Pest Identification And Information

Voles or Meadow Mice

Voles sometimes referred to as meadow mice or meadow voles, belong to the genus Microtus in the order Rodentia. Sometimes they are called “field mice”. PCO’s should avoid using this name, as it is the name of another rodent species. The problem with the microtus species is the economic damage they cause on garden, ornamental plantings, fruit trees and other valuable trees. They are becoming a more important pest to the PCO. New housing developments moving into areas where these animals range can result in calls from the homeowners about these “mice” and correct identification of the problem species is essential for planning an effective control program.

DESCRIPTION:

Generally called meadow mice, there are other species that may occur such as the pine vole, and orchard vole. There are several species occurring in the US, most living in rural areas, pastureland, and cropland. They are small, blunt nosed with small furry ears. The tail has hair and the fur is thick, blackish brown to grayish brown. Depending on the species, adults measure from 4 - 6 inches in body length with a 3/4 - 23/4 inch tail. The general appearance of the meadow mouse, short tail, stocky body distinguishes them from deer mice and the house mouse.

BIOLOGY:

• Meadow mice populations are very cyclic in nature, reaching high numbers every 3 - 6 years.
• Females have litters of 3 - 9, as they get older the litters’ get larger.
• They may have from 5 - 10 litters per year.
• They have their first litters in the spring and continue through the fall.
• Females mature and start breeding in 4 - 6 weeks
• Young are weaned at 2 - 3 weeks at which time they disperse to establish their own territories.

HABITS:

These animals have a wide distribution. They prefer grassy pasture or croplands but will move into rural or urban areas, especially in times of drought or extreme cold. They may even invade houses, but do not “infest” or nest in structures.

MEADOW VOLE:

• Primarily a surface feeder making numerous trails through thick grass.
• Often will dig shallow burrows or use burrows of other animals such as moles
• Damage to plants, exposed roots, tubers, or trees is usually at, or near a few inches of the surface.
• Trunk girdling is usually attributed to the meadow mouse.

PINE VOLE:

• Burrows into, and feeds, under ground.
• May make some surface trails if adequate cover.
• Will use burrows of other animals.
• Nests are usually underground.
• Damage to roots systems is attributed to these voles.
• Will push up dirt from their burrows, but it is a fan shaped mound as opposed to a “volcano” shaped mound caused by moles.

CONTROL:

If meadow mice have entered buildings they are best captured by snap traps, glue boards or wind-up traps. ZP AG rodent bait is labeled for voles and meadow mice. Read and follow the label if you use this product.

The arrow marks the entrance to underground tunnel system.

Voles or meadow mice live in areas of heavy grass and weed cover. They use both aboveground runways and underground tunnels to move from place to place. The surface runways are 1 to 2 inches wide. Vegetation may be clipped close to the ground and you may find pieces of vegetation and droppings in the runways. You will find numerous openings into underground tunnels below the surface. Nests are made of grass or other vegetation and are either on the surface or under the ground.