Verify Vole Signs and Activity

Apple Sign Test

Confirm Signs of Vole Activity and Hotspots with a Systematic Search

Click Here to Learn More about the Signs of Voles

It is VERY IMPORTANT to identify the exact area of most prevalent vole activity! Do the Systematic Search first. Don't skip this step and think you will save time. It's important to place the stations where there is positive evidence of current vole activity. There may be burrows and tunnels in your yard that are no longer active. The following systematic search procedure will help you identify the current area of activity.

Thank you for your system. I have been using it for about 7 weeks. I have had great success with it. I replaced some of my landscape last week. They had done a lot of damage on 3 sides of my house. I estimate the damage at around $750.00. Of course, that's just what it cost to replace it, now you have to wait for it to mature again so it will look as it did before. You can't put a price on that. Your system so far has done all that was promised, but you're right, you must follow the instructions exactly to get results. I have found the apple test to be tried and true.

Thanks again,

T. Millsaps, Statesville, NC

Knowing the number of Hotspots you have will help determine the size VOLE CONTROL Bait Station System you will need.

A Hotspot is usually located near a nesting site. Concentrate on one Hotspot area first and then move the VOLE CONTROL Bait Stations to the next closest Hotspot where an apple was eaten, or place your second VOLE CONTROL System of 3 stations in this area.

DO NOT SKIP IT! - The Systematic Search will reveal exactly where to place your bait stations for best results. Skipping it will only waste precious time!

Systematic Search Directions for Below Ground Foraging Voles

Make a map of your property to record areas of highest vole activity.
Carefully move mulch searching for holes, and narrow trenches.
Probe gently with your fingers or a stick to locate burrows a few inches under ground.
Where you see signs of vole activity, place ordinary plant nursery pots or similar container upside down at 10' to 15' intervals with a piece of sliced apple under each pot. It's best to place the apple and pot over a burrow entrance or runway. Secure the pot with a rock or brick as shown.
Note the date on your calendar to remind yourself to check the pots in a few days.
After a few days remove the pot and check for signs of vole activity. If the apple has not been eaten, cover the apple again and check in a few more days. If the apple has not been eaten after the second check, then you can assume there is no activity in this area.

Sometimes the entire apple slice is removed or sometimes the apple is partially eaten as shown above. This area would be considered a Hotspot of vole activity, and the best spot to place a VOLE CONTROL Bait Station. Install the other bait stations near the Hotspot, placing them no more than 20 feet apart to form a single grouping.

Ant Problem? - If ants are preventing you from having a successful Apple Sign Test, then remove the apple and substitute about a tablespoon of a mixture of various bird seeds under the pot. Re-check it in a few days for vole activity.

IMPORTANT! Complete the Apple Sign Test once in the Fall and once in early Spring to detect vole activity and maintain control.

Systematic Search Directions for Above Ground Foraging Voles

Make a map of your property to record areas of highest vole activity.
Search for clusters of entrance holes and fresh clipped trails in the grass or runways under low-growing vegetation
Where you see signs of vole activity, place ordinary plant nursery pots or similar container upside down near or over an entrance hole and/or in one of the surface trails with a piece of sliced apple under each pot. Tilt the pot sideways and secure the pot with a rock or brick (one under the side and one on top) so the vole may go underneath and eat the apple.

(Note the runway with the clipped grass and entrance hole in the picture)
Note the date on your calendar to remind yourself to check the pots in a few days.
After a few days remove the pot and check for signs of vole activity. If the apple has not been eaten, cover the apple again and check in a few more days. If the apple has not been eaten after the second check, then you can assume there is no activity in this area.
Where an apple has been eaten, this area would be considered a Hotspot of vole activity, and the best spot to place a VOLE CONTROL Bait Station. Place a bait station with the Tent Setup Method near or over a burrow entrance hole and the other two stations each over a surface trail runway that radiates away from the main burrow entrance hole. Place these stations up to 20' away from the burrow entrance hole.