Many people think of voles as being a type of mole, but they are quite different animals. They are smaller and have evolved to be full-time digging machines. California is home to six species and in our part of the state, the California Vole is the most common species. They are also commonly called Meadow Mice, although they are different rodents than the house mouse. They feed above ground and below, but do not typically invade homes or commercial structures as mice do. They resemble Pocket Gophers, with short legs and compact bodies made for digging. Full-grown individuals generally are six to eight inches long. If you’re not sure which is aggravating you, check out the droppings. Mouse feces resembles a black piece of rice while voles are long and green.

Voles spend the vast majority of their time in their underground burrow systems. The easiest way to detect their presence is from the dominant type of damage they cause to property, their runways just below the surface connecting their burrow living areas and surface openings. They can quickly destroy the hard work and expense you invest in your landscaping and outdoor living spaces. Their burrow systems make for ugly eyesores and health hazards by weakening large grassy areas and outdoor hardscaped surfaces. They cause catastrophic damage to gardens and landscaping vegetation through their digging and feeding on plants.

As they also spend time above ground looking for food, they attract predator species like hawks and snakes that can be hazardous to humans and pets. Voles feed extensively on common garden vegetables and many flower species. They also damage most tree species by feeding on bark close to the ground. Trees that seem to be suffering but do not show visible signs of damage have often been girdled by voles just below the surface. Girdling is the encircling of a tree’s trunk by chewing and gnawing and will quickly kill a tree by cutting off its ability to move water and nutrients upward from the ground. Even partial girdling can permanently stunt a tree’s growth and ability to produce fruit or nuts.

In addition to their visible burrowing, other evidence of an infestation includes gnaw and chew marks around a quarter-inch long, in irregular angles, and droppings along burrow openings and runways. Like all rodents, they can carry dangerous microorganisms as well as ticks and mites. Family dogs often have unwanted contact with voles and can cause additional yard damage by digging after them under the surface.

Voles are typically professionally controlled through trapping. Exclusionary techniques are also often effective in smaller areas. We will thoroughly and carefully inspect your property and discuss with you the most effective, humane, and responsible control plan for your particular circumstances. 101 Gopher & Pest Control is the leading pest control firm serving Ventura County and the greater LA metropolitan area. Our superior reputation for outstanding customer service assures your complete satisfaction with every job we do. Contact us today to get a free comprehensive estimate for effective vole treatment and control as well as all of your pest control needs for your home or business.