Who drew the lines on your lawn? Meet the vole
When the snow melts, your lawn may look like someone spent all winter driving go-karts through the grass. Something smaller and better organized did.
Read the clues, name the culprit
University of Minnesota Extension describes the classic signs: criss-crossing surface runways revealed at snowmelt, small holes about an inch wide leading to bulbs and tubers, and bark chewed near the ground with paired tooth grooves about a quarter inch wide. Voles do their worst damage to small trees and shrubs hidden under winter snow, and UMN notes mild winters with good snowfall can help to increase their populations.
One more twist for your case file: moles often get blamed for eating roots, but UMN notes moles actually eat white grubs. Voles simply borrow the tunnels.
Fix it from the bottom up
UMN's ladder starts with yardkeeping. Remove woodpiles and debris, trim grass and brush so they stand off the ground, and clean under bird feeders. Vole-battered lawns are rarely ruined: rake out the dead grass and reseed in spring.
Next come physical defenses. UMN recommends light-colored tree guards reaching above the snow line, base buried or ridged so pests cannot dig under, fitted loosely enough not to constrict the trunk. Trapping with baited, covered snap traps along runways comes next. Baits are the last resort: UMN notes most vole baits are restricted-use products, and the label is the law.
Bottom line
- Runways at snowmelt and paired tooth grooves near the ground are vole signs; we suggest acting before the snow arrives.
- Start with cleanup and reseeding, then tree guards, then traps; baits are a last resort and mostly restricted-use.
- UMN notes mild winters with good snowfall can help to increase vole populations.
Your zone
- Zones 3 to 4: UMN's Minnesota guidance says damage to small trees and shrubs happens hidden under winter snow; we suggest putting guards up before it falls.
This week: walk your young trees and shrubs, clear the woodpile clutter, and fit guards before the snow flies.
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