Voles

Microtus spp.

vole

Vole size comparison (Manuel R., Wikimedia Commons)

damage

Vole damage to bark (USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org)

no image

Vole damage in turf (Ryan Davis, Utah State University Extension)

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.