Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that are commonly found in yards, gardens, and other outdoor spaces.
While they may seem harmless at first glance, voles can actually cause significant damage to your yard and plants if left unchecked.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether voles are bad for your yard, and what you can do to prevent and control vole infestations.
Signs of Vole Infestation
One of the first signs of a vole infestation is physical damage caused by the rodents.
Voles are known for their burrowing and tunneling behavior, which can cause damage to the roots of plants and grasses.
Additionally, voles may leave evidence of their presence such as vole tunnels, droppings, and gnaw marks.
Vegetation damage caused by voles is another common sign of an infestation, as they can cause significant damage to crops, trees, and shrubs.
Effects of Vole Infestation
The effects of a vole infestation can be significant and wide-ranging.
For one, voles can cause damage to plants and crops, which can impact your ability to grow vegetables or maintain a healthy lawn.
Voles can also cause damage to trees and shrubs, which can be particularly problematic if you have ornamental trees or other landscaping features that you want to preserve.
In addition, voles can cause soil erosion, which can lead to other problems such as nutrient depletion and water runoff.
Lastly, vole infestations can attract predators to your yard, such as snakes and birds of prey, which can pose a threat to other animals and pets in the area.
Prevention and Control Measures
If you’re concerned about voles in your yard, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent and control infestations.
One important step is to identify the species of voles present in your yard, as different species may require different control methods.
You may also want to consider using physical barriers such as wire mesh and fencing to keep voles out of certain areas.
Creating vole-proof planting beds is another effective strategy, as it can help to prevent damage to your plants and crops.
Repellents and traps can also be effective in controlling vole populations, although it’s important to use these products carefully and according to manufacturer instructions.
