In North America, many of the pest species belong to the genus Microtus, commonly called voles or meadow mice. In this paper, we review the literature and provide background information on voles and the damage they cause. We also discuss management strategies that can help reduce agricultural damage by voles. Most species of voles live in colonies. They occupy a variety of habitats, but are mostly associated with grasslands.
Voles are semi-fossorial with elaborate burrow systems.
The burrows provide shelter from inclement weather and predators, a place to raise young, and a place to store food stuffs. Careful examination of the runways will often reveal clipped plants and fecal droppings. Voles are active year-round and have many foraging bouts throughout the 24 hour day. They feed on a variety of plant materials and their feeding preferences shift through the seasons. Succulent grasses and forbs are used when first available in the spring and throughout the summer.