In the winter, many pests go underground searching for warmth. However, some pests, such as voles, rise to the occasion. These pests are blind, and as a relative of the mouse, can be found in meadows and other open areas of land. Yet sometimes they're found in places they shouldn't be. They aren't afraid of a little snow, and may burrow through it to get to warmer, safer areas. Sometimes these places are houses or basements. Consider these tips to keep voles out of your home this winter.
Like many pests, voles are vegetarians, the University of California-Davis noted. They are known for damaging gardens and feeding on many different types of vegetables, including artichoke and brussels sprouts. Though they can do serious damage to a garden or vegetable patch, it's less common for them to try to wiggle into a house or a basement as they have difficulty climbing. Yet these animals sometimes wind up in houses, mainly when the area is overpopulated with moles and the pest begins to grow desperate. In good conditions, these pests are known for multiplying quickly, which could lead to major problems for any homeowner. Once inside, they often will try to make a nest out of insulation, similar to their relative the house mouse.