Severe weather and food shortages will reduce mouse populations. Placing inch mesh hardware cloth around the base of young trees will physically exclude voles from feeding on the plants. Be sure to submerge the hardware cloth at least 2-3 inches beneath the ground to prevent voles from burrowing under. It should extend at least 18 inches above ground as well to prevent damage higher up the trunk during the winter when snow cover can afford the voles access higher up on the trunk of the tree. Wire mouse guards may remain in place for up to five years but they should be checked annually and removed or replaced to prevent the tree from growing into, and incorporating, the hardware cloth.
Trapping is an effective way to eliminate voles in small areas.
Mouse-size snap traps baited with peanut butter, oatmeal, or apple slices placed perpendicular to the runways will reduce vole populations in small areas. Another option is to place two traps, back to back in the runway so the vole will be trapped regardless of the direction from which it comes in the runway. This may be impractical in some situations because of the presence of children in such areas at that time and the chance of a child becoming injured as a result of tampering with a trap. However, traps may be placed along building foundations behind boards or boxes leaning against the building to minimize problems with children and other animals. Biological Control Hawks, owls, foxes, skunks, weasels and snakes are predators of voles.