Vole Control: Identify and Eliminate These Destructive Rodents

Voles, often called field or meadow mice, can devastate a garden. Learn to distinguish them from moles and mice, and discover effective control methods.

What Is a Vole?

Voles are small, stocky rodents similar to field mice. Two common North American species: prairie vole and meadow vole (more widespread). They’re very alike, and control methods are similar. Unlike mice, voles cause extensive damage, eating a wide variety of plants and tree bark.

Identifying Voles

Physical Characteristics

Voles have small rounded ears often hidden by fur, small eyes, and short tails. Fur is thick, light brown to gray. They thrive in weedy, covered fields and are active day and night, especially at dusk and dawn.

Vole Damage

• Snake-like surface tunnels across lawns, most active in spring.
• Burrow underground, eating bulbs and root vegetables (partially eaten carrots, potatoes).
• Nest at base of trees and shrubs, chewing bark and damaging roots.

Control and Prevention

Getting Rid of Voles

• Live traps: Place near runways or nesting sites at tree/shrub bases. Bait with peanut butter. Set midday to early evening when voles are active. Reset persistently until population is eliminated. Relocate to distant fields.
• Rodenticides: For extreme infestations, use registered products. Consult local garden center or professional pest control.
• Bulb protection: Add gravel to planting holes around bulbs. Dust or drench bulbs with fungicide. See rodent-proof bulb lists and fall planting guides.

Preventing Voles

• Reduce habitat: Voles love dense vegetation, mulch, and weeds. Cut brush, mow, weed, and create clean spaces.
• Fencing: Use ½-inch mesh, at least 12 inches above ground and buried 6–10 inches deep. Voles are poor climbers.
• Outdoor cat: A natural predator that can help control vole numbers.

See more about common garden pests like mice and moles.