Pine Vole Feeding Damage
Pine Vole Feeding Damage
Vicky Bertagnolli, ©2018, Clemson Extension
There are 23 species of vole in North America. Two vole species are found in South Carolina: pine vole, Microtus pinetorum, and meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus.
General vole identification:
- Resemble typical house mice
- Fur: gray-brown with gray undersides
- Adults: 4-5 inches long
- Tail length: 0.5-1 inch long
- Reduced legs
Reproduction:
- Very prolific reproducers
- Litters with 3-7 young
- Reach reproductive maturity in as few as 21 days
- With good conditions, can breed throughout the year
Pine voles are found throughout the eastern United States. Pine voles utilize systems of underground burrows and subsurface tunnels. Feeding damage is below the soil surface to the crown and root systems. Pine voles also feed on bulbs, tubers, seeds, and bark.
Identification:
- Head + body = 3.25-4.75 inches long
- Tail length: less than or equal to the length of the hindfoot
- Reddish-brown fur that lacks guard hairs
- Short blunt nose
- Eyes: small
- Ears: inconspicuous
For more information, see:
HGIC 2366 How to Tell the Difference Between Moles and Voles
