The Voles of Saratoga Springs
Vole, meadow mouse, field mouse are some common names for a small rodent with residence in Saratoga Springs. Although common to our area and around in past years, their presence seem to be more noticeable at this time. Several SSOA residents have had recent problems with them this spring. We have had them in our home from time to time over the past several years including in our garage last week.
Voles are small mouse-like rodents and occur throughout most of North America. Though commonly called meadow mice or field mice, they are different from true mice by having a short tail, stocky build and small eyes. Because the life span of voles is usually short (few live longer than 16 months), they usually produce large numbers of young during the year. They can have 10 or more litters per year with two to four young per litter. One meadow vole in captivity had 13 litters, totaling 78 young before she was one-year old. From their observed behavior and their runs in our community, we most likely have the meadow vole species present. Many vole populations are cyclic. In North America, population peaks occur about every four years. The cycles are not necessarily regular and do not usually involve large numbers. We may be experiencing the high part of such a cycle this year.
Voles can cause damage to woody plants in winter. They eat leaves, shoots, tubers and seeds of most grasses and broadleaf flowering plants. They can damage or consume flower bulbs, garden plants and vegetables, field crops, forage crops. They can damage lawns by constructing runways and clipping grass permanently which may detract from a well-kept appearance. Runway systems are now present in one of our common areas.
Vole Control
Voles can be controlled by several means including habitat modification, exclusion, repellents, traps, and bait.
- Habitat modification: Reducing the suitability of habitat for voles
lessens the likelihood of future damage. Reduce grass and weeds around young
trees and shrubs.
- Exclusion: Voles can be discouraged by placing woven wire fences about 12
inches high around small flower beds or gardens, etc.
- Repellents: Various "hot sauce" repellents are available for
vole control on ornamental plants but not registered for use on gardens and
plant parts that humans may consume.
- Traps: Snap traps (mouse traps) set in runways can easily control voles
when only a few are causing the problem. Bait the traps with a mixture of
peanut butter and oatmeal.
- Baits: Large populations of voles can be controlled most effectively with
baits which are toxic.
- Use baits and repellents safely, all toxicants and fumigants used to control voles can be hazardous to humans, pets, livestock and non-target wildlife if used improperly. In our area the best control would be with a combination of the above methods.
The materials for vole control mentioned above can be obtained locally at garden and farm stores.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VOLES PLEASE CONTACT THE LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
Dee Chamberlain
Chairman
SSOA Landscape & Architectural Review Committee
766-1594
Hey Dee, we have also found that regularly placing a small bowl of cat food
on the back steps is ideal "habitat modification" 
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