How To Get Rid Of Voles: A Comprehensive Guide
Voles. Those pesky little rodents can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden. Their tunneling habits can ruin landscaping and their appetite for plants can leave your garden looking bare. But don't despair! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively get rid of voles and prevent future infestations.
Understanding Voles: Your First Line of Defense
Before you start battling voles, it's crucial to understand your enemy. Knowing their habits will help you target your efforts more effectively.
What are Voles?
Voles are small rodents, often mistaken for mice. They are typically brown or grayish-brown and have shorter, stockier bodies than mice. Their defining characteristic is their blunt nose and small ears.
Vole Habitats and Behaviors:
- Burrowing: Voles are prolific burrowers, creating extensive tunnel systems beneath the ground. These tunnels often disrupt lawns and gardens.
- Nocturnal Activity: They are mostly active at night, making them harder to spot directly.
- Diet: Voles are herbivores, feeding on grasses, roots, bulbs, and the bark of trees and shrubs. This explains the damage they inflict on gardens.
- Breeding: Voles breed rapidly, leading to a quick escalation of infestations if left unchecked.
Effective Vole Control Methods: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Getting rid of voles requires a multifaceted approach. Relying on a single method might not be sufficient. Here's a breakdown of effective strategies:
1. Natural Repellents:
- Castor Oil: The strong scent of castor oil is said to deter voles. Dilute castor oil with water and spray around vulnerable areas.
- Predator Urine: The scent of fox or coyote urine can scare voles away. However, this method's effectiveness varies.
- Planting Repellent Plants: Certain plants, like daffodils and alliums, are believed to repel voles due to their strong scent. Incorporate these into your landscaping.
Important Note: The effectiveness of natural repellents can be inconsistent. They are best used as preventative measures or in conjunction with other methods.
2. Trapping:
Trapping is a humane and effective method for removing voles from your property.
- Snap Traps: Place snap traps along vole runways, ensuring they're well-hidden within the vegetation.
- Havahart Traps: These live traps allow you to capture voles alive and relocate them far from your property.
3. Exclusion Methods:
Preventing voles from accessing your garden is key to long-term control.
- Hardware Cloth: Protect vulnerable plants by surrounding them with hardware cloth, buried several inches below ground.
- Repairing Holes and Gaps: Seal any openings in foundations, sheds, or other structures that may provide entry points for voles.
4. Professional Pest Control:
If the infestation is severe or you are struggling to control the voles on your own, consider contacting a professional pest control service. They have access to more powerful and effective methods.
Prevention is Key: Long-Term Vole Management
Once you've dealt with the current infestation, focus on preventing future problems.
- Keep your lawn well-maintained: High grass provides excellent cover for voles.
- Remove debris and leaf litter: This eliminates potential nesting sites.
- Remove food sources: Don't leave pet food or fallen fruit accessible to voles.
By implementing a combination of these methods, you can effectively rid your property of voles and protect your garden from future damage. Remember, patience and persistence are key to successful vole control.
