About Voles
Voles, sometimes known as field mice, are little brown rodents that can be found in yards and fields in large numbers. Voles have small rounded ears, small eyes, and short tails that are typically buried by their fur. Their fur is thick and light brown to grey in color. Voles are identified by their shallow snake-like tunnels that may be found all over your yard. Plants are eaten by voles. They eat the stems of plants and grass blades, just as many other rodents. Because of their favored food sources, their tunnels are usually found near the surface of a garden or yard.
Habits
Vole populations cycle 3-5 years, with a population spike every 3 to 5 years. Mild winters with plenty of snow can help vole populations grow. Early in the spring, voles are very ferocious. Voles devour flower bulbs from underneath the earth because they are so close to the surface. Voles are well-known for their proclivity for digging. They dig tunnels in the earth and drill golf ball-sized exit holes in mole tunnels that already exist.
Habitats
The tunnels are about 2-inches broad and close to the surface so they can consume grass stems and blades, which is their preferred meal. Prairie voles and meadow voles are two prevalent vole species in North America. Meadow voles are more frequent in urban settings, whereas prairie voles are more abundant in rural places.
Threats
Voles also dig into the root systems of trees and plants, inflicting harm. Voles may be to blame if you notice young trees or plants drooping over. Voles eat roots, as well as construct paths. One of the simplest methods to spot voles is to look for surface runways. To access tubers and bulbs, voles will dig little holes approximately one inch across.
Prevention
To keep the population of voles low, prevention is critical. Voles like dense, heavy vegetative cover, weeds, and meadows because it protects them from predators while also providing nesting material. Cut back the undergrowth, mow, weed, and tidy up the area. Remove any woodpiles or vole hiding spots near your garden, bushes, or trees. Maintain a groomed lawn and clipped plants on the ground. Avoid mulching trees and bushes too close together. Keep snow from accumulating at the base of trees and plants. Wrap a guard around the bottom trunk of young trees to protect them. Voles are attracted to bird feeders, which should be removed or the ground maintained very clean to reduce vole numbers.
