Pest Identification
Vole Identification and Property Tips
| Apr 22, 2022
Vole on soil, showing its compact body, blunt nose and small ears partly hidden by fur.
Voles are small rodents that can damage garden plants and bark near ground level. Missouri has prairie, woodland and meadow voles, so the word vole does not refer to just one species.
Identification and habits
A stocky body, short tail and small ears help distinguish voles from many mice. Surface runways through grass and chewing at plant bases are useful clues. Raised soil ridges alone are not enough to identify the animal; moles and voles require different approaches.
What to do at your property
Photograph affected plants and paths, keep grass maintained and reduce dense cover immediately around vulnerable plantings. Ask about an inspection before buying a treatment for unidentified lawn damage. Keep children and pets away from any control devices, and discuss plant protection as well as population control.
Photograph the pest clearly and note where and when it appeared. Ask Plank about identification and whether inspection, prevention or selected treatment is appropriate. The service scope and any follow-up are confirmed for your property.
Reference: Missouri Department of Conservation: vole control.
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