In the Colorado area the "rodents" causing the problems in a home garden are most likely montane voles, sometimes referred to as meadow, field or pine mice. These are small rodents that measure from 4 to 8 ½ inches long, varying in color from brown to gray. Damage by voles can be reduced by habitat modification, exclusion, repellants, trapping and poison grain baits. The most successful and longest lasting method to reduce vole damage to gardens or orchards is elimination of any nearby ground cover--such as weeds and tall grasses--by frequent and close mowing, tilling or herbicide applications. For more information on controlling voles, see the fact sheet Managing Voles in Colorado.

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