Introduction to Voles

Meadow Mice, also known as Voles, are often confused for moles or shrews.  Damage caused by voles are often identified by girdling of trees, especially in the Fall and Winter months.  Voles spend much of their time in their underground burrow system, but do venture out in their above ground runways.  These runways are easily identified because they are often covered by brown grass.

An effective method of controlling voles is through the use of a zinc phosphide rodenticide.  There are several restricted use pesticides available for use with voles in Michigan, but they must be applied by a commercial applicator that is certified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.  After the application, reducing vegetative groundcover can help solve the vole problem.  This can be accomplished by raking the above ground runways.