Voles are small rodents that can cause big problems in your yard and garden. They create tunnels, eat plants, and damage trees. If you’re wondering how do I get rid of voles, this guide is for you.
We’ll cover everything from identifying voles to preventing them from coming back and how to get rid of voles permanently.
What Do Voles Look Like?
Voles are small rodents often mistaken for mice. They have short, stocky bodies, small ears, and short tails. Their fur can range from brown to gray, making them blend into their surroundings. Unlike moles, voles are herbivores and have blunt snouts rather than pointed ones.
| Feature | Voles | Moles |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4 to 8 inches | 4 to 7 inches |
| Diet | Plants and roots | Insects and grubs |
| Habitat | Near surface soil | Deeper underground tunnels |
| Physical Features | Short tail, stocky body | Pointed snout, larger front paws |
What Damage Do Voles Cause?
Voles can cause a lot of damage to your yard and garden. They:
- Eat plants: Voles love to eat plants, including grass, flowers, vegetables, and tree bark.
- Create tunnels: Their tunnels can disrupt plant roots and create unsightly trails in your lawn.
- Damage trees: Voles can girdle trees by eating the bark around the base, which can kill the tree.
How Do I Get Rid of Voles in My Garden?
Gardens are often prime targets for voles due to the abundance of food. To protect your plants:
- Plant resistant species: Use vole-resistant plants like daffodils and lavender.
- Use raised beds: Elevate gardens to keep voles out.
- Protect roots: Place mesh or hardware cloth around the base of plants.
How Do I Get Rid of Voles in My House?
Although uncommon, voles can enter homes through cracks or gaps. To eliminate them:
- Seal entry points: Check for gaps around doors and windows.
- Set traps: Place snap traps near vole activity areas.
- Consult professionals: If the problem persists, contact pest control services.
How Do I Get Rid of Voles in My Yard Permanently?
For a long-term solution:
- Combine methods: Use traps, repellents, and lawn maintenance together.
- Professional help: Hire pest control experts for severe infestations.
- Landscape changes: Remove dense vegetation and create clear boundaries around gardens.
How Do I Get Rid of Voles in My Lawn?
To remove voles from your lawn, focus on destroying their tunnels and discouraging their return:
- Aerate the soil: This collapses tunnels and disrupts their habitat.
- Apply vole repellents: Use products containing castor oil or predator urine.
- Introduce predators: Owls and snakes can naturally control vole populations.
What Do Voles Eat?
Voles are herbivores, which means they eat plants. Their diet includes:
- Grasses: This is a staple food for voles.
- Roots: Voles will eat the roots of many plants.
- Bulbs: Tulips and other bulbs are a tasty treat for voles.
- Bark: Voles, especially in winter, will gnaw on tree bark.
- Fruits and vegetables: If available, voles will eat fruits and vegetables from your garden.
Where Do Voles Live?
Voles create burrows and tunnels in the ground. They prefer areas with:
- Tall grass and weeds: This provides cover from predators.
- Loose soil: This makes it easier to dig tunnels.
- Moist environments: Voles need access to water.
Difference Between Voles and Moles
Voles and moles are both small mammals that live underground, but they are different creatures. Here’s how to tell them apart:
| Feature | Vole | Mole |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Rounded body, small eyes and ears, short tail | Pointed snout, large front paws, no visible ears |
| Diet | Plants, roots, bulbs | Insects, worms, grubs |
| Damage | Surface runways, gnaw on plants | Raised molehills, tunnels deep underground |
How to Get Rid of Voles Naturally
If you’re looking for natural ways to get rid of voles, consider these options:
- Remove food sources: Keep your lawn mowed short and remove weeds and debris.
- Provide habitat for predators: Encourage owls, hawks, and snakes to visit your yard.
- Use repellents: Some people find success with natural repellents like castor oil or garlic.
- Exclude them: Use fencing or barriers to protect vulnerable plants.
What are the Best Vole Traps?
Trapping is an effective way to get rid of voles. Here are some common types of vole traps:
| Trap Type | Description | Effectiveness |
| Snap Traps | Similar to mouse traps | High for small infestations |
| Live Traps | Humane option for relocation | Moderate |
| Bait Stations | Poison bait to control populations | Effective but risky for pets |
Tips for Trapping Voles:
- Place traps near active runways: Look for areas with vole droppings or signs of gnawing.
- Use bait: Peanut butter, apple slices, or oatmeal are good options.
- Check traps regularly: Remove any captured voles and reset the traps.
How to Prevent Voles From Coming Back
Once you’ve gotten rid of voles, you’ll want to prevent them from returning. Here are some tips:
- Maintain your yard: Keep your lawn mowed short and remove weeds and debris.
- Create a barrier: Install a fence made of wire mesh that extends at least 12 inches below ground.
- Plant vole-resistant plants: Some plants, like daffodils and garlic, are less appealing to voles.
- Use mulch wisely: Avoid using mulch that provides cover for voles, like straw or hay. Instead, use wood chips or gravel.
Conclusion
Getting rid of voles requires understanding their habits and using a combination of natural methods, traps, and prevention strategies.
By maintaining a tidy yard, using effective repellents, and addressing infestations promptly, you can protect your lawn, garden, and home from vole damage.
Consistent effort and vigilance are key to ensuring voles do not return to your property. Remember to focus on prevention to keep voles from coming back.
FAQs: How Do I Get Rid of Voles?
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about ways to get rid of voles:
How Do I Get Rid of Voles in My Lawn?
To get rid of voles in your lawn, focus on making your lawn less attractive to them. Mow regularly, remove debris, and consider using traps or repellents.
How Do I Get Rid of Voles in My Yard Permanently?
Permanently getting rid of voles requires a multi-faceted approach. Combine habitat modification, exclusion methods like fencing, and trapping or repellents.
How Do I Get Rid of Voles in My House?
Voles rarely enter homes, but if you do have voles inside, use snap traps or live traps to catch them. Seal up any entry points to prevent them from coming back.
How Do I Get Rid of Voles in My Garden?
Protect your garden by using fencing, traps, and repellents. You can also try planting vole-resistant plants.
How Do I Get Rid of Voles in My Vegetable Garden?
Use a combination of fencing, traps, and repellents to protect your vegetable garden. You can also try planting vole-resistant vegetables like onions, garlic, and hot peppers.