Meadow Voles in Orlando
The meadow vole, often called the “meadow mouse” or “field mouse,” is a rodent species found throughout North America. Unlike the slender bodies and long tails of typical mice and rats, meadow voles have short tails with compact, wider builds. They are rarely found indoors due to their inability to climb, which limits their access to buildings. Instead, they thrive underground, where they construct intricate tunnel systems and runways that can severely damage lawns and landscaped spaces. Primarily feeding on vegetation like grasses and seeds, their fast reproduction rates can lead to significant destruction wherever they choose to live.
Meadow Vole Habitat
Meadow voles primarily reside in underground tunnels and rarely come out of their burrows. These burrows are typically shallow and compact, with nests made from woven grass, stems, and leaves, tucked away under dense plant life or ground cover. Removing overgrown plants on your property can expose their hidden trails, so be sure to stay on top of your residential yard work. Additional signs of their activity include tiny green droppings, approximately 3/16 of an inch in length, and freshly cut grass near burrow entrances.
Meadow Vole Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
These small rodents generally pose a minimal health risk to humans due to infrequent contact, though they are capable of transmitting diseases such as plague and tularemia. While they rarely enter homes, they can cause exponential problems for property owners by damaging crops, orchards, and young trees as they forage for food. Often found gnawing on tree trunks both above and below ground, they also inflict significant harm on lawns, ground covers, and golf courses. The longer they go unchecked, the more they multiply, so it’s important to act fast. If you suspect an infestation, reaching out to Heron Home & Outdoor for a thorough inspection is the best way to quickly address the issue.
