Voles: Identification, Behavior, and Treatment

Scientific Name

Microtus spp.

What Do Voles Look Like?

Voles have some distinguishing features that differentiate them from mice and other rodents:

• Color: Brown or gray.

• Size: About 4 to 6 inches long, including the tail.

• Shape: Stocky body with a short tail, small eyes, and rounded ears.

• Fur: Dense and soft.

Where Are Voles Found?

Voles are typically found outdoors in areas with abundant vegetation:

• Lawns and Gardens: Voles burrow in lawns and gardens, creating a network of underground tunnels.

• Fields and Croplands: They thrive in open fields and areas with dense vegetation.

• Mulch and Ground Cover: Voles hide under mulch, leaf litter, and other ground covers.

• Near Structures: They may burrow near buildings, sidewalks, and driveways.

Signs of a Vole Infestation

Here are some common signs that you may have a vole problem on your property:

• Tunnels and Runways: Voles create shallow tunnels and surface runways in lawns and gardens.

• Chewed Plants: Damage to plant roots, stems, and bulbs is a sign of vole activity.

• Dead or Dying Plants: Voles can kill plants by gnawing on their roots.

• Sightings: Spotting voles scurrying across your lawn, especially during the day.

Are Voles Dangerous?

While voles are not directly harmful to humans, they can cause extensive property damage:

• Lawn and Garden Damage: Voles can destroy lawns, gardens, and landscaping by tunneling and feeding on plants.

• Crop Damage: They can cause significant damage to crops and fruit trees.

• Attracting Predators: Vole activity can attract predators such as snakes, hawks, and owls to your property.

How to Prevent Vole Infestations

Preventing voles involves reducing their food sources and habitat:

• Maintain Your Lawn: Keep your grass trimmed and remove weeds to reduce vole hiding spots.

• Use Barriers: Install physical barriers around gardens and trees to prevent vole access.

• Remove Ground Cover: Reduce mulch, leaf litter, and other ground covers where voles may hide.

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal any cracks or openings near foundations to prevent voles from burrowing near structures.

Candor Pest Control’s Vole Treatment Process

At Candor Pest Control, we offer comprehensive vole treatments to eliminate infestations and prevent future problems. Our process includes:

1. Inspection: We conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify vole burrows and activity.

2. Trapping and Removal: We use safe and effective methods to trap and remove voles from your property.

3. Habitat Modification: Our team provides recommendations to make your property less attractive to voles.

4. Ongoing Prevention: We offer tips and advice to help prevent future vole infestations.

Why Choose Candor Pest Control for Vole Control?

• Local Expertise: We understand the unique pest challenges in the Treasure Valley area.

• Family-Owned Business: We care about protecting your home and property from pests.

• Guaranteed Results: We stand by our vole treatments with a customer satisfaction guarantee.