Vole
Possible DIY
Identification
Small, stocky rodents with short tails that create visible surface runways in lawns and gardens by chewing grass and feeding on roots and bulbs.
Can I DIY this?
Possible DIYDIY is doable — with the right approach.
Minor cases respond well to DIY treatment, but this pest can get away from you. Follow the guide closely, and if you're still seeing activity after a full treatment cycle, it's time to bring in a pro.
- Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and grease smudges along walls to find the main activity zones.
- Seal entry points — mice fit through a gap the size of a dime, rats need only a quarter-sized gap.
- Cut off food access: seal pantry items in hard containers, secure pet food, and use trash cans with tight lids.
- Set snap traps perpendicular to the wall with the trigger closest to it, baited with peanut butter or nesting material tied on so it can't be stolen without setting off the trap.
- Avoid poison bait indoors when you can — a rodent that dies inside a wall is a bigger problem than the one you started with. If you do use it, use tamper-resistant stations only.
- Check and reset traps daily, and keep monitoring for a couple of weeks after activity stops to confirm they're gone.
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.