Northern red-backed vole

Systematic position: The Northern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rutilus) belongs to the order Rodentia and the family Cricetidae. It is a small forest-dwelling rodent known for its adaptability to various environments, frequently encroaching upon orchards, forest nurseries, and rural gardens near wooded areas.

Crops affected: These voles primarily target trees and woody shrubs. They pose a significant threat to young fruit trees, including apples and pears, as well as coniferous and deciduous tree seedlings. By feeding on the bark during winter, they can cause extensive damage to the structural integrity of the plants.

Biology and life cycle: Red-backed voles remain active year-round and do not hibernate. Breeding typically spans from early spring through autumn, with females producing multiple litters per season. Their population size can fluctuate significantly based on winter severity and food availability, allowing for rapid outbreaks in favorable years.

Damage and harm: The most severe damage occurs under snow cover during winter. The rodents gnaw the bark around the base of the trunk, often girdling the tree. This process disrupts the phloem, effectively cutting off nutrient transport between the roots and the canopy, which frequently leads to the death of young trees.

Control measures: Managing vole populations requires a combination of preventive and intervention strategies:

• Keep orchards and garden edges free of thick grass, debris, and mulch where voles hide.
• Install wire mesh guards or plastic tree wraps around the base of young tree trunks.
• Use bait stations with EPA-approved rodenticides when populations are high.
• Promote biodiversity by creating habitats for natural predators like owls, hawks, and foxes.