Voles are small rodents, commonly mistaken for mice or moles, known for their active burrowing habits. Their digging often leads to visible signs in lawns and gardens.
Vole Tunnels and Burrows
Voles are prolific diggers, creating extensive networks of tunnels and burrows just beneath the surface. Their tunnels are typically shallow, only a few inches deep, and narrow, usually measuring about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. These subterranean pathways connect numerous open entry and exit holes that dot the ground.
A distinguishing feature of vole activity is the presence of visible “runways” or paths on the surface of the grass. These runways are flattened trails, often covered by vegetation, that voles use to travel between their tunnel entrances and foraging areas. Unlike moles, voles do not typically create large, volcano-shaped mounds of excavated dirt next to their tunnel openings. Instead, the small amounts of soil they displace are often pushed into the tunnel or scattered discreetly.
Identifying Vole Activity
Distinguishing vole activity from that of other burrowing animals, such as moles or gophers, involves observing specific visual cues. Vole holes are small and open, leading directly into their shallow tunnel systems or surface runways. These runways are a strong indicator, appearing as well-worn paths through the grass or mulch.
In contrast, mole activity is recognized by raised ridges of soil that snake across the lawn, indicating their deeper, subsurface tunnels. Moles also create distinct “mole hills,” which are symmetrical, volcano-shaped mounds of finely sifted dirt. Gophers, on the other hand, produce larger, crescent-shaped mounds of soil, and their tunnel entrances are typically plugged with dirt. Understanding these differences helps in accurately identifying the animal responsible for the digging.
Why Voles Dig
Voles engage in extensive digging for several fundamental biological reasons related to their survival. Their intricate tunnel systems provide protection from a variety of predators, including birds of prey, snakes, and domestic animals. The subterranean environment offers a safe refuge from these threats.
These tunnels also serve as shelter from harsh weather conditions, protecting voles from extreme temperatures and precipitation. The burrows are also used for nesting, providing a secure environment for raising their young. Voles use their tunnels for food storage, creating subterranean chambers to cache roots, bulbs, and seeds collected from their foraging expeditions.