In many parts of Europe,common voles (Microtus arvalis) are the main vertebrate problem species in agriculture.During outbreaks populations reach densities of several thousand individuals per hectare and cause massive crop damage,impact on infrastructure and increase the risk of transmission of zoonoses to humans.Several aspects of common vole ecology and behavior are well understood such as spatial activity and ecosystem function.We used published data and information from a farmer survey about common vole management techniques.This included both the use of chemical rodenticides and non-chemical alternatives.We assessed these methods regarding effectiveness,cost,practicability,environmental impact and whether these methods are aligned to the ecological properties of the species.Disadvantages are associated with all techniques presently used for large-scale management of common voles during outbreaks,which demonstrates the need to develop more suitable methods or combinations of methods to reduce the negative impact this species can have in cropping.