How to Get Rid of Voles: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Yard and Garden

How to Get Rid of Voles

Voles may be small, but their impact on your yard or garden can be significant. These tiny, burrowing rodents are known for damaging lawns, gnawing on tree roots, and destroying plant life. If left unchecked, a vole infestation can lead to costly repairs and a frustrating gardening experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to identify voles, understand their behavior, and implement effective methods to get rid of them. Whether you prefer natural remedies or professional solutions, we’ve got you covered.

What Are Voles?

Voles, often referred to as field mice, are small rodents that belong to the genus Microtus. They are typically 4–8 inches long, including their tail, and have stocky bodies, small ears, and short legs. Unlike moles, which primarily eat insects and live underground, voles are herbivores that feed on vegetation, roots, and seeds.

Common Signs of a Vole Infestation:

• Runways and Tunnels: Voles create visible runways in grass and shallow tunnels in soil.
• Gnaw Marks: Look for gnaw marks on tree trunks, shrubs, and plant stems near the ground.
• Damaged Plants: Voles eat the roots and bulbs of plants, causing them to wilt or die.
• Soft, Uneven Ground: Their burrowing can make your lawn feel spongy or uneven.

How to Get Rid of Voles

Getting rid of voles requires a combination of tactics, including natural deterrents, physical barriers, and population control methods. Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Natural Methods to Repel Voles

A. Use Natural Repellents

Natural repellents are safe for your garden and can effectively deter voles:

• Castor Oil: Mix castor oil with water and spray it on vole runways and burrow openings. The strong smell repels voles.
• Garlic and Hot Pepper Spray: Create a homemade spray using garlic, hot pepper, and water to keep voles away from plants.
• Predator Scents: Sprinkle predator urine (such as fox or coyote urine) around your yard to scare off voles.

B. Encourage Natural Predators

Attracting natural vole predators can help keep their population in check. Hawks, owls, snakes, and outdoor cats are effective at controlling vole infestations. Consider installing birdhouses for raptors or allowing your cat to roam the yard.

2. Physical Barriers and Prevention

A. Install Garden Fencing

Protect your garden with vole-proof fencing:

• Use hardware cloth or mesh with openings no larger than 1/4 inch.
• Bury the fence at least 12 inches deep and bend the bottom outward to prevent voles from digging underneath.

B. Use Tree Guards

Wrap the bases of young trees and shrubs with tree guards or mesh to prevent voles from gnawing on their bark and roots.

C. Remove Vole Habitat

Voles thrive in areas with dense vegetation and debris. Make your yard less attractive to voles by:

• Keeping your lawn mowed and trimmed.
• Removing piles of leaves, mulch, and wood.
• Avoiding overwatering, as wet soil encourages vole activity.

3. Trapping and Population Control

A. Use Snap Traps

Place snap traps near vole runways and burrow entrances. Bait the traps with peanut butter, apples, or oatmeal to attract voles. Check the traps daily and dispose of the rodents responsibly.

B. Live Traps

If you prefer a humane approach, use live traps to capture voles and relocate them far from your property. Be aware that voles may return if the environment remains favorable.

C. Bait Stations

Rodent bait stations can be used to control larger vole infestations. However, be cautious when using bait, especially if you have pets or children, as it can be toxic. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Professional Solutions

If the infestation is severe or persists despite your efforts, consider hiring a pest control professional. Experts can:

• Perform a thorough inspection of your property.
• Apply targeted treatments, such as vole-specific rodenticides or fumigation.
• Implement long-term prevention strategies to keep voles away.

Long-Term Prevention Tips

After successfully getting rid of voles, it’s essential to take preventative measures to ensure they don’t return:

1. Maintain Your Yard: Keep grass short, trim bushes, and remove debris to eliminate vole hiding spots.
2. Plant Vole-Resistant Vegetation: Choose plants like daffodils, alliums, or other species that voles dislike.
3. Use Gravel Mulch: Replace organic mulch with gravel or stones around plants to discourage burrowing.
4. Seal Entry Points: If voles are entering your property from nearby fields or wooded areas, install barriers or fencing to block their access.

Conclusion

Voles may be small, but their impact on your yard and garden can be significant if left unchecked. By combining natural repellents, physical barriers, trapping methods, and professional help when needed, you can effectively get rid of voles and protect your outdoor space.

Remember, prevention is key to keeping voles away in the long term. With proper yard maintenance and strategic deterrents, you can enjoy a vole-free garden and a thriving landscape for years to come!