Field vole

The field vole (Microtus agrestis) belongs to the order Rodentia, family Cricetidae. This small rodent with a stout body and a short tail is one of the most destructive agricultural pests across Europe and parts of Asia. The population of this species is characterized by high dynamics and the ability to reproduce rapidly under favorable environmental conditions.

The pest attacks almost all agricultural crops. Significant damage is caused to winter and spring cereals, perennial grasses (clover, alfalfa), sugar beets, as well as young forest plantations and fruit trees in orchards and nurseries, where voles gnaw the bark during the winter season.

The biology of the species is notable for its high fecundity: a female can produce up to 5–7 litters per year, with 4–8 offspring in each. Sexual maturity in young individuals occurs within just a few weeks, allowing the species to colonize new areas rapidly. Their life cycle is closely linked to the availability of cover and food resources, which drives their migration patterns between fields.

The nature of damage includes the destruction of plant biomass, gnawing of roots and stems at the base, which leads to lodging and crop loss. In orchards, rodents cause severe damage by girdling the bark around tree trunks, resulting in tree death. Significant losses are also observed in stored harvests if they are not protected from rodent access.

The integrated pest management system includes both agricultural and eradication methods:

• Deep autumn plowing to destroy nesting burrows.
• Timely harvesting and control of weeds that provide food and cover for rodents.
• Encouraging natural predators such as birds of prey.
• Application of rodenticides when the economic threshold of damage is exceeded.
• Installation of protective wire guards around the stems of young orchard trees.