To which group does the vole belong? Wood mice and field mice. How to get rid of rats and mice

The common vole is distinguished by territorial conservatism, but if necessary, during harvesting and plowing fields, it can move to other biotopes, including stacks, haystacks, vegetable and granaries, and sometimes to human residential buildings. In winter, it makes nests under the snow, woven from dry grass.

The vole is a typically herbivorous rodent whose diet includes a wide range of foods. characteristic seasonal change diet. In the warm season, it prefers the green parts of cereals, Asteraceae and legumes; occasionally eats mollusks, insects and their larvae. In winter, it gnaws at the bark of shrubs and trees, including berries and fruits; eats seeds and underground parts of plants. Makes food stocks reaching 3 kg.

The common vole breeds throughout the warm season - from March-April to September-November. In winter, there is usually a pause, but in closed places (stacks, stacks, outbuildings), if there is sufficient food, it can continue to breed. In one reproductive season, the female can bring 2-4 broods, a maximum of middle lane- 7, in the south of the range - up to 10. Pregnancy lasts 16-24 days. The litter has an average of 5 cubs, although their number can reach 15; cubs weigh 1-3.1 g. Young voles become independent on the 20th day of life. They begin to breed at 2 months of age. Sometimes young females become pregnant already on the 13th day of life and bring the first brood at 33 days.

The average life expectancy is only 4.5 months; by October, most of the voles die, the young of the last litters hibernate and start breeding in the spring. Voles are one of the main food sources for a variety of predators - owls, kestrels, weasels, stoats, ferrets, foxes and wild boars.

The common vole is a widespread and numerous species that easily adapts to human economic activities and the transformation of natural landscapes. The number, like many fertile animals, varies greatly by season and year. Characterized by outbreaks of numbers, followed by prolonged depressions. In general, fluctuations look like a 3- or 5-year cycle. In the years of the highest abundance, the density of populations can reach 2000 individuals per ha, in the years of depressions falling to 100 individuals per ha.

It is one of the most serious pests of agriculture, horticulture and horticulture, especially during the years of mass reproduction. It harms grain and other crops on the vine and in stacks, gnaws the bark of fruit trees and shrubs. It is the main natural carrier of plague pathogens in Transcaucasia, as well as pathogens of tularemia, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis and other diseases dangerous to humans.

In the steppes of the European part of the territory former USSR, Kazakhstan and Western Siberia, the common vole is very numerous, which has here great importance as a pest of agriculture, especially cereals. In the steppe zone of southern Siberia, eastward to the middle Amur, the gregarious vole has the same importance. Predominantly in the drier grass-wormwood steppes from southern Ukraine to the east to the Yenisei, the steppe lemming lives everywhere. The social vole lives in similar conditions, found in southern Ukraine, in the steppes of the Crimea, North Caucasus and places in Kazakhstan, as well as a mole voles. The ground vole is typical for the oak forests of Ukraine. In addition, the bank vole is found everywhere in the insular forests of the European part of the territory of the former USSR.

Representatives of the order of rodents are typical and most numerous inhabitants of the Altai taiga, among which forest voles predominate in numbers. In addition to taiga species - red (Clethrionomys rutilus) and red-gray (C. rufocanus), there is also a bank vole (C. glareolus), as well as several representatives of the genus of gray voles - housekeeper (Microtus oeconomus), dark (M. argestis ), common (M. arvalis). Along the banks of rivers and lakes, the water vole (Arvicola terrestris) is not uncommon, in the dark coniferous taiga the forest lemming (Myopus shisticolor) is quite common, and in the bald and mountain meadow areas there are several species of mountain voles - big-eared (Alticola argentatus) and flat-headed (A. strelzowi ).

forest vole

Among several species of mice, the Asiatic wood mouse (Apodemus peninsulae) stands out as an active consumer of cedar seeds, in open biotopes the field mouse (A. agrarius) is common, the baby mouse (Micromys minutus), common group of gray voles - housekeeper (M. oeconomus), dark (M. argestis), common (M. arvalis) and narrow-skulled (M. gregalis). AT settlements gray rats (Rattus norvegicus) were noted, and a single house mouse was encountered.

