If you’ve noticed small, winding trails of dead grass in your yard or gnawed plants in your garden, voles may be to blame. These small, mouse-like rodents can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and even trees. But what attracts voles to your yard in the first place? Understanding vole behavior and what draws them to your property is the first step toward managing or preventing an infestation.

What Attracts Voles to Your Yard?

Understanding what attracts voles to your yard can help you take preventative measures to discourage their presence. Here are some key factors that draw voles in:

Plentiful Food Sources 

Voles are primarily herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of vegetation. Some of their favorite foods include:

• Grass: Voles are known for creating surface runways through lawns as they clip the grass near the roots while searching for food.
• Plants and Vegetables: Garden plants, vegetables, and ornamental flowers are prime targets for voles. They will gnaw on stems, roots, and leaves, causing significant damage to your garden.
• Tree Bark and Roots: During the winter months, voles may chew on the bark of young trees or shrubs, a behavior known as girdling. This can weaken or even kill the plants.