Vole ordinary or field mouse: how to identify a rodent and deal with it
The vole mouse or field mouse is widely known among summer residents and gardeners. This tiny animal boasts high fertility and the ability to survive in almost any terrain. About 60 subspecies of the field mouse are known to man, which are interconnected by the ability to harm humans.
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Description of the rodent
The field mouse is a small, nimble rodent. They have thick padded fur, and a distinctive dark stripe on the back. They prefer to be nocturnal, but in winter or in cold conditions they are often active around the clock.
Field mouse lifestyle
Rodents of this species live in small families, which include several generations. They are not prone to aggression and can easily share their habitat with other rodent colonies.
Rodents often equip themselves with housing in outbuildings, barns, cellars, and even in the remains of construction waste.
Field mice live in close proximity to humans. From the cold, they often hide in haystacks, sheaves and stacks left in the fields.
Like most small rodents, voles are most active at night. The animals are very nimble and able to move quickly not only on land, but also in water.
These rodents also have a good appetite. In one day, a field mouse can eat an amount of food that will weigh as much as itself.
Like other types of mice, voles are very prolific. The gestation period of the female lasts from 20 to 22 days. They are able to bring offspring from 3 to 5 times a year. In each offspring, 5-12 mice are born.
Newborn rodents develop very quickly and are able to exist independently without the support of the mother after 3 weeks. At the age of 3 months, voles reach sexual maturity.
What do field mice eat?
The field mouse is an unpretentious glutton.
Animals are not capricious in the choice of food. Their diet mainly consists of plant foods and insects. The favorite delicacy of the rodent is the seeds of cereal plants and grains. Mice are also not averse to profiting from root crops, among which they prefer potatoes, beets and carrots.
In the absence of drinking sources, rodents are able to obtain liquid by eating juicy berries, leaves and young shoots of plants. Once in a human dwelling, the animal usually eats cereals, grains, flour, bread, cheese, chocolate and cookies.
Vole
Do not confuse this animal with a field mouse. The vole is a small rodent from the hamster family. They look like mice, but have a slightly different, more elongated snout. They are active all year round, do not hibernate and live in large colonies. They breed quickly and in large numbers.
Voles include:
- mole voles;
- pied;
- muskrats;
- water rats.
Voles, like field mice, often become food for various carnivores.
Field mice and voles: how to deal with them
Small rodents spread rapidly and are uncontrollable in large numbers. Therefore, it is necessary to start protecting the area from mice as soon as they first appear. If they multiply uncontrollably, they get into the home, spoil stocks, communications and carry diseases.
Mice control measures include
- prevention;
- expulsion of rodents from the site;
- the use of folk remedies;
- mousetraps and traps.
All means of struggle are described in detail at the links to the articles below.
Conclusion
Voles, like field mice, are pests. They eat stocks of people, spoil a tree, gnaw communications and stocks. They have a very peculiar character, it is necessary to take measures to keep rodents out. And at the first appearances, it is immediately necessary to move on to protection.
