How To Get Rid Of Voles In Your Yard
Maintaining a vibrant and healthy lawn is not just about aesthetics – it’s essential for the well-being of your outdoor space. Voles can wreak havoc on your yard, causing damage to plants, grass, and even soil structure. By taking proactive measures to keep your lawn vole-free, you’re ensuring its longevity, beauty, and the overall enjoyment of your outdoor environment. In this blog, we will share some tips on how to get rid of voles in your yard effectively.
What are Voles?
Voles are small rodents that are often mistaken for mice due to their similar size and appearance. They have stocky bodies, short legs, and a blunt snout. Voles are herbivores and can cause damage to lawns and gardens by eating plants, roots, and bulbs.
In Indiana, two common species of voles are the Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and the Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster). Meadow voles prefer grassy areas and can be found in open fields, while prairie voles inhabit grasslands and prairies. Both species can reproduce rapidly, making effective vole control strategies crucial for maintaining healthy landscapes.
Moles vs Voles
Moles and voles are often mistaken for each other, but they have distinct differences. Moles are insectivores that tunnel underground to feed on insects, causing raised ridges in lawns. They have cylindrical bodies, large front paws, and small eyes.
On the other hand, voles are herbivores that primarily damage plants and lawns by creating surface runways and burrows. They have stocky bodies, short legs, and prominent ears. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial in implementing the appropriate control methods. Proper identification helps ensure targeted solutions for the specific pest, avoiding unnecessary measures that could further disrupt the ecosystem.
What Attracts Voles to Your Yard and Garden?
Voles are drawn to yards and gardens for several reasons, and understanding these attractions can help you effectively address vole-related issues. One major factor that entices voles is the presence of suitable shelter and hiding spots. Overgrown vegetation, piles of leaves, and clutter offer them safe havens to establish their nests and avoid predators. These areas provide protection and a steady supply of food.
Voles are herbivores, and the availability of food sources significantly influences their presence. Gardens with a variety of plants, particularly those with succulent roots, become alluring feeding grounds for voles. They can cause considerable damage by nibbling on these roots and eating crops, leading to plant distress and reduced yields.
Moist environments also attract voles. Yards with poor drainage or over-irrigation can create the damp conditions these rodents seek out. This moisture not only supports their survival but also facilitates burrow excavation in the soil.
Signs of Vole Presence and Damage in Your Yard
Detecting vole presence and the damage they cause in your yard involves recognizing certain telltale signs. One key indicator is the appearance of surface runways – narrow pathways that voles create by repeatedly traveling through grass and vegetation.
These runways may be hidden under the grass or exposed, and they usually lead to feeding areas or burrow entrances. Additionally, you might notice chewed plants, stems, or roots, as voles are herbivores and feed on vegetation. Another sign is the presence of small, round burrow entrances about the size of a golf ball, typically concealed beneath mulch or in dense vegetation.
Voles also construct complex underground tunnel systems that provide shelter and protection. These burrows can disturb the soil and create raised ridges across your lawn. Pay attention to areas with disturbed soil, as well as any sudden decline in plant health, which could be an indication of vole activity. Regular observation and prompt action can help you identify vole presence and mitigate potential damage to your yard.
Prevention Measures
Preventing vole infestations in your yard requires a proactive approach. Here are effective vole prevention measures to consider:
Lawn Maintenance
Keep your lawn well-manicured and regularly mowed. Shorter grass makes it less appealing for voles to create runways and burrows. Although, for turf health we recommend going no shorter than 3 inches.
Reduce Clutter
Clear away clutter, leaf piles, and dense growth that could provide hiding spots for voles.
Plant Selection
Opt for vole-resistant plants and shrubs. These include daffodils, alliums, and plants with strong aromas like lavender or rosemary.
Physical Barriers
Place wire mesh or hardware cloth around the base of young trees and shrubs to prevent voles from chewing on the bark.
Mulching
Use gravel or other coarse materials for mulching around plants instead of organic mulch, which voles may use for nesting.
Repellents
Deter voles from your yard by using natural repellents such as castor oil or sprays made from garlic.
Fencing
Install a barrier of hardware cloth or chicken wire around garden beds to prevent voles from accessing plants.
Regular Inspection
Check your yard for signs of vole activity regularly and take immediate action if you spot any issues.
Professional Help
Consider seeking professional vole removal services for expert assistance in effectively addressing vole infestations and safeguarding your yard and garden. Their expertise ensures comprehensive and efficient solutions to mitigate vole-related issues.
How can Green Lawncare and Property Services Get Rid of Voles?
Green Lawncare and Property Services employ a holistic approach to vole control. We begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the infestation’s extent and the affected areas. Based on the evaluation, we implement a combination of strategies, including education on best practices and then using specific rodenticides to eliminate the vole. This may take multiple treatments as voles tend to nest and reproduce rapidly.
Our experienced technicians strategically place traps to capture voles while minimizing non-target impacts. We also encourage the use of eco-friendly repellents to deter voles from the premises. By addressing both current infestations and future prevention, we ensure effective vole management.
Importance of Ongoing Prevention to Avoid Future Infestations
Maintaining ongoing prevention measures is essential to thwart future vole infestations. Voles can quickly multiply, causing extensive damage to your yard and garden. By consistently implementing strategies like proper lawn maintenance, habitat modification, and natural repellents, you create an environment that discourages voles from settling in.
Preventive efforts reduce the risk of recurring infestations and the need for reactive measures. This proactive approach not only safeguards your outdoor space but also saves you time, effort, and potential costs associated with managing vole-related issues in the future.