Vole and Rabbit Damage in High-Elevation Lawn

Identifying the Damage

Sierra Nevada (6500 ft): surface runways killing grass. Rabbits seen feeding; voles suspected (never seen).

Vole Signs

• Surface runways (1–2 in wide) in grass/thatch.
• Clean-clipped grass at 45° angles.
• Small burrow holes (no mounds).
• Droppings: small, greenish-brown, rice-sized.
• Winter: gnaw bark on shrubs/trees (snow cover).

Rabbit Signs

• Clean 45° cuts on young shoots.
• Round droppings (pea-sized).
• Feed dawn/dusk.

Control Resources

• Landscape Creations: Vole Control
• Rutgers: Vole Management (PDF)

Integrated Approach

• Reduce cover: mow tall grass, remove brush piles.
• Hardware cloth guards on tree/shrub bases.
• Snap traps in runways (peanut butter bait).
• Repellents (castor oil, predator urine) – variable.
• Encourage predators: owls, hawks, foxes.

Bottom Line

Voles make runways; rabbits browse. Both damage lawns. Habitat reduction + trapping + protection = best management. Use university resources for detailed plans.