Meadow Voles in Michigan
Meadow voles, often referred to as “meadow mice” or “field mice,” are a rodent species found throughout North America. Unlike the slender frames and long tails of typical mice and rats, meadow voles have short tails and heavier, compact bodies. They are rarely found indoors due to their inability to climb, which limits their access to buildings. Instead, they thrive outdoors, where they build detailed tunnel networks and pathways that can wreak havoc on lawns and landscaped spaces. Their main source of nutrients is plants like grasses and seeds, and their quick reproduction can lead to significant damage in an instant.
Meadow Vole Habitat
As you now know, meadow voles primarily reside within underground tunnel systems and rarely venture out of their burrows. These burrows are typically small and shallow, with nests made from woven grass, leaves, and stems, concealed beneath dense vegetation or ground cover like clover. Maintaining your yard by minimizing overgrown plants can help expose their hidden trails, so consider implementing regular upkeep into your schedule. Additional hints of their presence include tiny greenish droppings approximately 3/16 of an inch in length and freshly cut grass near the entrances of their burrows.
Meadow Vole Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
While these small rodents generally present a minimal threat to humans due to limited contact, they can still transmit illnesses such as plague and tularemia. Although they rarely enter homes, they often cause significant problems for property owners by destroying crops, orchards, and young trees as they forage for food. Their habit of gnawing on tree trunks both above and below ground also leads to considerable damage to lawns, ground covers, and golf courses. If you suspect an infestation, reach out to Griffin Pest Solutions for a thorough inspection and fast, effective solutions.
