Meadow Voles in Salina
The meadow vole, also commonly called the “field mouse,” is common in Salina and throughout the United States. Voles have shorter tails and heavier, more cylindrical bodies than their rat and mouse cousins. Voles usually do not come inside homes or other buildings. Meadow voles eat plants, especially grasses, and seeds. These rodents build extensive runway and tunnel systems, causing extensive damage to turf and landscape plants.
Meadow Vole Habitat
Meadow voles spend most of their time below ground in their burrow system. They dig short, shallow burrows and make underground nests of grass, stems, and leaves. A protective layer of grass or another ground cover usually hides their runways. You can locate the runways by pulling back the overhanging ground cover. Fresh clippings of green grass and small greenish droppings are further evidence of voles.
Meadow Vole Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Meadow voles rarely come in contact with humans. However, they are capable of carrying disease organisms, such as plague and tularemia. Meadow voles become a significant pest to homeowners as they forage and cause extensive damage to landscaping, gardens, and fields. Voles also damage trees, lawns, golf courses, and ground covers. If you suspect a meadow vole issue, contact your local rodent exterminators.
