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Lawn Vole Damage
Lawn Vole Damage
Vole Damage In Your Lawn
Voles, which are also called field or meadow mice, will burrow under the snow during the winter, leaving behind trails of chewed grass as they search for food. Voles are mostly vegetarian, but will eat just about anything they think they can, including roots, bulbs, seeds, tree bark and insects.
The sight of these trails can cause a good deal of concern as it appears that a lawn has been seriously damaged. Patience is the keep, allowing the grass to grow back within the trails, along with a little light raking to remove the chewed off grass. For the most part, the grass will re-grow from the crown and the damage will disappear. Many times, the grass in the trails will green-up faster than the rest of the lawn. In most cases, the voles move on to other locations during the spring, but they can cause extensive damage to young trees or garden areas.
Simple mouse traps can be used on active trails, but should be covered with a box to keep out squirrels or birds. Cut a 1” hole in the side of the box and be sure there is enough room within the box for the snap bar of the trap to properly function. Place two or three traps per active trail and bait with seeds. Check the box after 24 hours to see if any voles have been trapped. If not, move to a different trail. Some people find it easier to contact a pest control company to assist with vole control. The use of poisons or other chemical control measures are best left up to professionals.