Grass dying in random lines - Voles?

[Cyclone90]

Sorry for yet another turf thread, but this seems somewhat unique. I have random lines of turf dying in my front and side yard. Much of it is still barely active and not yet dormant for the winter. I Googled the symptoms and discovered Voles or Meadow Mice, which I've never heard of destroying lawns. I'm guessing this is my problem. Any suggestions or experience on how to kill the little suckers?

 

[kingcy]

Cats do a good job of killing mice. Maybe try a rat terrier. You can bait. Go to a farm supply store and get the yellow blocks of bait (cannot think of what its called) they go right after it and it does a good job of killing them. I know they are not like field mice but if the bait will call a rat it should kill meadow mice.

 

[ISU_phoria]

Had some voles a few years back - had a heck of a time getting rid if them. The description you game makes me think this is your situation too.....they make small paths just below the surface, eating grass roots. They look just like mice, but mouse traps don't work on them.

Good luck.

 

[00clone]

It's kids, tell 'em to get off the damm lawn.

 

[Bamacyclone]

We used to have problems with moles. If that what you have, you'll see wandering trail where the grass pushes up and dies eventually. I used a spring loaded trap from Farm&Fleet to skewer the boogers.

Victor Mole Trap Plunger, Model# 0645 | Rodent Control| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[agcy68]

I knew of a gentlemen once that had moles. He plugged all the holes to their tunnels he could find and pumped anhydours ammonia into thier burroughs (he worked at the local coop). Not sure if he killed them, but he had the greenest healthiest grass trails wandering through his yard that you've ever seen.

 

[Clonehomer]

There is mole and vole poison sold at your local hardware store. I speak from experience on this. Take care of them before they decide to come inside! They're quick and shifty.

 

[intrepid27]

Traps may not work well with the ground starting to freeze. This stuff works great. I try not to touch it with my bare hands (to keep human sent off). Also make sure you are useing it in fresh (active) runs. You can buy at Theisens or Menards

Motomco Mole Killer

 

[Wesley]

Had some voles a few years back - had a heck of a time getting rid if them. The description you game makes me think this is your situation too.....they make small paths just below the surface, eating grass roots. They look just like mice, but mouse traps don't work on them.

Good luck.

Yep, they are building their tunnels for winter.

 

[pdxclone]

Sorry for yet another turf thread, but this seems somewhat unique. I have random lines of turf dying in my front and side yard. Much of it is still barely active and not yet dormant for the winter. I Googled the symptoms and discovered Voles or Meadow Mice, which I've never heard of destroying lawns. I'm guessing this is my problem. Any suggestions or experience on how to kill the little suckers?

If it is indeed voles, this was my final and successful solution: Vole Control, Vole Bait, Vole Poison, Kill Voles with Kaput
As already mentioned traps don't work and cats cannot keep up with how fast they reproduce. I used the block type in their tunnel opening covered with a rock. Make sure to survey the area for dead ones, you don't want pets to get poisoned voles. (Unfortunately they don't all die in the ground). After two weeks you will be vole free.

 

[Cyclone90]

We used to have problems with moles. If that what you have, you'll see wandering trail where the grass pushes up and dies eventually. I used a spring loaded trap from Farm&Fleet to skewer the boogers.

Victor Mole Trap Plunger, Model# 0645 | Rodent Control| Northern Tool + Equipment

Thanks for the feedback. The dead grass lines are narrower than this and the ground isn't pushed up so it's likely voles.

 

[CycloneGB]

You need a cat named Willow

 

[MIClone]

Yah, this sounds like a mole, rather than a vole.

 

[Cyclone90]

If it is indeed voles, this was my final and successful solution: Vole Control, Vole Bait, Vole Poison, Kill Voles with Kaput
As already mentioned traps don't work and cats cannot keep up with how fast they reproduce. I used the block type in their tunnel opening covered with a rock. Make sure to survey the area for dead ones, you don't want pets to get poisoned voles. (Unfortunately they don't all die in the ground). After two weeks you will be vole free.

Any idea where I can buy this stuff? The website doesn't appear to sell it directly. Just wants me to call a phone number for more information.

 

[pdxclone]

Any idea where I can buy this stuff? The website doesn't appear to sell it directly. Just wants me to call a phone number for more information.

Amazon.com: Kaput Combo Bait Mini Blocks 4 lb pail KAP005: Patio, Lawn & Garden

 

[Cyclone90]

Amazon.com: Kaput Combo Bait Mini Blocks 4 lb pail KAP005: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Thanks. I saw that, but was hoping to buy something locally and get it down before the snow hit. Should have worded the question better.