A lumpy lawn after the snow melts could mean you've got voles

A familiar rodent is raising its tiny head in Saskatchewan this spring.

The Meadow vole looks a lot like house mouse, but it has a shorter tail, a rounded headand smaller ears.

Areas which havehad a lot of snow this winter will likely see more damage from the little brown rodents, according to Shawn Sherwood ofPoulin'sPest Control in Regina.

Voles are the Arnold Schwarzenneger of mice. They're big and dumb.- Shawn Sherwood, Poulin's Pest Control, Regina.

According to the Government of Canada website,voles are herbivores whicheat green plants and seeds.

During thewinter, they create tunnels under the insulation of the snow but live above ground.

The voles graze on the plants found under the snow.

"Once the snow melts, the lawn looks full of lumps and ruts," says Sherwood.

If your lawn has been hit, your lawn should recoverwith some time and attention.

According to Sherwood, there are a few ways to get voles out of your yard such astrapping or poisoning them. Or you could just wait it out.

"Voles are the ArnoldSchwarzeneggerof mice," says Sherwood. "They're big and dumb.In the spring they forget they no longer have the snow cover to hide them."

In an urban setting, birds, cats, dogs and even coyotes will help to bring down the vole population.

Sherwood warns residents to keep an eye on the vermin. An overpopulation of voles can alsowipe out your garden and bedding plants, he said.