Voles in Michigan? Your Ultimate Guide to Reclaiming Your Lawn

Are you noticing unsightly tunnels crisscrossing your once-pristine lawn? The culprit could be the unassuming Michigan vole, a small rodent that can wreak havoc on your yard. Understanding their behavior is the first step to managing these creatures. Effective vole control often involves strategically using vole traps around identified runways. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development offers helpful resources for residents dealing with wildlife. Furthermore, landscape maintenance practices like regularly mowing the grass can help discourage the Michigan vole from settling in.

Image taken from the YouTube channel MSU Extension Field Crops , from the video titled Vole Damage in Soybean in Michigan .

Voles in Michigan? Your Ultimate Guide to Reclaiming Your Lawn

Voles, often mistaken for mice or moles, can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens. If you're in Michigan and suspect you have a vole problem, this guide provides essential information to identify, manage, and prevent these unwelcome guests.

Identifying Michigan Voles

Correct identification is the first step in effectively addressing a vole infestation.

• Physical Characteristics: Michigan voles are small rodents, typically 5-8 inches long, with stocky bodies, short legs, and short tails. They have small, beady eyes and partially hidden ears. Their fur is usually brown or grayish.

• Distinguishing Voles from Mice and Moles:

  • Mice: Mice tend to enter buildings more frequently and are excellent climbers. Voles prefer to stay outdoors and create surface runways.
  • Moles: Moles are insectivores that create raised tunnels underground, while voles primarily create surface runways and shallow tunnels. Moles also have large, shovel-like front feet for digging.

• Signs of Vole Activity: Look for these indicators to confirm vole presence:

  • Surface Runways: These are the most telltale signs. Voles create shallow, well-defined pathways through the grass, often hidden beneath dense vegetation or snow cover.
  • Girdling: Voles may gnaw on the bark of trees and shrubs, especially near the base. This "girdling" can damage or kill plants.
  • Small Holes: Voles create entrance holes, usually about 1-2 inches in diameter, that lead to their underground burrows.
  • Plant Damage: Voles feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, bulbs, and roots, leading to visible damage in your garden.

Understanding Vole Behavior

Knowing how voles live and behave helps in choosing the right control methods.

• Habitat Preferences: Voles thrive in areas with dense vegetation, providing them with cover from predators and a source of food. This includes overgrown lawns, mulch beds, and weedy areas.
• Diet: Voles are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, seeds, roots, bulbs, and bark. They are active both day and night, though they are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Reproduction: Voles can reproduce rapidly, with females capable of having multiple litters per year. This rapid reproduction rate can lead to quick population increases and extensive damage.

Managing and Controlling Vole Populations

Effective vole control requires a multi-faceted approach.

• Habitat Modification:

  • Mowing: Regularly mow your lawn to keep the grass short, reducing cover for voles.
  • Weed Control: Remove weeds and tall grasses from around your property.
  • Mulch Reduction: Minimize the use of thick mulch, as it provides ideal habitat for voles. Consider using gravel or decorative stones instead.
  • Snow Removal: In winter, clear snow away from the base of trees and shrubs to prevent voles from feeding on the bark.

• Exclusion:

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  • Tree Guards: Protect young trees by wrapping the base of the trunk with wire mesh or plastic tree guards.
  • Underground Fencing: Bury wire mesh fencing around garden beds to prevent voles from entering and feeding on plants. The fencing should extend at least 12 inches below the ground and 12 inches above the ground.

• Trapping:

  • Snap Traps: Mouse traps or vole-specific traps can be baited with peanut butter, apple slices, or oatmeal and placed along vole runways or near burrow entrances. Check traps frequently and remove dead voles promptly.
  • Live Traps: Live traps can be used to capture voles for relocation. However, relocating voles may not be effective, as they may simply return or cause problems elsewhere. It's also important to check local regulations regarding wildlife relocation.

• Repellents:

  • Chemical Repellents: Commercial vole repellents containing ingredients like castor oil or capsaicin can be applied to lawns and gardens. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Reapply after rain or irrigation.
  • Natural Repellents: Some gardeners have success using natural repellents like garlic, peppermint oil, or mothballs. However, the effectiveness of these methods may vary.

Preventing Future Vole Problems

Prevention is key to keeping vole populations under control.

• Maintain a Clean and Tidy Yard: Regularly remove debris, leaf litter, and overgrown vegetation to eliminate potential vole habitats.
• Encourage Natural Predators: Attract owls, hawks, and other natural predators to your property by providing nesting boxes or perches.
• Monitor for Early Signs: Regularly inspect your lawn and garden for signs of vole activity, and take action promptly if you notice any.
• Consider Professional Help: If you have a severe vole infestation or are unable to manage the problem yourself, consider contacting a pest control professional. They can assess the situation and recommend appropriate control measures.

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So, if you're struggling with a Michigan vole problem, don't despair! With a little knowledge and effort, you can reclaim your lawn and keep those pesky critters at bay.