Arvicola terrestris

The large vole (also known as the ground rat or vole rat) belongs to the genus Arvicola. It is one of the most unpleasant animal pests in the garden due to its strong feeding and burrowing activity and the associated destruction of the turf. Where there is a vole infestation, fruit trees, roses and vegetable plants wilt or suddenly topple over. They also like to eat flower bulbs, potatoes and root vegetables. In Germany there is a land form, which lives in its underground burrows, and an aquatic form, which prefers to live near bodies of water, ditches, streams and embankments.

Appearance:
Voles grow to a length of 12-22 cm and weigh between 60-120 g. The coloration of the fur varies from different light to dark brown tones. Characteristic is the blunt head with small ears that disappear into the fur and a short, slightly curled tail (approx. half body length).

Construction and lifestyle:
Voles are solitary animals that only come together during the mating season. The underground burrows are only used by a single animal. A vole burrow contains one or two nests and, in the fall and winter, storage chambers in which root pieces are stored. Voles are diurnal and nocturnal animals. They reproduce from March/April to September/October. During this time 2-4 litters with an average of 4 young are born. It only takes about 3 weeks from mating to birth. The young from spring become sexually mature in the same year. Theoretically, a female could produce up to 40 offspring a year. The lifespan of the animals is only about 2 years. In contrast to the mole, the burrow system of a vole is clearly highly oval, smooth, firm and without plant debris. The piles of earth themselves are flat, rather inconspicuous and are heaped up to the side of the actual burrow system.

Control/prevention:
For young trees, it is advisable to enclose the root ball with a galvanized wire basket (mesh size maximum 16 mm). Natural enemies of the vole are various weasel species, owls and birds of prey. Setting up perches as perches for birds of prey or piles of stones as shelters for weasels can promote their colonization. The best control periods are late fall, as long as the ground is open, and early spring. Control should be carried out over as large an area as possible. Measures during the summer months are less effective.

(or forest vole)

Myodes glareolus

The name red-backed vole comes from the reddish-brown coloration of the dorsal fur, while the name forest vole comes from the preference of this species for shady habitats in or near forests. This species is one of the most common mammals in Europe and is therefore not considered endangered. With a head-to-torso length of seven to more than 13 centimetres, this relatively small mouse species has a tail length of 3 to 6.5 cm and weighs between 12 and 35 grams. The species shows size and weight differences of up to 300 percent between populations in different regions. Its habitat is formed by beech and mixed forests, hedges and bushes close to forests as well as wetlands. It is also often found near watercourses. Gardens close to forests are also accepted as habitats. The bank vole also builds its nests in little-used barns, storage sheds, garden sheds or other wooden structures. Leaves, dry moss cushions and twigs that have been carried in and deposited by the bank voles provide evidence of an existing nest. Although the bank vole poses little threat as a forest pest, its droppings can transmit the fox tapeworm and the Hanta virus. The viruses also survive in dried excrement and urine and can be ingested via dust in the air (e.g. when sweeping). A protective/dust mask must be worn when cleaning infested buildings!