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The meadow vole, commonly found in Idaho, can be a nuisance to lawns and landscapes. These small, chunky rodents measure around 4½ to 5½ inches long, including their tail. Meadow voles are active year-round, and their damage may not be noticed until the snow melts in spring. They feed on roots, stems, grass, seeds, and underground reproductive structures.

One of the biggest concerns is the damage they cause to trees. Meadow voles girdle or remove the bark near the base of trees, which can lead to their death. In lawns, they create shallow tunnels and runways, leaving behind gnawed stems, bark, and roots. Vole populations have cyclical patterns, with minor peaks every four to six years and population explosions every 10 to 12 years.

To address a vole problem, it is important to monitor your property regularly for signs of vole damage. Mowing consistently and clearing weeds and debris from affected areas will help eliminate their habitat. Additionally, you can prevent voles from accessing trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds by installing 3/8-inch netted wire six inches below the soil surface and six inches above ground.

Wooden traps can be used to reduce vole damage. Set the traps flush with the ground and perpendicular to surface runways, and use peanut butter, oatmeal, or apple slices as bait. It is essential to check the traps daily and bury any dead voles to prevent the spread of diseases. Ensure that the traps are placed out of reach of children and small pets.

Chemical baiting is another option, but it requires special precautions as the chemicals are toxic to children, pets, and non-target animals. Bait stations, enclosed feeding devices placed in runways or next to burrows, can be used to attract voles. Reading and following label instructions is crucial when using chemicals. Zinc phosphide, a fast-acting restricted-use chemical, can be effective when placed in a bait station. Anticoagulant chemical baits, typically pelleted or in block form, require multiple feedings to be lethal and should be placed underground or in a bait station.

Overall, taking preventive measures, using traps, or resorting to chemical baiting can help manage meadow vole problems in lawns and landscapes effectively.

Definitions:
– Girdling: The removal of bark from a plant’s stem or trunk, which can disrupt the flow of nutrients and water.
– Restricted-use chemical: A pesticide that can only be purchased and used by certified applicators.
– Anticoagulant: A substance that prevents blood from clotting.

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