As winter fades in Alberta, many homeowners in Calgary are surprised to discover unusual damage in their yards. Once the snow melts, hidden pest problems are revealed—and one of the most common culprits is the vole.
These small, mouse-like rodents stay active all winter under the snow, quietly damaging lawns and landscaping. By spring, the signs of vole activity become clearly visible.
Voles are small rodents that thrive in grassy and landscaped areas. Unlike mice, they primarily live outdoors and create shallow tunnels and runways just beneath the surface.
During winter, snow acts as insulation, allowing voles to:
Stay active and reproduce
Feed on grass, roots, and bark
Move undetected beneath the snow
When the snow melts, the damage becomes visible almost overnight.
One of the most obvious signs is a network of narrow, snake-like trails across your grass. These are vole runways created under the snow.
You may notice patchy, brown, or flattened grass, especially in areas that were covered by snow for long periods.
Voles create small holes (about 1–2 inches wide) leading to their tunnel systems.
Voles often feed on:
Plant roots
Garden vegetation
Bark at the base of trees and shrubs
This can seriously damage or even kill plants.
Your lawn may feel uneven or soft due to the underground tunnel networks.
Voles may look harmless, but they can cause significant property damage, including:
Destroyed lawns and landscaping
Damaged tree roots and shrubs
Increased risk of long-term yard deterioration
Because they reproduce quickly, a small problem can turn into a large infestation by spring.
Voles are active year-round, but their damage becomes most noticeable:
Early spring (March–May) after snow melt
During mild winters with heavy snow cover
This is the critical time to take action before populations grow.
Remove:
Excess mulch
Tall grass
Debris where voles can hide
Use barriers or guards around tree bases to prevent chewing.
The earlier you detect vole activity, the easier it is to control.
For active infestations, professional treatment is the most effective solution.
At Calgary Pest Control Services, we provide targeted vole control solutions designed for Alberta’s unique climate. Our technicians inspect your property, identify active areas, and apply safe, effective treatments to eliminate voles and prevent future damage.
If you’re seeing signs of vole activity after snow melt, act quickly. Early intervention can save your lawn, garden, and landscaping from costly damage.
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