Nesting Habits

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

Diet

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

Significance

• damage lawns, gardens, sports and agricultural fields
• damage underground utility cables and irrigation pipes
• harm trees by stripping bark and chewing on roots

IPM Recommendations

• Reduce clutter outside.
• 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.
• Rodenticides may be necessary for control in large areas.

For more information, see our Voles fact sheet.