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Rodents & Shrews · Pest guide

Voles control

Surface runways across the lawn and girdled tree bark.

When to call a pro

Voles at a glance

Scientific name
Microtus species (meadow vole and others)
Size
3 to 5 inches body, short tail (8–13 cm)
Appearance
Stocky, small ears and eyes, short tail; brown to gray
Where found
Lawns, garden beds, orchards, under snow cover
  • Health riskLow
  • Property damageModerate
  • Do it yourself?Usually DIY
When voles are active Peak: Mar–Nov
  1. Jan Active
  2. Feb Active
  3. Mar Peak
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Active
  6. Jun Active
  7. Jul Active
  8. Aug Active
  9. Sep Active (this month)
  10. Oct Peak
  11. Nov Peak
  12. Dec Active

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Narrow surface runways in grass, visible after snow melts
  • Chewed bark at the base of trees and shrubs
  • Small holes without mounds

Call a professional when

  • Heavy damage to orchards or landscape trees
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Mow short in late fall
  • Keep mulch thin and away from trunks
  • Wrap young trees with hardware cloth guards

Our voles guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep voles out

  1. Mow short in late fall
  2. Keep mulch thin and away from trunks
  3. Wrap young trees with hardware cloth guards

Often confused or found together

All rodents & shrews
Moles Raised ridges and volcano mounds: why moles are there and what actually works. Mice Droppings, gnawing and scratching in walls: trapping, sealing and safe cleanup. Gophers Crescent mounds and vanished plants: trapping, barriers and plant choices.
Photo credits

Thank you to Ahunt for sharing this beautiful photograph and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC0