Voles have become a significant threat to Idaho agriculture, particularly to alfalfa crops. With some farmers reporting losses of up to 60% or more, understanding the vole life cycle, their resilience and innovative control methods has become critical.

Owl boxes, which are small, usually wooden, boxes built to accommodate owl nesting, have been utilized on agricultural land to help with the reduction of voles and the damage they cause. Studies by the University of Idaho show that an average barn owl family (two adults and five owlets) nesting near agricultural land can consume over 2,000 voles within three months. Barn owlets alone can eat about three voles a day until they leave the nest.

Implementing effective integrated pest management strategies is extremely important for dairy operations, not only for pest control but also for ensuring overall welfare and productivity. 

Technology marches onward, changing work processes and management in every industry. These continually evolving advances are also greatly affecting modern agriculture, including how pests are controlled.

Why do rodents chew wires? One-quarter of house fires with undetermined causes are assumed to be caused by rodents chewing on electrical wires.