Red-backed vole is found in the forest-steppe parts of Western Siberia. The narrow-skulled and water voles are found along the riverbeds and coasts. characteristic of mountain ranges Gorny Altai rodents are the European and Asian wood mice, alpine voles Streltsov and Vinogradov.

AT highlands The flat-headed vole (Alticola strelzowi) is common in the Altai Mountains and the adjacent ridges of Mongolia, as well as in and in the Kazakh Highlands (Karaganda region and the southern part of Pavlodar region)- a small animal with a rather long, densely pubescent tail. Body length 110-125 mm, tail 33-62 mm. The fur is very fluffy, the mustache is long, up to 4 centimeters. The ears are relatively large, wide at the base, rounded, at the end of the tail there is a narrow tuft of elongated hair.

flat-headed vole

The skull of the vole of this species is unusually wide and flattened; the height of the braincase is approximately 2 times less than its width. 3rd upper molar usually with 5 prominent angles on each side; the anterior outer triangle is small and has wide communication with the anterior loop; molars with longitudinally stretched loops. The coloration of the upper body is ash-gray, with blackish small ripples and with more or less development of brownish tones. The belly is whitish-gray. The tail is white or yellowish, sometimes slightly bicolored. The hairline of the flat-headed vole is quite long and fluffy.

It is characterized by two types of habitats: in Altai, it occurs in high-mountainous regions, adhering to stony placers and rocks; in the Kazakh Highlands lives on low hills, in rocky places, in close proximity to characteristic steppe rodents (small ground squirrel, steppe pika and steppe lemming). In the mountains, the flat-headed vole can often be observed during the daytime. Like other alpine voles, it collects grass stocks between stones and in rock crevices. Before entering the dwellings of voles under stones, the animals often collect big piles from rubble.

About The flat-headed vole feeds mainly during wet places: on the banks of water bodies, on hummocky swamps, in coastal thickets of willow and other shrubs, in meadows, etc. Burrows are relatively simple, the nesting chamber is located at a depth of 10-15 centimeters less, usually under a pile of dug earth; close to the nesting chamber 1-2 pantries connected to the nesting chamber by short passages; several short passages leading to the surface also depart from the nesting chamber. In autumn, the storerooms of the flat-headed vole are filled with various roots; the weight of stocks in one hole is 5-10 kilograms. In winter, voles make moves under the snow and almost never come to the surface. It feeds on the green parts of various herbaceous plants(cinquefoil, cereals) and semishrubs (wormwood). In summer and autumn, it collects significant reserves of specially dried hay, hiding it in cracks, niches and under stones. In the crevices of rocks, he builds long partitions of small stones, fastening them with droppings and urine mixed with earth. Pebbles weighing up to 15 grams carry in the teeth.

Se The flat-headed vole usually roosts in colonies, leads a diurnal lifestyle, and is most active during daylight hours. Very mobile and active, sometimes running hundreds of meters from the burrow for food. Jumps up to 50 centimetersin length and 40 centimetersin height. Climbs bushes and even trees. Pauses in the round-the-clock intermittent activity occur during the hot part of the day and rainy days. The stones, which are very cold in winter, force the animals to build large nests. Reproduction begins in April, females bring up to three litters per season, seven to eleven young in a brood. Subspecies: 1) A. s. strelzovi Kastschenko (1899) - the color of the fur is relatively dark, gray, with a brownish tint; habitat - Central Altai, . 2) A. s. desertorum Kastschenko (1901) - close to the previous one, the color is somewhat paler; habitat - Kazakh highlands (Karaganda region). 3) A. s. depressus fire. (1944) - the zygomatic arches are less widely spaced than in the previous forms, the interorbital space of the skull with a noticeable narrowing in its posterior region, the interorbital part of the frontal bones with a sharp impression; habitat - (Southern Altai), ridge. Small in number and rare view. The flat-headed vole is a natural carrier of the plague pathogen.

In preparing the article, the materials of the articles were used: Mammals of the USSR; Reference book of a geographer and traveler, V.E. Flint, Yu.D. Chugunov, V.M. Smirin. Moscow, 1965; Rodents of the fauna of the USSR, Moscow, 1952, site materials: Wikipedia, as well as photos of site users.

Mice are rarely talked about in a respectful tone. Usually they are described as poor, shy, but very harmful rodents. mouse vole- that is no exception.

