How do voles typically cause damage to turfgrass?

Voles typically cause damage to turfgrass primarily by gnawing on the bark and roots of plants. This behavior is associated with their dietary needs, as voles are herbivores, and they feed on a variety of vegetation, including grasses. Their gnawing can weaken the plants and hinder growth, leading to patches of dead or dying turfgrass.

Other options present different behaviors or interactions with the turf, but they do not align as closely with the primary damage caused by voles. For instance, while voles may dig and create tunnels, their primary means of damaging turfgrass is through their direct feeding on the edible parts of the plants, which includes bark and roots. This feeding can severely affect the health of the turf, resulting in visible damage. Understanding this behavior helps in managing and controlling vole populations effectively to protect turfgrass health.