To effectively get rid of voles, you need a combination of habitat modification, physical barriers, natural predation, repellents, and trapping methods[1][2][3].
- Habitat modification: Keep your lawn mowed short, regularly trim bushes, control weeds, and remove mulch, plant debris, and overgrown vegetation since voles favor covered, undisturbed areas. Limit mulch to a thin layer and keep it away from tree bases. Remove wood and brush piles that provide shelter. This discourages vole infestation by removing food sources and hiding places[1][2][3][5][7].
- Physical barriers: Protect young trees and shrubs by wrapping the bases with hardware cloth or metal/tree guards that extend at least 6 inches into the ground to prevent burrowing beneath. Fencing gardens or flower beds with 1/4 inch mesh buried 6 to 10 inches deep and extending a foot above ground can exclude voles. Planting bulbs in wire baskets or using gravel around bulbs offers added protection[3][5][8].
- Trapping: Set out snap traps or live traps baited with peanut butter or apple slices in active vole runways or near burrow entrances. Check traps frequently and humanely release or dispose of captured voles according to regulations. Trapping works best for small, localized populations[1][2][4].
- Repellents: Use castor oil-based repellents, garlic, or chili/cayenne pepper powder around plantings and vole activity areas. Predator urine (from coyote or bobcat) and mint-based sprays may also deter voles. Note that all repellents need frequent reapplication, especially after rain[1][4][7].
- Encourage natural predators: Attract or support predators such as owls, hawks, snakes, cats, or foxes. Installing owl boxes or perches can increase owl presence, which helps reduce vole numbers naturally[1][4].
- Winter management: Remove or pack down snow around garden beds and tree trunks in winter to expose voles to predators and the cold[1].
- Block shelters: Prevent voles from hiding under steps, walkways, and decks by installing underground wire mesh to block off potential shelters. This can be a permanent solution to recurring problems[1].
References
- [1] Vole Control in Calgary: Eco-Friendly Lawn Solutions
- [2] How to Get Rid of Voles in Your Yard and Garden
- [3] How to Get Rid of Voles in Your Garden
- [4] 14 Steps to Get Rid of Voles in the Garden
- [5] Vole Damage Prevention and Control Methods
- [7] 10 Quick Tips You Can Do To Prevent Voles
- [8] Controlling Vole Damage – Nebraska Extension Publications
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