This small animal can significantly spoil the crop in the garden, and gnaw a hole in the floor at home. Judging by photo, voles outwardly resembles ordinary mice and. At the same time, the muzzle of the inhabitants of the fields is smaller, and the ears and tail are shorter.

Features and habitat of the vole

The animals themselves belong to a large family of rodents and a subfamily. There are more than 140 field species. Almost everyone has their own differences, but there are also common features:

• small size (body length from 7 centimeters);
• short tail(from 2 centimeters);
• small weight (from 15 g);
• 16 teeth without roots (a new one will grow in place of the fallen tooth).

At the same time, roots were found in fossil rodents, but in the process of evolution, field animals lost them. A typical representative is common vole. This is a small rodent (up to 14 centimeters) with a brownish back and a gray belly. Lives near marshes, near rivers and in meadows. In winter, it prefers to move into people's houses.

Some species of field mice live underground (for example, mole voles). On the contrary, they lead a semi-aquatic lifestyle. In this case, terrestrial representatives are most often found. For example, among forest rodents, the most popular are:

• red-backed vole;
• red-gray field mouse;
• bank vole.

All three species are distinguished by mobility, they are able to climb bushes and small trees. In the tundra, you can “get acquainted” with pied and, which also belong to this subfamily.

About 20 species of field rodents live in Russia. All of them are small. The people of Mongolia East China, Korea and Far East less fortunate. Their economy is harmed big vole.

Pictured is a large vole

Pictured is a red vole mouse

Rodents prepare in advance for the cold. Field mice do not hibernate and lead active image life all year. voles in winter feed on supplies from their pantries. It can be seeds, grains, nuts. Most often, the animals do not have enough of their own blanks, which is why they run to people's houses.

However, they do not always enter the house by accident. Sometimes rodents are kept as decorative pets. animal vole can live in a small cage with a metal grate filled with sawdust.

There are usually 2-3 females per male. In winter, it is recommended to transfer to larger cages and leave them in unheated rooms.

Pictured is a red-backed vole

Also, these rodents are used for scientific purposes. Biological and medical experiments are most often carried out on red and steppe vole. If mice are wound up in the apartment “illegally”, you should contact the sanitary and epidemiological station. Voles breed very actively and can significantly damage property.

Food

The owners of such an unusual pet as vole mouse you should know that your pet needs a balanced diet. The daily diet should include:

• vegetables;
• corn;
• cottage cheese;
• meat;
• eggs;
• fresh raw water.

For those who only dream buy vole, it should be understood that these are very voracious rodents, they are able to eat food more than their weight per day.

Many people believe that field mice are omnivores in nature. However, this is not quite true. "Menu" directly depends on the habitat. For example, steppe animals feed on grasses and plant roots. In the meadow, rodents choose juicy stems and all kinds of berries. forest voles feast on young shoots and buds, mushrooms, berries and nuts.

Almost all types of mice will not refuse small insects and larvae. water vole, for unknown reasons, likes potatoes and root vegetables. In general, vegetables and fruits from gardens are the favorite food of almost all field mice.

Rodents in in large numbers can cause irreparable damage to the economy. In apartments and houses, mice eat everything they can steal: bread, straw, cheese, sausage, vegetables.

Pictured is a water vole

Reproduction and lifespan

It cannot be said that these are exclusively harmful creatures. In nature, they are an important link in the food chain. Without mice, many predators would starve, including martens and.

However, it is better not to let wild voles near the houses. These are very prolific rodents. AT natural environment in one year, a female can bring from 1 to 7 litters. And each will have 4-6 little mice. AT greenhouse conditions The animals are multiplying even faster.

The pregnancy itself lasts no more than a month. Mice become independent after 1-3 weeks. Captive gray voles become sexually mature at the age of 2-3 months. Pets - a little earlier.

Pictured is a gray vole

The age of these rodents is short, and rarely the mouse survives to the age of two. However, during this short period, vole can give birth to about 100 cubs. That is, a flock of one mouse can completely destroy stocks of root crops for the winter and other products.

Despite the fact that field mice are so prolific, some species are listed in the "Red". Vinogradov's Lemmings are in critical condition, and the Alai Slepushonka is endangered. There are also vulnerable species and voles that are in a state close to threatened.

