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 Voles - Pages on voles, AKA meadow mice or field mice depending upon what part of the world you live in. Pages devoted to the classification & behaviour of the vole, as well as useful advice on how to control vole populations and damage.
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Vole Control. The signs to look out for when vole populations are becoming a problem, like tree damage, runways in lawns, nests and chewed fruit. Plus advice on what vole control methods can be implemented.
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Vole Control
Vole populations sometimes reach densities of several hundred voles per acre or more. Populations tend to peak on roughly 4-year cycles but weather plays a major role in population levels. Large numbers of mice can seriously damage orchard trees, Christmas trees and woody ornamental plants. High populations also result in many surface runways in lawns and turf. Where high vole populations occur, commercial growers and homeowners need to practice vole control. The key to successfully controlling vole population lies in taking action before damage occurs.
Most vole problems take place during the winter. Voles kill or severely injure trees and shrubs by girdling trunks, stems and sometimes roots when other food is scarce. Voles readily burrow in snow and use it as a protective insulating blanket. They may damage trees as high as the snow accumulates and may also harm Christmas trees stacked after cutting, making vole control crucial at this time of year.
Signs of damage may appear at the base of the trunk and on the plant's roots and lower branches. Voles prefer young, thin barked trees. They usually do less damage to older trees, but sometimes severely damage the exposed roots of older fruit trees under snow or grass cover. Runways in lawns look worse than they actually are, but an effective form of vole control is to rake loose grass out of the runways; surrounding grass will quickly fill in the area. For more rapid repair, spread loose soil in the runways and re-seed.
Begin looking for signs of troublesome vole populations in early autumn. Look for the nests and runways in grass and other vegetation close to the soil's surface. Fresh grass clippings, chewed fruit, faeces and frequent sightings are also indicators of abundant voles and the need for controlling measures.
Other forms of vole control to consider are natural controls such as hawks, owls, fox, skunks, weasels, mink and snakes which eat great numbers of voles. Orchardists and farmers should recognize that these predators are beneficial as they provide vole control at no cost. Severe weather and food shortages also reduce populations. While weather conditions cannot be controlled, predators can be encouraged or at least left alone. When natural vole controls are inadequate, artificial methods must be used to control vole population growth. Mid October through to mid November is the time for action. For trapping, select pleasant days when voles are most active. Control activities are difficult or ineffective after snow has covered the ground.
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 How to get rid of Voles - Methods and products that can be used to combat vole infestation. Such as habitat elimination, mouse guards, trapping and chemical repellents. Also links to more advice on how to get rid of voles.
 Mole and Vole Repellent - Mole and vole repellents like Liquid Fence and MoleMax are a good way to protect your lawn from being dug up by moles, voles and other rodents. They are also environmentally safe and won't harm your plants or your pets.
 Vole Bait - Vole baits like ZP rodent bait, d-Con Mouse Prufe and Rodex whole wheat rat & mouse poison are an efficient way to get rid of troublesome voles. It is always important to follow the given instructions when using rodenticides.
 Ultrasonic Vole Control - Ultrasonic vole control devices like the Super Sonic MoleChaser and PestChaser electronic rodent repeller are a humane way to take action against rodents that have entered your garden or home.
Pictures
The most relevant links we could find, placed here free
 How To Manage Pests - This page contains useful information on how to use vole control and manage vole populations. www.ipm.ucdavis.edu
Controlling Vole Damage - This article takes an in-depth look at ways to control vole damage to crops. http://muextension.missouri.edu
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