I. Introduction
Voles can be a real nuisance to homeowners and gardeners alike. They burrow under your yard, eat your plants and flowers, and can cause significant damage to your lawn. In this article, we’re going to explore different methods of eliminating voles from your property. Whether you prefer a natural approach or more traditional methods such as trapping, our guide has got you covered.
II. Understanding Voles and their Habits
Before we can discuss ways to get rid of voles, it’s important to understand their physical characteristics and habits. Voles look like small mice but with a stockier body and shorter tail. They have very sharp teeth and an appetite for your yard’s vegetation. They tend to prefer moist and shaded areas in the lawn and typically have very short lifespans. Knowing this information can be valuable when trying to eliminate them from your yard.
The first step to reducing the likelihood of voles infesting your yard is to keep your lawn well-maintained: Clean up any leaf litter or other debris in the yard, which can create a haven for voles. Make sure to trim your grass often, as voles like to hide in tall grass.
III. Landscaping Techniques to Deter Voles
There are different techniques that you can use to deter voles through landscaping. You can start by selecting the right plants that voles don’t like to burrow under, like those with prickly leaves or strong fragrances. Additionally, you can surround plants with stones or gravel that make it difficult for voles to tunnel.
A great way to make your property less friendly to voles is by creating a border of plants that voles don’t like around your lawn’s perimeter. Utilizing raised garden beds or container gardening can also thwart voles’ efforts to tunnel under the soil and eat your plants.
IV. Using Traps to Eliminate Voles
Using voles traps is one of the most effective ways to get rid of these pests. You can either buy traps from your local hardware store or make them at home.
When setting traps, it’s essential to ensure voles are active and moving about their business. Otherwise, they might not take the bait. Once trapped, it’s best to relocate voles far away from your property to prevent them from returning.
After catching voles, disinfect the trapping area with bleach and water to make it safe for humans and pets.
V. Natural Voles Repellents
If you prefer using natural methods to deter voles, you can use some predator scent repellents made from the urine of different animals that voles fear, like cats. Garlic and onion are examples of repellents that can be used to keep voles out of your garden. Alternatively, you could try applying castor oil to your lawn since it is known to be repellent to voles and some other pests.
Unlike chemicals and pesticides, most natural repellents tend to be safe for people and pets but still maintain their effectiveness. Always ensure to follow the product’s instructions and research any natural products to guarantee their safety.
VI. Homemaking Vole Repellents
Like with natural voles repellents, there are household items you can use to repel pests. Mothballs and coffee grounds areregarded as effective since the smell they give off deters pests like voles. Epsom salts can also be used as a repellent; you can mix it with water and spray the solution in areas of your lawn voles like to inhabit. Be sure to handle any of these items out of the reach of children and pets and to carefully follow safety instructions.
VII. Natural Predators for Voles
Voles have natural predators that gardeners can invite to their yards. These predators include animals such as cats, falcons, hawks, snakes, and owls. Choosing to make your landscape hospitable to these predators is a proactive way to reduce the presence of voles.
Building nesting boxes or birdhouses can help you invite these animals into your yard and create your own natural predator “flock.” This way, you can control unwanted pests naturally without doing any harm to the ecosystem.
VIII. Conclusion
Getting rid of voles from your property can be a challenge, but by utilizing different methods like landscaping techniques, traps, natural and homemade repellents, and natural predators like cats and owls, you can effectively eliminate voles from your lawn and garden. Use caution when handling chemicals and pesticides and enlist the help of trained pest control specialists when necessary. With the right plan, your lawn, plants, and pocketbook can thrive regardless of pesky pests.