Conservation status and conclusion

common vole- a widespread species, most of whose populations, living in different natural zones, are relatively numerous. Reaction to economic activity person is not clear. Agricultural transformation of natural landscapes contributes to an increase in the number of the species. In connection with this feature, it was proposed to call the common vole an agrocenophile (Tupikova et al., 2001). During the years of mass reproduction, it can cause significant damage. agriculture, has considerable epidemiological significance, being a carrier of pathogens of tularemia, leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis and other diseases dangerous to humans. In this regard, it is necessary to control the abundance of the species.

Description

The fur color of voles can vary considerably from pale fawn-gray light fawn-brown to darkish gray-brown, sometimes with an admixture of brown-rusty tones. The abdomen is usually lighter: dirty gray, sometimes with a yellowish-ocher bloom. The tail is either single or slightly bicolor. The dorsal fur of the nominal race is brownish-brown. The voles of the "arvalis" form from central Russia are lighter in color, while the darkest coloration is in the "obscurus" form (Ognev, 1950; Malygin, 1983).

The common vole is a small animal. Body length is variable. Weight usually does not exceed 45 g. The tail is 30-40% of the length of the head and body. The average foot is 15.5 mm. The ears are small, round and slightly protruding from the fur. Condylobasal length of the skull on average - 24.5 mm, zygomatic width - 14.0, length in the upper row of molars - ranges from 5-7 mm, the lower - 4-6.5 (Ognev, 1950; Malygin, 1983; Meyer et al., 1996). The ridges on the skull are weakly expressed. Upper M2 with two inward-protruding corners. In the overwhelming majority of individuals, the M3 variant "typica" (Malygin, 1983). Its last posterior lobe does not form a strongly pronounced arcuate bend. The lower M1 has at least 7 closed spaces, rarely 8. There are 6 calluses on the back foot (Ognev, 1950).

Spreading

The range of the species is extensive: from the Atlantic coast in the west to the Mongolian Altai in the east, from the Baltic Sea, Finland, Karelia, the Middle Urals and Western Siberia in the north to the Balkans, the Black Sea and Asia Minor in the south (Malygin, 1983; Baranovsky et al., 1994; Common vole…, 1994; Meyer et al., 1996). The species has been recorded in Transcaucasia and Mongolia. In Russia, the western border of the distribution of the common vole coincides with the state border. In the north of the European part of the country, it goes from Karelia and the Leningrad region. In the south through Moldova and Ukraine to the north Caspian lowland and the Caucasus.

biotopes

The range of habitats is varied. A variety of factors can influence the biotopic preference of the common vole. First of all, natural and climatic. So, on the northern outskirts of its range in the zone of taiga forests, the vole (form "obscurus") tends to field and meadow cenoses, reaching 49 and 30.2% of the total population of small mammals, respectively. Settles even in areas around livestock farms. According to Bashenina in 1979, 1980 and 1983. in the foothills of the Urals, the common vole lived in meadows and small agricultural crops, in kitchen gardens, orchards, and clearings. In similar types of biotopes, it was also found in the Trans-Urals. Avoiding continuous forests in Western Siberia, the vole is common in sparse birch groves and in thickets of shrubs along rivers (Malygin, 1983). But even here, up to the Irkutsk region, it prefers habitats with a well-developed grass cover (Bashenina, 1968; Shvetsov et al., 1981). In the more southern part of its range, M. a. obscurus tends to wetter biotopes: floodplain meadows, depressions, ravines, irrigated orchards and orchards (Common vole..., 1994). However, it is also common here in xerophilic cenoses: dry steppes, fixed sands outside the desert zone (Nikitina et al., 1972; Tikhonov et al., 1996; Tikhonova et al., 1999). In the foothills of the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, the vole also gravitates towards agricultural land. In this region, it has mastered the slopes of the mountains, populating steppe areas, glades, river valleys, and arable land. It rises to alpine meadows, and lives on rocky areas. "Mountain" populations of this species are found at an altitude of 1800-3000 m above sea level. m.: in high-mountain subalpine and alpine meadows and mountain oak, beech and hornbeam formations (Common vole..., 1994).

