A Winnipeg Lawns Worst Nightmare: Dealing With Voles

Mar 15, 2024

Voles may be small, but they can cause big problems for Winnipeg lawns. Let's take a closer look at these sneaky rodents and how they affect your yard.

What Are Voles?

  • Voles are small rodents that resemble mice but have shorter tails and rounder bodies.

  • They are commonly found in Winnipeg and can be a nuisance for homeowners.

How Do Voles Affect Lawns?

  • Voles create surface tunnels in lawns, which can disrupt the soil and damage grass roots.

  • They feed on grass roots and vegetation, leading to bare patches and thinning of the lawn.

  • Vole activity can result in unsightly surface runways and small holes in the ground.

Why Are Voles Common in Winnipeg?

  • Winnipeg's climate and abundant green spaces provide an ideal habitat for voles.

  • In winter, voles burrow under the snow to stay warm and continue feeding on grass roots.

Signs of Vole Damage

  • Chewed-up grass and vegetation

  • Surface runways or trails across the lawn

  • Small holes in the ground or tunnels in the soil

Recovering from Vole Damage

  1. Apply topsoil

    • Fill in tunnels with topsoil to level the ground and provide a good base for new grass growth.

  2. Overseed your lawn

    • Overseeding helps thicken your lawn and fills in bare spots left by voles.

  3. Patience

    • It usually takes a few weeks for new grass to fill in tunnels left by voles and restore your lawn's appearance.

    • Ensure you water consistently for 30 minutes, three times a week. This encourages your grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, reducing water evaporation and strengthening your lawn against droughts.

If voles have damaged your lawn, our aeration and overseeding services can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and restore your yard to its former beauty!