As winter’s icy grip loosens and the promise of spring fills the air, you might be eager to assess the condition of your lawn and garden. But beware! There could be a hidden enemy lurking beneath the snow, ready to sabotage your landscaping dreams: voles.
These tiny rodents, often mistaken for mice or moles, can cause significant damage to your turf and plants. They create intricate networks of tunnels and burrows, nibbling on roots, bulbs, and even the bark of trees and shrubs.
Spotting the Vole’s Vandalism
The aftermath of a vole invasion can be unsightly and frustrating. You might notice patches of dead grass, wilting plants, or even girdled trees. Surface runways, about 1-2 inches wide, are another telltale sign of vole activity. These miniature highways often lead to burrows or nests, where voles raise their families and plan their next attack on your prized perennials.
Fighting Back: Vole Control Strategies
Don’t let these tiny troublemakers take over your yard! There are several ways to manage vole populations and protect your landscape:
- Trapping: Setting traps in active runways can be an effective way to capture and remove voles.
- Protecting Plants: Create a barrier around vulnerable plants using wire mesh or hardware cloth. Think of it as armor for your azaleas!
- Habitat Modification: Keep your lawn mowed and remove dense vegetation that provides cover for voles. A well-maintained lawn is less inviting to these tiny troublemakers.
- Repellents: Certain scents and tastes can deter voles. Consider using commercial repellents to send them packing.
- Baits: In severe cases, baits may be necessary. However, it’s crucial to use them with caution and follow all label instructions to protect other animals and the environment.
Cornerstone Partners: Your Vole Victory Squad
At Cornerstone Partners, we understand the frustration and damage that voles can cause. Our team of experts can help you identify vole activity, assess the extent of the damage, and develop a customized management plan to reclaim your landscape.
We offer a variety of vole control services, including:
- Vole Abatement: We use a reduced-risk rodenticide bait to control vole populations safely and effectively.
- Habitat Modification: We’ll help you create a landscape that’s less attractive to voles by removing dense vegetation and maintaining a healthy lawn.
- Exclusion: We can install physical barriers to protect vulnerable plants from vole damage.
- Monitoring: We’ll keep a watchful eye on your property for signs of vole activity and adjust our control measures as needed.
Don’t let voles conquer your yard! Contact Cornerstone Partners today, and let our experts help you evict these unwanted tenants and restore your landscape to its former glory.