Voles of the "arvalis" form in the very north of the range and in the forest zone demonstrate a biotopic distribution similar to the "obscurus" form, tending to meadow-type cenoses and agricultural lands (Mokeeva and Chentsova, 1981; Dobrokhotov et al., 1985; Teslenko and Zagorodnyuk, 1986 ; Tikhonov et al., 1992; Karaseva et al., 1994; and others). Wide in the zone deciduous forests and forest-steppe is often found in sparse forest biotopes, along river valleys, gullies, forest belts.

According to our data, the common vole avoids areas subject to intense anthropogenic pressure and transformation (Tikhonov et al., 1992; 1996, 1998; Tikhonov and Tikhonova 1997; Tikhonov, 1995).

Ecology

The common vole is an ecologically plastic species. Typically herbivorous rodent, whose diet includes a wide range of foods. According to generalized data, voles from different regions usually eat at least 80 plant species, preferring the families of cereals, Asteraceae, and legumes (Common vole..., 1994). There is a seasonal change in food. Propensity to reserve is expressed. In France, animals of the form "arvalis" stocked up to 3 kg (Renierd and Pussard, 1926). Similar food pantries were found in voles in the Leningrad region. (Gladkina and Chentsova, 1971) and on the territory of Kazakhstan (Gladkina, 1972).

The common vole is a family-colonial species. The family, as a rule, consists of a female and her offspring of the 3rd or 4th generation (Frank, 1954; Bashenina, 1962). In such settlements, the animals dig a complex system of holes and tread a network of paths. In winter they make snow nests on the ground. The common vole is characterized by territorial conservatism, but if necessary, during harvesting and plowing fields, it can migrate to other biotopes, including haystacks, vegetable and granaries (Common vole..., 1994).

The species is characterized by seasonal and annual fluctuations in abundance. The minimum level of abundance of populations was noted in spring. The features of these fluctuations may also have geographic specifics. In the pessimum of the range, long-term depressions in the abundance of the species are possible. In central Russia, they usually alternate with years of high abundance.

Behavior

Ecological features of the common vole determine the ethological structure of its populations. Animals of this species do not form continuous settlements, but live in clearly defined colonies separated from each other and attached to their family groups (Frank, 1954; Bashenina, 1962). In all parts of its range, the species has polyphasic circadian activity. On average, over a 3-hour period, voles observed 2-4 acts of sleep, 3-9 cleanings, 2-6 nest improvement from 6 to 20 feedings and 14-47% general activity accounts for locomotion (walking, jogging) (Common vole..., 1994; own data).

The pronounced territoriality of voles is also reflected in their social behavior. Intragroup interactions of animals are reduced mainly to simple identification contacts, somewhat less often - friendly (Zorenko, 1978, 1984; own data). An important element social behavior, indicating the tolerance of individuals to each other, is crowding. Common voles can show aggression towards members of their group. More often this form of behavior is shown by males. Aggression towards other individuals of its own species and, especially, towards East European voles (up to killing) is most acutely manifested. Common voles are very emotional. We noted cases of death of animals due to nervous overstrain during aggressive interactions.

Animals of this species are very cautious and tend to be neophobic (Common vole..., 1994; Fedorovich et al., 2000). Under the experimental conditions, during orienting and exploratory activities, common voles relied more on the sense of smell and less on the vibrissa sense of touch and vision (own data).

reproduction

Depending on weather conditions in different regions In Russia, the reproductive period in common voles usually begins in March-April and ends in September-November (Common vole ..., 1994; Tikhonova, Tikhonov, 1995; Tikhonov et al., 1998). In winter, there is usually a pause. But in closed habitats (haystacks, stacks, vegetable and granaries), reproduction can continue even in winter time. During the reproductive season in nature, female common voles can bring 2-4 broods, in laboratory conditions - more (Common vole ..., 1994; Gladkina, 1996). The size of the litter depends on a number of factors: the age and physical condition of females, the season, living conditions, mating patterns, and many others (Zorenko, 1972; Zorenko and Zakharov, 1986). According to the combined data, the average number of young in a litter of the common vole is about 5 (Common vole..., 1994). The study of the breeding strategy of this species showed that its natural populations are subject to the size of broods (Tikhonov et al., 1999).

