When someone says the word “rodent,” rats and mice would understandably come to mind. However, there are many other creatures in the rodent category. Have you ever heard of a vole? They are small rodents more commonly referred to as “field mice,” despite them not being classified as mice. There are over 20 types of voles. One known in Peoria is the meadow vole.
Meadow voles have a lot of similarities to rats and mice. One aspect is that they appear to be cute and cuddly sometimes. Another is that they can be destructive and pose a threat to humans. It would be wise to learn about these animals, so you can successfully identify and prevent them. Further, you can find out how Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators can help save you from the damage they cause to your property and your health.
What Do Meadow Voles Look Like? How Do They Behave?
Meadow voles that have reached adulthood can be three to five inches long. They can weigh as much as 3/4 or 2-1/2 ounces. Their thickset bodies are covered in brown or black fur. They have tiny and round ears, short tails, blunted noses, and four legs. While their front paws consist of four toes, the hind ones have five.
Meadow voles want to be outdoors because it provides the proper conditions for nesting and feeding. Fields close to bodies of water, like swamps and lakes, are ideal. They create ground burrows to live in, under the soil, mulch, and organic debris. They conceal themselves in bushy grass and landscaping. Fruit, grass, plants, seeds, and bark are what sustains them. They also eat dead insects and animals. If they happen to enter your property, they won’t get past the first floor because they aren’t good climbers. Never hibernating, they’re active all year. They produce up to five litters annually.
Meadow voles damage crops, vegetation, yards, and trees with their digging and feeding. Though it's unlikely that they will live in your home, it’s still a possibility. Peoria residents should be advised that these critters can carry illness-causing bacteria. Tularemia, salmonella, and rabies are examples of the diseases they can transmit.
How Can Meadow Voles Be Prevented?
It might seem like an impossible task to prevent meadow voles from coming around. You can’t get rid of nature, nor would you want to. Grass, plants, lakes, and rivers are too beautiful, and we need those elements for a stable environment. Most people would like to have a lawn or live near water, and you don’t have to forfeit that to avoid meadow voles. Here are feasible, easy ways to keep them off your property:
Regularly cut your grass.
Remove leaves, weeds, and debris from your yard.
Keep mulch a few feet away from tree bases.
Groom trees, plants and shrubs, and keep greenery distanced from your front door.
Add sweeps to all exterior doors.
Close gaps and crevices in exterior foundations.
What Can Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators Do About Meadow Voles?
For over 85 years, Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators has helped home and business owners protect their spaces from bugs and creatures. There are far too many crawling species that will ruin your property, and/or put your health at risk.
Fortunately, whether you're dealing with voles or other pests, our experts have the solution you need. Our baits, traps, liquids, sprays, gels, and other products are advanced and efficient. Meadow voles won’t even think about tunneling on your Peoria property. We’ll make sure your land isn’t attractive to them. If they’re already hanging about, our methods will get rid of their nests. They’ll have no choice but to move on. Call us now to schedule your free inspection!