Factors That Could Attract Meadow Voles to Your Lawn
January 11, 2019
Meadow voles are also known as meadow mice. However, they can be differentiated from house or deer mice by their nose. Meadow voles have a blunt nose, while house and deer mice tend to have a more pointed nose. They also have short, rounded ears that are somewhat covered by their fur. These rodents won’t usually enter homes, and if they do it’s usually at the ground levels as they are not very good climbers. Instead, voles will be a lot happier living in your yard and gardens. This article will explain the damages these pests can cause and what could potentially be attracting them to your yard.
What Voles Eat and Why This Causes Problems for You
Meadow voles enjoy thick grass and areas with lots of ground cover for protection. This allows them to remain unseen by predators. Meadow voles are mainly herbivores, so they like to eat plants, vegetable crops, tree bark, shrubs, and more. During spring and summer, voles typically eat living plants and destroy gardens. During the fall and winter, they move on to tree bark, seeds, roots, and grains. They also may eat overwintering fruit, such as cranberries.
Because of the vole's diet, your landscaping is at risk. Meadow voles have been known to kill lawns, plants, shrubs, and even trees. Any property with vegetation or greenery will attract them. They often choose properties with moist areas or that are near lakes, swamps, or other water sources.
Not only will meadow voles damage your yard, but they are known for spreading diseases, as well. Their urine and feces can contaminate your soil, along with your house, if they get inside. Babesiosis, Hantavirus, and Salmonella can all be spread from voles. Any rodent is capable of bringing parasites to your yard, such as fleas, ticks, and mites. Secondary illnesses can be spread from some of these parasites including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Needless to say, you don’t want meadow voles on your property!
Why Voles are Attracted to Your Property
Factors that may be attracting meadow voles to your lawn:
- Untrimmed grass. The longer the grass, the more coverage meadow voles will have and they prefer it this way.
- Debris in the yard. If you have lots of clutter, such as leaves or fallen trees and logs, this may attract voles for the hiding places they can find there.
- No fencing. Fencing can help protect your crops. If you don’t have fencing in place, voles have free reign to explore your yard. Make sure, if you install fencing, that it goes at least 10 inches into the ground. Otherwise, voles may still get in, as they burrow and create tunnels for traveling and for their nests.
- No protective skirting. Without protective skirting around trees, voles will eat the bark and, if they aren’t stopped, could eventually kill your trees.
Choose Professional Help
If you have meadow voles on your property, Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators is here to help. Dealing with pests on your own can be frustrating and time-consuming. To ensure that voles aren’t ruining your yard and spreading diseases, contact us. We’ll send a certified pest technician to inspect your Rock Island, IL property and determine the extent of your pest invasion.
With our Home Guardian SM Service, proper control measurements will be put into place and we will stop future pest invasions!