Introduction

If you have ever had a vole infestation in your garden, you know how destructive these little pests can be. Voles may look like cute little field mice, but they can cause serious damage to your lawn and garden by digging tunnels and eating the roots of your plants.

In this article, we will explore the different methods for getting rid of voles, including natural remedies, traps, chemical solutions, prevention methods, and long-term solutions for vole control.

The Most Effective Natural Ways to Get Rid of Voles

If you are looking for a natural way to control voles, there are a few options available to you.

Planting Certain Types of Plants to Repel Voles

Voles don’t like the smell of some plants, so planting them in your garden can work as a natural deterrent against voles. Examples of plants that voles dislike include:

• Daffodils
• Alliums
• Fritillarias
• Crown imperials
• Castor beans

Using Predator Scents to Keep Voles Away

Voles are prey animals that are easily scared. By using predator scents, a homeowner can send signals that predators are near, keeping voles away. Predator urine can work well as a deterrent. You can find predator urine in stores or online or visit your local outdoor store.

How to Use These Natural Solutions Effectively

These natural solutions are most effective when used together. Planting vole-repelling plants in conjunction with the use of predator scents can work well. It’s also important to plant these plants throughout your garden and lawn, rather than just in one area. Voles will quickly move to other areas of your property if they sense danger.

Using Traps to Get Rid of Voles

There are different types of traps available for homeowners who want to take a hands-on approach to getting rid of voles. Below are some of the most common types of traps:

How to Choose the Right Type of Trap

The most effective type of trap for getting rid of voles is a snap trap. These traps snap shut when triggered, causing a quick and humane death. Make sure to choose a trap that is designed specifically for voles and set it properly.

Setting Up Traps Effectively to Catch Voles

It’s important to set the traps in areas where you know voles are active. You can identify active areas by looking for vole tunnels or fresh vole droppings. Once you have identified an active area, place the snap trap perpendicular to the vole tunnel, so the vole walks into the trap.

How to Properly Remove Voles from the Property

It is important to properly dispose of voles after trapping them. Make sure to wear gloves when handling the trap and dispose of the vole far away from your property to prevent further infestation. Check the traps regularly and dispose of the vole before it starts to decompose and attract more voles to your property.

Chemical Solutions to Get Rid of Voles

If natural remedies and traps do not work, chemical solutions can be used to get rid of voles. There are different chemical solutions available, including bait and repellents.

Explanation of Different Chemical Solutions and Their Effectiveness

Vole bait usually contains anticoagulant agents that cause internal bleeding, leading to death. Vole repellents, on the other hand, use ingredients that create a bad taste or smell to discourage vole population. The effectiveness of chemical solutions depends on the type of product used and the level of infestation.

Safety Precautions to Take When Using Chemical Solutions

When using chemical solutions, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and take all safety precautions. Keep the chemicals away from children and pets, and wear gloves and a mask when applying them. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and disposal.

How to Properly Apply Chemical Solutions for Maximum Impact

Chemical solutions should be applied according to the product instructions. Use them only in areas of your yard where voles are active, and avoid using them near water sources or wildlife habitats. Also, remember to reapply the solution according to the instructions to prevent the voles from returning.

Prevention Methods to Avoid Vole Infestations

Preventing voles from entering your property is another way to avoid infestations. Below are some effective ways to prevent voles from making their home in your yard:

Removing Food Sources to Discourage Voles from Entering the Property

If there is no food source in your yard, voles will be less likely to enter. Clean up food waste regularly, and remove bird feeders and pet food during the night.

Blocking Entry Points to Prevent Voles from Entering the Property

Voles are small animals, so it’s important to block their entry points to your yard. Make sure to close off any openings under sheds, decks, or other structures. You can also bury hardware cloth around your garden’s perimeter to prevent voles from tunneling up and into your garden.

Other Preventative Measures to Discourage Voles from Making Your Property Their Home

There are other preventative measures to discourage voles from making your property their home. Keep your lawn mowed regularly, and remove piles of debris or brush from your yard. Also, try not to install plants too close together, as this will provide cover for voles to hide.

Long-term Solutions for Vole Control

Creating long-term solutions for vole control is key to avoiding future infestations. Below are some long-term solutions you can implement:

Creating Barriers Around the Property, Such as Fencing and Hedgerows

Fencing off areas where you want to prevent vole activity can work as a long-term solution. Make sure to dig the fence’s perimeter deep enough to keep voles from burrowing underneath, and install a one-way door in the fence to allow voles out if they have entered your property.

Establishing a Regular Yard Maintenance Routine to Reduce Vole-friendly Environments

Yard maintenance routines that include mowing, debris removal, and pruning trees can significantly reduce vole-friendly environments. Make sure also to remove weeds regularly, as voles can eat weeds and use the space as cover.

How to Maintain These Long-Term Solutions

It’s important to maintain these long-term solutions regularly, especially fencing and hedgerows. Check for any openings or holes in the fence, and repair them quickly. Remove any debris that has accumulated around the fence’s perimeter and prune hedgerows regularly to keep them from providing cover for voles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, voles can cause serious damage to your yard and garden, but there are many ways to get rid of them. In this article, we explored natural remedies, traps, chemical solutions, prevention methods, and long-term solutions for vole control. Whatever method you choose, remember that controlling voles is an ongoing process, requiring vigilance and regular maintenance. By following the tips and solutions provided in this article, you can effectively get rid of voles and prevent future infestations.