How to Identify Vole Damage
In lawns, vole damage is most noticeable after snow melts. Vole damage is typically more severe in winters with consistent snow cover. Homeowners often see:
- Narrow, winding brown tracks across the lawn
- Grass that looks chewed down close to the soil
- Dead patches where voles nested and fed
Unlike moles, voles do not create raised tunnels or push up soil. Their runways remain at the surface and do not disturb the soil.
Biology of Voles and Root Cause of Damage
Voles are small, brown rodents that live in wooded areas, tall grass, wetlands, and even landscaped yards. They are active year round and feed on plants, roots, fruits, and seeds.Voles reproduce quickly and populations can increase rapidly under favorable conditions. They are active all year, but most lawn damage occurs during the winter.
Spring-Summer-Fall: During the warmer months, voles move across lawns in search of food and new habitats. While they may be seen during these times, their movement does not typically cause damage to the lawn. During these seasons, voles typically remain in tall grass, ornamental beds, and undisturbed areas where cover is available.
Winter: When snow covers the ground, it provides a protective layer that shields voles from predators such as hawks, owls and foxes, which allows voles to travel and feed in open lawn areas for extended periods. Beneath the snow, voles build surface runways in the grass and repeatedly travel those same pathways while feeding on the grass. Under the protection of snow cover, voles may also nest and reproduce, increasing feeding pressure and lawn damage. When the snow melts, the runways and damaged patches become visible. Extended snow cover generally increases the likelihood and severity of damage.
Common Misconceptions About Voles and Vole Damage
Vole damage often does not kill the grass. In most cases, the crown remains intact and the turf will recover as new growth develops.- It is not mole damage. Moles leave raised ridges and soil mounds. Further they are less active in winter months.
- It does not mean your lawn is unhealthy.
- Seeing vole tracks one season does not guarantee damage every year.
- Treatments will prevent all damage. No treatment guarantees zero damage. Repellents and baiting programs can reduce activity, but under high population pressure they may be less effective.
What Can A Homeowner Do Once They Have Vole Damage
If you notice vole damage in the spring:
-
- Be patient. Allow the lawn to dry and begin actively growing before doing anything.
- Lightly rake the brown tracks or patches to stimulate grass recovery, but make sure to wait until the lawn is dry and grass is actively growing.
- As temperatures warm and growth resumes, most vole tracks will gradually fill in.
- Seed heavily damaged areas to stimulate faster recovery.
What Can bioLawn Do Once You Have Vole Damage
- bioLawn can evaluate if the grass is alive and will recover naturally.
- bioLawn can fertilize the lawn to promote faster root and leaf recovery.
- bioLawn can seed larger bare areas to improve lawn density.
What Can Homeowners Do To Prevent Future Damage
- Remove heavy leaf cover before winter.
- Trim down tall grass or landscape plants near lawn edges in the early fall.
- In areas with recurring heavy pressure, a licensed pest control provider can install and monitor rodent bait stations around property edges.
What Can bioLawn Do To Prevent Future Damage
bioLawn offers a fall organic granular repellent. This product acts as a natural irritant that makes the lawn environment less desirable for voles. In our experience, this treatment reduces the amount of time voles spend feeding and traveling in your lawn. This results in fewer runways and nesting areas come spring. This environmentally responsible approach focuses on discouraging activity rather than eliminating wildlife. So it is possible that some damage may still occur with this treatment.
If you need help identifying an issue in your lawn or you have further questions about voles, please reach out to our office.