Getting rid of voles in the garden can be a tricky endeavor. Voles, sometimes referred to as meadow mice or field mice, are small rodents that can cause extensive damage to lawns, gardens and yards. Little is known about this pesky critter, but it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of their habits and lifecycle before attempting to remove them from your garden. It is possible to get rid of voles with deterrents and repellents, as well as control methods such as trapping, baiting and professional extermination. This article will provide readers with information on how to identify the presence of voles in their garden and the steps they should take for successful vole removal.
Understanding Voles
Voles are small rodents that can cause considerable damage to gardens. They are often mistaken for moles, but they are quite different. Voles have small, stout bodies with short legs and a short tail. They also have small eyes and ears, as well as fur that is generally light brown in color.
Voles inhabit wooded or grassy areas where they may dig underground burrows or nests. In garden settings, they will feed on the roots of plants, grasses and tubers, as well as consume seeds and fruits from shrubs and trees. In addition to causing direct damage to vegetation, voles can also create surface tunnels across lawns which can be unsightly and lead to soil erosion issues over time.
In order to prevent voles from taking up residence in your garden, it is important to keep the area free of debris such as leaves and brush piles which provide ideal hiding spots for these animals. Additionally, mulches made of cedar chips or crushed stone may be used around the base of plants to deter voles from digging near them. Motion-activated sprinklers can also be useful in discouraging voles from entering an area by startling them with unexpected bursts of water when they approach a particular area.
Deterrents and Repellents
Voles can cause significant damage to gardens, lawns, and other outdoor areas. Deterrents and repellents are a great way to help reduce the population of voles in your garden. Here are some ways you can use deterrents and repellents to get rid of voles:
- Planting garlic around the perimeter of your garden is an effective repellent. The smell of the garlic can repel voles from entering your garden.
- Sprinkling ammonia around your garden is also an effective way to repel voles. Ammonia has a strong smell that will keep voles away from your plants.
- Install noise machines near the perimeter of your garden. This will scare away voles with loud noises that they find unpleasant.
- Create a barrier or fence around your garden using chicken wire or hard plastic netting. This will help keep out any potential vole intruders while still allowing air and light into the area.
By using these methods, you can effectively deter and repel voles in your garden and protect it from further damage caused by them!
Control Methods
Trapping voles is one of the most reliable methods for removing them from your garden. It’s also a humane way to get rid of them without harming them. When trapping voles, it’s important to use the right kind of traps and bait. Mouse snap traps are a popular choice when trapping voles, as they are quick and efficient. Bait such as peanut butter or oatmeal can be used to lure voles into the trap. Place the traps near areas where you’ve seen activity, such as vole runs or tunnels in the soil. Check the traps often and reset them if needed until all the voles have been caught. Once caught, you can then release them in an area away from your property.
Another effective method for controlling voles is habitat modification. This involves altering their food sources, eliminating cover and making your garden less hospitable for them to live in. Remove plants that provide cover for voles, such as tall grass and weeds which act as shelter for them to hide out in during day time hours. Prune shrubs and trees that may be providing food sources such as seeds and fruits; this will make it more difficult for them to find food around your garden. You should also regularly mow your lawn since long grass provides ideal conditions for vole activity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting rid of voles in your garden doesn’t have to be difficult. Armed with a better understanding of the creatures and their behavior, effective deterrents and repellents, as well as various control methods, you can take steps to protect your garden from vole damage. With a little bit of effort and knowledge, you can keep voles out of your garden for good!