Voles
NuisanceWhat it is
Small, stocky field rodents that make surface runways and shallow burrows in lawns and vegetation. They feed on grasses, roots, bulbs, bark, and garden plants and can damage landscaping.
How to recognize it
Small, stocky rodents with short tails. Surface runways in grass and mulch, and gnawed bark on young trees.
Where you will find it
Lawns, gardens, mulch, and under snow cover.
Why it matters
They damage lawns, bulbs, and bark but rarely enter homes.
What to do
- Store food, including pet food and birdseed, in sealed containers and keep trash secured.
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings, since that can stir up dust. Ask a professional about safe cleanup.
- Note where you hear or see activity and take a photo of any droppings or gnaw marks.
- Contact a licensed pest professional. Store-bought traps and poisons can leave animals in walls and put children and pets at risk.
When to call a professional
- You hear scratching in walls or the attic.
- You find droppings, gnaw marks, or nests.
- You see a rodent in daylight, which can mean a large population.
Related pests
Chipmunks
Small striped ground squirrels that burrow near foundations, landscaping, retaining walls, and gardens. They can disturb soil, raid birdseed, and occasionally enter garages or structures.
Read more →Deer Mice
Small mice with a brownish back, white underside, large eyes, and a distinctly bicolored tail. They are common in rural or wooded settings and may enter sheds, garages, attics, and homes.
Read more →Flying Squirrels
Nocturnal squirrels with a skin membrane that allows gliding between trees. They may enter attics and wall spaces through small openings and can create noise, nesting, contamination, or chewing damage.
Read more →Ground Squirrels
A group of burrowing squirrels that live primarily on or below the ground. Their tunnels can damage landscapes, undermine structures, and create trip hazards, while the animals may feed on gardens and crops.
Read more →This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Pests vary by region and situation, and an on-site inspection is the reliable way to know what you have.