Voles may be small, but their impact on Columbus landscapes can be surprisingly large. Often mistaken for mice or moles, these rodents are known for their extensive tunneling and rapid reproduction, which can quickly turn a healthy lawn or garden into a patchwork of dead grass and damaged plants. Understanding vole behavior is the first step in preventing costly damage and protecting your outdoor spaces.
Identifying Voles in Columbus
Voles are short, stocky rodents with small ears, short tails, and dense brown or gray fur. Unlike moles, which are insectivores, voles primarily feed on vegetation. In Columbus, they are active year-round, even beneath snow cover, and can be found in grassy fields, gardens, and landscaped yards. Their presence is often revealed by surface runways in the grass, small burrow openings, and gnawed plant stems.
Common Vole Behaviors That Cause Damage
Voles live in colonies and are prolific breeders, with multiple litters each year. This rapid population growth can overwhelm landscapes if left unchecked. Key behaviors that contribute to damage include:
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Tunneling and Runway Creation – Voles create shallow runways just beneath the grass, causing unsightly patterns in lawns and making it easier for them to access food sources.
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Plant and Tree Damage – They feed on grasses, bulbs, garden plants, and tree bark, especially during winter when other food sources are scarce.
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Year-Round Activity – Because they remain active in all seasons, vole damage can accumulate steadily, particularly in areas with mulch, dense vegetation, or ground cover.
Why Columbus Landscapes Are Vulnerable
Columbus’s mix of suburban lawns, ornamental plantings, and open green spaces offers voles abundant food and shelter. Mild winters in recent years have allowed populations to remain active for longer periods without significant die-offs. Gardens, flower beds, and young trees are especially at risk if voles establish runways nearby.
Preventing and Controlling Vole Damage
Effective vole management starts with making your landscape less inviting to these pests:
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Reduce Ground Cover – Keep grass mowed, remove thick mulch, and limit dense vegetation near plant bases.
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Protect Trees and Shrubs – Install tree guards or wrap the base of young trees to prevent bark gnawing.
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Remove Food Sources – Clear fallen fruit, keep bird feeders tidy, and avoid leaving garden debris.
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Professional Wildlife Control – When populations are established, working with trained wildlife control specialists ensures humane, effective, and long-term solutions.
Protecting Columbus Properties from Voles
Voles may be small, but their behaviors can have a big impact on the health and beauty of Columbus landscapes. By understanding how they operate and taking proactive steps to deter them, you can keep your property looking its best year-round. For severe or persistent problems, professional vole control from Critter Control of Columbus can restore your lawn and garden.