The common vole belongs to the hamster family and is included in the genus gray voles. The habitat covers the steppe, forest-steppe and forest zones Europe and Asia from the Atlantic coast to Eastern Siberia. In the north, the animal can be found in Finland, Karelia, in the Northern Urals, and in the south in the Crimea, Asia Minor, Northern Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. Representatives of the species do not live in dense forests. They live only in light forests, in glades and edges. They feel comfortable at an altitude of up to 3 thousand meters above sea level.

The body length is 10-14 cm. The length of the tail reaches 5 cm. The weight is 45-50 g. The color of the skin varies from light brown to dark brown. The belly is lighter than the rest of the body and has a dark gray color with a yellowish tint. The lightest common voles live in Russia.

Reproduction and lifespan

Pregnancy lasts from 16 to 24 days. In the litter there are from 3 to 8 cubs weighing from 1 to 3 g. Milk feeding is 3 weeks. The mating season begins in March and ends in October. During this time, females usually have 3 reproductive cycles. AT wild nature The common vole usually lives 4-5 months. Most adult animals die in October, and the last offspring survive the winter and begin reproduction the following spring.

At birth, the number of females and males is approximately equal. However, males die more often and the ratio changes in favor of females 4:1. Population density varies throughout the year and has significant fluctuations that occur in 3-year and 5-year cycles. The number of individuals per hectare can vary from 100 (low) to 500 ( average level). The level of 2000 individuals per 1 hectare is considered high. This happens once every few years.

Behavior and nutrition

Animals are active at dusk and at night. May be active in winter all day long. They live in burrows in family groups, in which there are up to 5 females with young. Males live in separate areas that overlap those of females. Burrows reach a depth of 30-40 cm and have many passages. They serve for the rest of common voles and for storing food supplies.

On the ground, animals move along the same paths. In winter, such paths turn into passages under the snow. In relation to alien individuals, they behave aggressively and are not allowed into their territory. The diet includes plant foods. These are various herbs and crops. In addition, insects, their larvae, and mollusks are eaten. Food reserves in burrows can reach up to 3 kg. Representatives of the species cause great harm to agriculture and are considered pests. They are also carriers of dangerous infectious diseases.

Field mouse description:

• Body length no more than 12 cm, excluding the tail. The thin tail makes up 70% of the body length.
• The body is elongated. Hind feet are elongated, protrude forward when running.
• Long muzzle, small round ears, oblong nose.

The fur is hard, coarse, short. Colors can be different - gray, brown, ocher or beige. A straight line of black or brown shade runs along the spine. The color of the abdomen is white. At the base of the hairline has dark shade. Small spots may be present on the chest.

The vole mouse has unique teeth, a pair of long incisors on the lower jaw grow throughout her life. To prevent their excessive growth, and they grow at a rate of 1-2 mm per day, the mouse is forced to continuously grind them on solid objects.

As for weight, the average animal does not weigh more than 20 grams.

A photo

Distribution of animals

This representative of the fauna is widespread in Europe. Also, animals can be found in China, Mongolia, Denmark, Finland, Korea, Taiwan. In the Russian Federation, the rodent is common in Primorye, Siberia, and the Urals. Often settles on the hills, climbs low into the mountains.

Found in Black Sea of ​​Azov. Does not like desert forest-steppes and continuous forests. Does well in wet areas.

Prefers overgrown meadows with small depressions, collective farm arable land, sunny edges of deciduous forests and, of course, vegetable gardens. It can be found in greenhouses, greenhouses, cellars, barns, abandoned utility sheds, and even in residential areas.

IMPORTANT! With the onset of the autumn period, the rodents move into stacks, haystacks, straw bales.

reproduction

The breeding season for the vole mouse is from early spring to mid-autumn. In one season, the animal is able to bring 3-4 offspring. In rare cases, up to 5-6. Bearing cubs lasts 21-23 days. In one litter, 5-7 babies are usually born.

Babies are born helpless and blind, but they develop very rapidly.:

• 12-14 days after birth, they begin to see clearly.
• 30 days after birth, they become independent.
• Young individuals are capable of giving birth to cubs already 90-105 days after birth.

How long does a field mouse live? The life expectancy of a field mouse can reach 7 years, but in the wild, animals live, as a rule, for a year or two.

