Mammal · Moderate risk
Field Mouse
In Quebec, what people call a field mouse («mulot») is most often the meadow vole. This stocky rodent lives outdoors, in lawns, fields and orchards. It scurries along runways close to the ground rather than hopping.
12 to 20 cm · Brown to grey
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
The meadow vole measures 12 to 20 cm including the tail, for an average weight of about 45 g. Its fur is brown on the back, greyer on the belly. Compared with a mouse, it has a compact body, a short, round snout, a short tail and small ears half hidden in the fur.
§2Habitat
Where to find it
It lives in lawns, fields, orchards and along wooded edges. It stays outdoors and nests in shallow burrows, under brush piles, rock piles and mulch. Unmowed areas and fallen fruit attract it.
§3Reproduction
Lifecycle
Gestation lasts about 21 days, and populations go through cyclical peaks.
§4What to look out for
Signs of infestation
- Runways of clipped grass 2.5 to 5 cm wide
- Gnawed food, plants and crops
- Shallow furrows or burrows in the ground
- Round holes in the snow during the thaw
- Bark gnawed at the base of trees and shrubs
§5Why act fast
Risks
- A ring of gnawed bark that can kill a young tree
- Damage to crops, perennials and young plants
- Lawn riddled with runways that show up at the thaw
- Up to 5 litters a year: the population climbs fast
§6Prevention
How to avoid it
- Remove piles of branches, rocks and debris
- Pick up fallen fruit and crop residue
- Protect trunks with 0.6 cm mesh
- Keep the lawn short and avoid tall grass
- Set traps at the first signs
- Mow ground cover late in the fall, before the snow
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Locating infested areas and assessment.
Preparation
Customized plan · steps to take before the visit.
Treatment
Locating runways and burrows, Health Canada registered baits in tamper-resistant stations, trunk protection.
Follow-up
Control visit · written guarantee offered depending on the treatment chosen.
§8Your questions answered
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a field mouse and a house mouse?
In Quebec, «mulot» (field mouse) mainly means the meadow vole. It has a stocky body, a short tail and small ears hidden in the fur, while the house mouse has a long tail and large ears. It lives outdoors.
Are field mice dangerous?
The risk is mostly to property. By gnawing the bark at the base of trees under the snow, they can kill young trees and damage lawns and flower beds.
How do I get rid of them?
Short mowing in the fall, removing shelters, protecting trunks and setting traps. If the population stays high, registered baits placed in tamper-resistant stations.
The meadow vole, called «mulot» in Quebec, works all winter under the snow: the damage shows up at the thaw, when runways appear in the lawn. That is why field mouse treatment is planned in the fall, before the first snow. Large properties in Granby, Sherbrooke, Bromont and Cowansville are the most affected. For the species’ detailed biology, see the meadow vole fact sheet.
Sources consulted for this fact sheet: OQLF · Health Canada · IRDA Réseau-pommier · Québec.ca.
React quickly, sleep well.
The damage happens under the snow and shows up at the thaw.
