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VOLES
Each spring throughout the United States some property
owners are dismayed to discover turf area’s
that appear as if someone has taken a tiny lawnmower
and mowed pathways through the turf. The mysterious
“lawn mower” is probably a vole. Also
known as “meadow mice,” voles are small
rodents. Voles are mostly herbivorous in their feeding.
They feed on the fresh new grass shoots, clipping
the grass off at the base and “harvesting”
a path through the grass. Voles are stocky, rounded
rodents with short tails, short ears and a blunted
nose. The legs are short and the tail is sparse
of hairs. The length of the body and tail varies
according to the species, but most voles measure
between 4 and 7 inches. Voles are among the most
prolific mammals on earth. Meadow voles have been
recorded producing up to 17 consecutive litters
in one year, resulting in an amazing 83 offspring.
The meadow vole constructs well-defined, visible
surface runways through turf areas measuring about
1 ½ to 2 inches in width.
Voles are active for intermittent periods during
the day and night. Typically they make quick visits
from the burrow through their runways and back,
making about 15 to 20 forays from the nest, each
lasting only about 10 minutes. Thus, people rarely
see the vole itself. Most people realize they have
voles only as a result of the damage to their turf
or landscaping. Home ranges may be as large as 1
½ acres, but in typical residential landscaping,
if vegetation is abundant, they may range only 30
to 50 feet out from the protection of cover.
JRG Termite and Pest Control offers a specialized
division pertaining to all wildlife needs. We have
five highly trained wildlife professional experts
on staff who are available 24 hours a day for any
emergency situation. We are members of the National
Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA),
NJ State Licensed Furbearing Trappers, NJ Wildlife
Damage Control Operators Association (NJWDCOA) and
are certified with the National Bat Conservation
Organization.
Should you need any assistance, please feel free
to contact J R G Termite and Pest Control.
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