Now imagine how fast rodents can breed in just one summer season, provided there is an abundance of food and sun.

Lifestyle

In summer and spring, field mice are active in the evening and at night. In autumn and winter, they can be active during the day. AT hibernation do not fall.

How mice hibernate:

• As minks, natural shelters or earthen passages can be used.
• Their burrows reach 3-4 m in length and have 2-4 exits, one of which leads to a watering place.
• Dwellings necessarily have a nesting chamber and 2-3 pantries in which winter supplies are stored.
• Storerooms are located at a depth of 0.5-1 m.

IMPORTANT! Rodents that live in swampy areas do not dig holes. They build nests. The main material is grass. Such dwellings are usually located on high bushes.

Distinctive features

Vole mice have their own, distinctive features from other rodents.:

• Depending on the habitat (eastern and western), individuals have different colors and sizes.
• It differs from other rodents in the presence of a flat stripe along the spine.
• Unlike mice, it has a larger body size.
• It differs from the Dahurian hamster in a longer tail.
• Unlike pied, it has a longer puberty period - about 100 days.
• Compared to other subspecies of rodents, the field mouse has an underdeveloped pinna.
• The fur of field mice is coarser. And adults often have soft spines, like hedgehogs.
• Field mice belong to the mobile subspecies. They are characterized by seasonal feeding movements.
• May be common in swampy areas. At the same time, they use grass nests as burrows.

Very often, other types of mammals that look like voles are mistaken for mice. The most common rodent species appearance resembling mice:

1. . Despite this name, this animal actually belongs to the mouse family, but differs from voles in its large size.
2. . Lives underground and belongs to the hamster family.

As well as rodents from the family of mice-voles:

1. and . Outwardly similar to mice, but have a number distinctive features. Read more about pestle.
2. . Forest inhabitants, differing from the field in the color of the fur coat.
3. . This species lives in colonies and is able to make significant, up to 15 kg, stocks for the winter.

O various types read voles.

What harm is done to a person?

Voles can cause very significant damage to both crop storage sites and plants in the fields. They can damage the vegetables planted in the garden and spoil the preparations for the winter in the cellar.

Moreover, these rodents are carriers of fatal infections for humans such as leptospirosis, tularemia, tick-borne typhoid fever.

Ways to fight and protect

The main difficulty in dealing with field mice is that they live in places hidden from human eyes. This means that it is rather problematic to catch or poison them. That's why the first priority in the fight against voles is the need to find and destroy their habitat. You can do this in the following ways.

We drive mice out of the territory

First of all, you need to try to expel rodents from the site.:

1. Mow tall grass, remove dry leaves and weeds. You also need to get rid of branches and piles of plant debris. All of these are great places to build burrows.
2. Fruits that have fallen from the tree should not remain on the site, as they are an easily accessible source.
3. Digging up the site can help get rid of burrows and underpasses.
4. To keep rodents from spoiling fruit trees, around the trunks they dig a fine mesh into the ground. The same can be done around the perimeter of the entire site.

We use repellers

The use of special repellent devices can speed up the process of expelling voles from your territory. They are installed around the perimeter of the site and provide protection from moisture.

We use mousetraps

Ordinary mousetraps can also help in the fight against mice. Experienced gardeners recommend installing these devices on the site in early spring and late autumn., since it is at this time that mice reproduce most actively. In order not to hurt pets, mousetraps can be covered with a box, this will not stop mice in pursuit of bait.

We use poisons

In late winter and early spring, the use of poisons is very effective. At this time, the mice are hungry and not very picky about food. Poisons are placed directly in the burrows.

How to get rid of field mice in the house?

If mice are wound up in your house, use time-tested, traditional methods:

• Mousetraps. At the same time, do not forget about safety measures so that people and pets do not suffer.
• Repellers. Special devices are safe for people and pets, but have negative impact on mice.
• With all precautions, poisons can be used.
• Cat. The most effective, proven and safe "remedy" for mice. If you don't have a cat at home, borrow it from friends for a while.

Thus, it is quite possible to get rid of mice on the site or in the house. It is enough to create unbearable living conditions for them. And so that voles do not reappear, prevention is needed - maintaining cleanliness on the site, timely cleaning of plant debris and food waste.

Video

In the video you can see what field mice look like: