We can say that every living creature belongs to nature and deserves our attention. But with a little honesty, let’s also admit that we don’t welcome everyone on our property. For example, such voles can literally take care of the trigger in a relatively short time. How do we detect them in time?
They are a nightmare for gardeners, literally turning a carefully maintained lawn into a horrible spectacle in a few dark hours. Although damage to the “green” is often attributed to moles, voles are much more insidious and inconspicuous pests. They don’t make moles, but they work with more vigor. And their activity will soon be reflected in the quality of the lawn.
The YouTube video from Protect Garden CZ also provides additional information:
Do you know voles?
They are small, fast, inconspicuous gray-brown – actually quite cute. But only until they start destroying our garden. At that point, all vestiges of sympathy fall away and we have to engage in a man (or woman) vs. vole fight. In advance, we should realize that it will be about a more balanced fight than we would imagine.
Start the fight as soon as possible
The main advantage that can turn the situation in our favor is early detection of the problem. We can do this more easily if we know what kind of creature we are actually fighting. Unlike moles, they are voles are strict herbivoreswhich is precisely the fundamental problem that makes them such a danger. They dispose of grass, but also plant tubers, seeds, and they do not miss the roots of young trees, or the entire root necks. Surely we can all imagine how such a young tree will turn out…
You can recognize them by the paths
So how to detect the presence of voles in the garden as quickly as possible? The main feature, which we probably won’t miss especially in taller grass (not tall, just the one we let grow to a few centimeters), is a network of narrow paths, which are visible on the surface of the lawn. Although they are only a few centimeters wide, they clearly tell the story of voles moving between built-up food sources and inconspicuous, only about three centimeters wide, entrances to underground burrows.
The lawn and other plants suffer
Another indisputable sign of vole activity on the property is gradually withering vegetation. One plant can die even without their involvement, but if they appear entire precincts damaged by greenery, it’s a clear signalthat something bad is happening. Annuals, vegetables and other plants are falling to the ground for seemingly no reason, but we already know very well who is most likely behind it. Even if we can’t see them directly, we can clearly imagine how voles just below the surface destroy the roots of our protected plants.
Watch out for young trees
It is also necessary to point out the moment you notice bitten bark of young saplings just above the surface of the groundespecially after the winter season. Voles nibble the bark circular movement around the trunkwhich can completely destroy the entire tree.
November is ideal
So what is important to be able to act safely and quickly against voles? take a good look the signs of their action are right in front of your eyeswe just must not overlook them. Right now, that is in November and until the onset of the real winter, is the ideal time for their eventual disposal. Once they hide in their burrows, or even under the snow cover, they will do harm unnoticed for months to come. And we certainly don’t want to allow that.
