Voles / Field Mice Lawn Invasion
In early spring, when the snow finally melts and we are able to get back out into our yards, some of you may be surprised to find trails and burrows in the lawn. Many of these above ground trails are mistakenly thought to be from moles. Actually in our neck of the woods these trails are made by voles or also referred to as field mice, forging voles tirelessly feeding on the crowns of healthy lawn blades creating small tunnels under the snow pack. Hidden from predators, under snow cover, these trails become a vole super highway leading to their underground burrow. Once the snow starts to melt the trails are easy to see. I couldn’t believe the damage the voles had done to our lawn on the north side of the house, trails running everywhere.As soon as the lawn dries out, rake over the tunnels with a flexible rake. Apply a spring fertilizer such as a 21-7-14 or 16-16-16. The lawn will usually fill back in by mid-June. If you find it necessary to re-seed, wait until the ground temperatures warm up, around the middle of May.There are several products on the market that you can treat the area with to discourage these critters. I like to use products that contain Castor Oil, either in pellet form or a ready to use liquid. You need dry weather for a couple of days after applying, this includes |
