In the heart of Allentown, Pennsylvania, among all of its vibrant landscapes and bustling backyards, lurks a lesser-known resident that could be wreaking havoc right beneath your feet. Voles, often mistaken for their mole or mouse cousins, have been calling this area home for as long as the locals can remember but our technicians have reported a huge spike in activity this spring.
As we dive deep into the world of these hidden dwellers, we’ll uncover the nuances of their existence, why they are attracted to our yards, and the surprisingly significant impact they have on our outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the world of turf management, understanding and managing the presence of voles is crucial for maintaining the health and beauty of your property.
Understanding Voles: A Closer Look
Voles are small, burrowing rodents, known for their stout bodies, short legs, and keen ability to navigate the underground of our yards. Unlike the insect-eating moles, voles are herbivores, dining on a variety of plants, roots, and seeds. In Pennsylvania, the meadow vole and pine vole are particularly common, each adapting seamlessly to our local environment and climate.
What makes these creatures fascinating is not just their dietary preferences but their ecological role. Voles contribute to soil aeration through their tunneling activities, although this benefit is overshadowed by the damage they can cause. They breed prolifically, with populations capable of expanding rapidly under the right conditions, which brings us to the appeal of our own backyards.
The Allure of Your Yard
Our gardens and yards are unwittingly designed to be a vole’s paradise. Lush vegetation, abundant food sources, and protective ground cover create the perfect habitat for the vole to thrive. Practices such as overwatering, heavy mulching, and piles of garden debris contribute to making our outdoor spaces even more inviting to these critters. However, with a bit of insight and adjustment, we can make our yards less appealing to voles.
Spotting the Signs of Voles
Identifying a vole infestation early is key to managing their impact. Look out for the tell-tale snake-like tunnels and runways crisscrossing your lawn, alongside visible damage to plant roots and stems. An increase in predatory birds or animals in your yard could also hint at a growing vole population beneath the surface.
The Significant Impact of Voles
Voles may be small but their impact on what we’ve seen to Allentown yards can be significant. From aesthetic damage to lawns and gardens to the potential health risks they pose by carrying diseases, voles are more than just a nuisance. The economic aspect of repairing vole damage and implementing control measures can also add up, making it essential to address the problem efficiently.
