Gapper's red-backed vole

The Gapper's red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi), also known as the red-backed mouse, belongs to the family Cricetidae. While primarily a woodland species, it frequently ventures into orchards and agricultural landscapes, causing significant losses to both commercial crops and ornamental garden plants.

Their diet is highly varied, consisting of berries, seeds, nuts, and green vegetation. However, in agricultural contexts, their habit of consuming the inner bark (cambium) of trees and shrubs is the most damaging behavior, as it directly impacts the vitality and survival of young plantations.

Biologically, these voles are highly reproductive, which allows them to rebound quickly after environmental stressors. They are active year-round and do not hibernate, meaning they can continue damaging plant roots and bark even during the harsh winter months when food resources are scarce elsewhere.

The primary form of damage is girdling—the removal of bark around the trunk of a tree—which disrupts the nutrient flow, often killing the tree. They are also known to tunnel through mulch and soil to feed on root systems, causing sudden wilting and decline in established plants and bulbs.

Managing this pest requires a combination of cultural and mechanical strategies. Keeping grass mowed, removing brush piles, and using hardware cloth guards around the base of fruit trees are essential steps. For severe infestations, rodenticides or specialized trapping programs may be implemented.

• Installing wire mesh guards around tree trunks
• Clearing weeds and debris near fields
• Regular inspection of bark for gnaw marks
• Integrated pest management strategies