Voles are small, ground-dwelling rodents commonly found throughout the Treasure Valley. While they may resemble mice, their behavior and the damage they cause are very different—especially during Idaho winters. Voles tunnel through lawns and landscapes, feeding on roots, bulbs, and vegetation. Their activity can leave behind spongy soil, dead grass, and long runways that create an unsightly mess in yards.
Understanding how voles live and what attracts them is the first step toward preventing costly lawn damage. Below is a guide to identifying vole activity and the most effective ways Boise-area homeowners can get rid of them.
What Does a Vole Look Like?
Voles have a stocky body, short tail, and small eyes and ears. They are typically 4–6 inches long and range in color from brown to gray. Unlike mice—which are adapted for climbing—voles are built for life at ground level and spend most of their time in shallow tunnel systems beneath lawns and landscaped beds.
Key features that distinguish voles from mice include:
- Short, barely visible tail
- Stocky body and rounded snout
- Dense fur that thickens in winter
- Surface runways in grass
Where Do Voles Live?
Voles thrive in areas with thick vegetation, gardens, mulch beds, and tall grass. In Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and surrounding Idaho communities, they are especially active during winter when snow cover provides protection from predators.
Common vole habitats around homes include:
- Lawn and turf areas
- Flower beds and mulch beds
- Rock retaining walls and groundcover plants
- Perimeters of sheds, fencing, and outbuildings
- Gardens, orchards, and raised beds
Signs of Vole Damage
Voles leave very distinct patterns in landscaping. Homeowners often confuse vole activity with gophers or moles, but each pest causes different types of damage.
Common signs of vole activity include:
- Surface runways: Narrow paths 1–2 inches wide through dead or matted grass.
- Gnawing damage: Chewed bark at the base of shrubs or trees in a “V” pattern.
- Small tunnel openings: 1–2 inch holes near lawns, gardens, or foundations.
- Dead turf: Lawn patches killed by root feeding below the surface.
Unlike gophers, voles do not create large dirt mounds.
Are Voles Harmful?
Voles are not dangerous to people or pets, but they can cause significant and expensive damage to landscaping. Their feeding habits can kill plants, shrubs, and young trees, and their runway systems often require reseeding or repair in spring.
Because voles reproduce quickly, small populations can escalate into widespread lawn damage if not addressed early.
How to Get Rid of Voles
Effective vole control focuses on habitat reduction, exclusion, and targeted control. Here are the most reliable strategies for Idaho homes:
1. Reduce Shelter & Landscaping Cover
- Keep grass trimmed short
- Reduce thick mulch layers
- Remove fallen fruit and dense groundcover
- Store firewood off the ground and away from structures
2. Protect Trees & Garden Beds
- Install hardware cloth around young trees
- Use underground mesh barriers in high-risk areas
- Shield raised beds with buried fencing
3. Trap Along Active Runways
Snap traps placed directly in runways are one of the most effective control methods when done correctly.
- Place traps perpendicular to vole paths
- Cover traps to protect pets and wildlife
- Monitor and reset regularly
4. Repellents (Limited Effectiveness)
Repellents may offer short-term relief but rarely eliminate active populations on their own. They work best when combined with trapping and habitat changes.
5. Professional Vole Control
When vole damage is widespread or returns year after year, professional wildlife control services are usually the most effective solution.
Pestcom’s local Treasure Valley technicians understand Idaho’s seasonal vole behavior and provide targeted trapping, monitoring, and prevention strategies.
Final Thoughts
Voles can quietly cause extensive lawn and landscape damage, especially during winter months. Early identification and proactive control are key to preventing costly spring repairs.
If you suspect vole activity on your property, the next step is a professional evaluation. Contact Pestcom Pest Management to schedule an inspection and create a customized vole control plan.