Maybe, or it could be a vole, a mole, or a shrew. (Yes, there is such a thing as a shrew!)
What is a vole?
Voles are often times mistaken for a house mouse, yet they are rarely found indoors. Some refer to them as field mice because they are commonly found in fields. Like their sister the mole, they will tunnel underground, but only when it snows.
According to Wikipedia, Females can have five to 10 litters per year. Gestation lasts for three weeks and the young voles reach sexual maturity in a month. As a result of this biological exponential growth, vole populations can grow very large within a very short time. Since litters average five to 10 young, a mating pair can birth a hundred more voles in a year. This translates into a very large population in a truly short period of time.
What does this mean to me?
While voles are not specifically dangerous to humans, they can cause a great deal of damage to your greenery, bulbs, and consume the seeds dropped by the bird feeder perched precariously near your home. They do not hibernate and are always active. Their feces and urine can cause disease and illness such as rabies, Hantavirus, and Korean hemorrhagic fever.
How do I get rid of them?
You can protect your home with some simple remedies:
- Fence your gardens. This keeps your hard-earned produce safe and ready for you and your family to consume. The fence also deters other wildlife such as rabbits.
- Skirt your trees and shrubs to prohibit the voles from climbing to eat the leaves.
- Do not place food outside for birds etc. Human food will attract all types of nuisance wildlife. Your heart is in the right place, but the damages that can occur from drawing wildlife to your home outweighs the good intent.
Homeowner use of pesticides can come with a litany of issues such as damage to greenery, exposing your home and family to chemicals, and improper use could cause serious health problems.
It is always best to consult a professional. Weekly and monthly services are provided for mole/vole maintenance. Mole/vole baiting and trapping is done throughout the warmer months to keep mole populations maintained. If you think you have a mole/vole issue, contact us for a free inspection.
