Noticed winding trails in your grass or missing plants that seem to vanish overnight? You might be dealing with voles. These little critters might look harmless, but they can cause serious trouble in a yard or garden. The good news is, you have options. Let’s walk through some simple ways to show them they are not welcome
What’s a Vole?
Voles are small rodents that resemble mice. They tunnel through the soil and snack on roots, bulbs, bark, and just about anything growing underground. In the Denver area, their damage often shows up in early spring, especially as the snow melts and reveals their well-worn runways.
Handy Tips for Keeping Voles Out of Your Yard
1. Clean Up the Yard
Voles thrive in overgrown or cluttered spaces. To make your yard less inviting:
-
Keep your grass trimmed
-
Pull weeds regularly
-
Clear out leaf piles
-
Avoid piling mulch or snow too high around trees or garden beds
When there is less cover, there are fewer places for voles to hide.
2. Use Vole Repellents
Castor oil-based repellents are a good option. They do not harm the animals but make the soil unpleasant for them to chew through. These come in sprays or granules. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and reapply after rain or heavy watering.
3. Add Physical Barriers
To protect your plants and trees:
- Wrap tree trunks with protective guards
- Bury hardware cloth around garden beds or flower bulbs
- Consider raised beds with a wire mesh bottom to keep voles from digging in from below
4. Trap If Needed
For heavy infestations, simple traps baited with peanut butter can be effective. Place them near active vole trails. Just be sure to use caution if pets or small children are nearby.
5. Get Professional Help if Necessary
If the problem keeps getting worse, do not hesitate to call in a local pest control expert. Sometimes it takes a bigger toolbox to deal with a bigger problem.
Extra Tip for Colorado Yards
Encourage natural predators like owls by adding an owl box to your property. They can eat several voles in a night. Also, keep your yard friendly for snakes and other helpful wildlife that might keep the population in check.
No More Voles!
You’ve got this. With a little effort and the right supplies, you can protect your yard and enjoy your space again. And if you need help picking out the right products or have questions, come on by the store. I’m always happy to help.