Have you ever woken up to find your beautiful lawn looking like a mini earthquake hit it? Those raised tunnels and patches of loose soil are a telltale sign that you’ve got some unwelcome guests: voles or moles. These small creatures might look cute, but they can wreak havoc on your garden, damaging plant roots and leaving your yard looking like a mess.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you understand these pesky critters and, most importantly, show you how to get rid of voles/moles once and for all. We’ll look at different methods, from simple home remedies to professional solutions, so you can choose the best approach for your situation. Let’s get started!
Understanding Your Underground Enemies
Before we start our battle plan, it’s important to know who we’re dealing with. While both voles and moles can damage your yard, they are different creatures with different habits. Knowing the difference will help you choose the right removal method.
Vole Identification and Habits
- What they look like: Voles are small rodents, often mistaken for mice. They have stout bodies, short legs, and small ears.
- What they eat: Voles are mainly herbivores, munching on grass, roots, bulbs, and even tree bark.
- Where they live: Voles create shallow burrows with many entrances and exits, often hidden under ground cover or mulch.
- Signs of vole activity: Look for surface runways, gnaw marks on plants, and small piles of clipped grass.
Mole Identification and Habits
- What they look like: Moles are small mammals with powerful digging claws, tiny eyes, and long snouts.
- What they eat: Moles are insectivores, feeding primarily on earthworms, grubs, and other soil-dwelling insects.
- Where they live: Moles dig deeper tunnels than voles, creating raised ridges and molehills (mounds of loose soil) in your yard.
- Signs of mole activity: The most obvious sign is the raised tunnels and molehills.
How to Get Rid of Voles and Moles: Effective Methods
Now that you know who’s causing trouble in your garden, let’s look at some effective methods to get rid of them.
Natural Repellents
If you prefer a natural approach, several options can help deter voles and moles:
- Castor Oil: Mix 3 tablespoons of castor oil with 4 tablespoons of dish soap in a gallon of water. Spray this mixture around affected areas and reapply after rainfall.
- Garlic: The strong smell of garlic can repel voles and moles. Plant garlic cloves around your garden or use garlic spray.
- Predator Urine: Using predator urine, such as fox or coyote urine, around your yard can scare away voles and moles. You can find these at garden centers or online.
Trapping
Trapping is a common and effective way to remove voles and moles. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify active tunnels: Look for fresh molehills or vole runways.
- Choose the right trap: Use snap traps for voles and harpoon or scissor traps for moles.
- Place traps correctly: Set traps in active tunnels, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check traps regularly: Check traps daily and dispose of captured animals properly.
Exclusion Methods
Prevent voles and moles from entering your garden by using barriers:
- Hardware Cloth: Bury hardware cloth around the perimeter of your garden or around specific plants. Make sure it extends at least 12 inches deep and 6 inches above ground.
- Raised Beds: Planting in raised beds can make it harder for voles and moles to reach your plants.
Sonic Repellents
Sonic repellents emit sound waves that are unpleasant to voles and moles. While their effectiveness varies, they can be a good option for deterring these pests.
- Solar-powered vs. Battery-powered: Choose solar-powered repellents for convenience or battery-powered ones for more consistent performance.
- Placement: Place sonic repellents strategically around your yard for optimal coverage.
Baits and Poisons
Important: Use baits and poisons with caution, as they can be harmful to other animals and children. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Vole baits: Use zinc phosphide or bromethalin baits specifically designed for voles.
- Mole baits: Look for mole baits containing bromadiolone or warfarin.
- Placement: Place baits in active tunnels or runways.
Professional Mole and Vole Control
If you’re struggling to get rid of voles or moles on your own, consider hiring a professional pest control service. They have the experience and tools to effectively address your infestation.
- Benefits of professional help:
- Expertise in identifying and targeting pests
- Access to professional-grade products and techniques
- Safe and efficient removal
Making Your Yard Less Appealing to Voles and Moles
Prevention is key to keeping your yard free of voles and moles. Here are some tips to make your yard less inviting:
- Keep your lawn short: Short grass makes it harder for voles to create runways and exposes moles to predators.
- Reduce watering: Voles and moles prefer moist soil. Water your lawn deeply but less frequently.
- Remove debris and clutter: Piles of leaves, woodpiles, and other debris provide hiding places for voles.
- Control grubs: Grubs are a major food source for moles. Use beneficial nematodes or milky spore to control grub populations.
Comparison of Vole and Mole Control Methods
| Method | Voles | Moles | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Repellents | ✓ | ✓ | Safe for the environment, often affordable | May not be as effective as other methods |
| Trapping | ✓ | ✓ | Effective for removing individual animals | Requires regular monitoring |
| Exclusion | ✓ | ✓ | Long-term solution, prevents re-infestation | Can be labor-intensive to install |
| Sonic Repellents | ✓ | ✓ | Non-toxic, easy to use | Effectiveness varies |
| Baits/Poisons | ✓ | ✓ | Can be effective for large infestations | Poses risks to other animals and children |
| Professional Control | ✓ | ✓ | Efficient and reliable | Can be expensive |
Choosing the Right Method for You
The best method for getting rid of voles/moles depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of the infestation: A few traps might be enough for a minor problem, while a large infestation might require professional help.
- Your budget: Home remedies are generally the most affordable, while professional services are the most expensive.
- Your preferences: If you prefer a natural approach, consider repellents or exclusion methods.
- Your time commitment: Trapping requires regular monitoring, while exclusion methods require an initial time investment for installation.
Summary: Winning the Battle Against Voles and Moles
Dealing with voles and moles can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can reclaim your yard. Remember to:
- Identify the culprit: Determine whether you’re dealing with voles or moles to choose the most effective methods.
- Combine methods: For best results, combine different approaches, such as trapping and exclusion.
- Be persistent: It may take time and effort to completely eliminate voles and moles.
- Prevent future infestations: Make your yard less attractive to these pests by keeping your lawn short, reducing watering, and removing debris.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful lawn without the nuisance of voles and moles.
FAQs
How do I know if I have voles or moles?
Voles create surface runways and gnaw on plants, while moles create raised tunnels and molehills.
What is the most effective way to get rid of moles?
Trapping is generally considered the most effective way to get rid of moles.
Are there any home remedies for getting rid of voles?
Yes, using castor oil spray or planting garlic can help repel voles.
Do sonic repellents really work for voles and moles?
While their effectiveness varies, sonic repellents can help deter voles and moles.
When should I call a professional for vole or mole control?
If you have a large infestation or are struggling to get rid of them on your own, consider calling a professional pest control service.