Step by Step Instructions to Trapping Voles in the Landscape

1) First identify that you have voles and not moles. Meadow voles live most of their lives above ground, whereas pine voles are much smaller and live almost all their lives underground. Damage by meadow voles is usually to the base of plants and fruit trees. Pine voles will destroy the root systems of plants and trees. Pine voles create golf ball-sized exit holes like the ones show here in this picture.

2) Mouse traps can be used to control a small population by placing the trap perpendicular to the runway with the trigger end at the enterance to the voles exit hole. Sunflowers make a great bait.

3 )The trap should be covered by a clay pot or pot weighed down with a rock to prevent pets and birds from injury. It also keeps the trap in the dark, which pine voles prefer.

4) Voles are easiest to trap in fall and late winter. Check the traps at least once a day and reset until no voles are caught for a week.