How to Get Rid of Voles/Moles Permanently

Moles and voles are common garden pests that can wreak havoc on lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. While they play a vital role in natural ecosystems, their digging and tunneling behaviors can destroy crops, kill plants, and damage landscaping. Whether you are a homeowner or a farmer, getting rid of voles and moles permanently can be a top priority to prevent further damage. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective methods to eliminate voles and moles from your property for good.

Understanding the Difference Between Moles and Voles

Before diving into control methods, it’s essential to understand the difference between moles and voles, as they are often mistaken for each other but require different approaches for control.

• Moles are carnivorous mammals that primarily feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates found in soil. They dig extensive tunnel systems underground, which often leads to raised mounds of dirt. These mounds can damage lawns and gardens, but the good news is that moles don’t eat plants.
• Voles, on the other hand, are small, mouse-like rodents that primarily feed on plants, roots, and bulbs. They live in shallow burrows and can cause significant damage to gardens, especially during the winter when food is scarce. Unlike moles, voles actively target your plants, making them a direct threat to your garden’s health.

Signs of Moles and Voles Infestation

Identifying whether you have a mole or vole problem is the first step in determining the appropriate control method. Here are some common signs:

• Moles:
  • Raised ridges or mounds in the lawn or garden, often called molehills.
  • Soft, uneven patches of ground.
  • Plants that are uprooted but not eaten.
• Voles:
  • Surface tunnels or runways in grass or mulch.
  • Gnaw marks on tree bark or plant stems.
  • Plants, bulbs, and roots that are eaten or damaged.
  • Small, round droppings.

Step-by-Step Methods to Get Rid of Voles and Moles Permanently

Now that you can differentiate between moles and voles, let’s explore some permanent solutions to eliminate these pests from your property.

1. Remove Food Sources for Moles

Moles are attracted to areas with abundant food sources like earthworms, grubs, and other soil insects. Reducing the availability of these food sources can make your property less appealing to moles.

• Apply Grub Control: Use grub-killing products that eliminate grubs, a primary food source for moles. Products containing ingredients like milky spore or nematodes can effectively reduce the grub population in your soil.
• Use Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic organisms feed on soil-dwelling pests and can naturally reduce mole food sources without harming plants.
• Keep Your Lawn Dry: Moles prefer moist  soil where worms and grubs thrive. Avoid overwatering your lawn and ensure proper drainage.

2. Trap and Remove Moles

Trapping is one of the most effective ways to permanently remove moles from your property. Mole traps can be placed in active tunnels, and when done correctly, can result in quick removal.

• Identify Active Tunnels: To determine which tunnels are active, stomp down a section of a tunnel and wait a day. If the tunnel is repaired, it is active, and a trap can be set.
• Types of Traps: There are several types of mole traps, including scissor traps, harpoon traps, and choker loop traps. Choose one that is appropriate for your area and follow the instructions carefully for setting it.
• Check Traps Regularly: Moles are solitary animals, so if you catch one, it’s possible that there are no others. However, keep checking for new activity over the next few weeks.

3. Repel Moles and Voles Naturally

If you prefer a non-lethal method, repelling moles and voles is an option. Natural repellents can deter these pests from invading your garden without causing harm.

• Castor Oil: Castor oil is a natural mole and vole repellent. Mix castor oil with water and a few drops of dish soap, then spray it over affected areas. Castor oil irritates the digestive systems of these pests and drives them away.
• Plant Repellent Plants: Certain plants like daffodils, marigolds, and garlic are known to repel voles and moles. Planting these around your garden can serve as a natural barrier.
• Predator Urine: The scent of predator urine, such as from foxes or coyotes, can scare off moles and voles. Products containing predator urine can be purchased online or from garden centers.

4. Exclusion Methods to Protect Plants

Exclusion methods are another way to protect your garden and lawn from voles and moles without having to remove them completely.

• Hardware Cloth: For voles, install hardware cloth around the base of trees and plants. This will prevent them from gnawing on the bark or roots. Make sure the cloth is buried several inches into the soil to prevent burrowing underneath.
• Wire Mesh for Gardens: Installing wire mesh around the perimeter of your garden can prevent voles from accessing your plants.
• Raised Garden Beds: For vegetable gardens, consider raised Garden Beds with hardware cloth or wire mesh bottoms. This will stop voles from tunneling beneath and accessing plant roots.

5. Use Poisons as a Last Resort

While poisons should always be considered a last resort due to their potential impact on the environment, pets, and other wildlife, they can be effective in eliminating large vole and mole populations.

• Bait Stations: Poison baits designed specifically for voles can be placed in bait stations around the garden. These baits contain anticoagulants that cause the voles to die after consuming the bait.
• Mole Poisons: Mole poisons usually come in the form of pellets or gel that is placed inside active tunnels. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid harming non-target animals.

6. Encourage Natural Predators

One of the most eco-friendly ways to manage mole and vole populations is by encouraging natural predators.

• Owls and Hawks: Birds of prey like owls and hawks are natural predators of voles. Installing owl boxes in your yard can attract these birds, who will help control the vole population.
• Cats and Dogs: Pets, particularly outdoor cats and certain breeds of dogs, can be effective vole and mole hunters. Allowing your pets to patrol your garden can naturally reduce the population of these pests.

7. Maintain Your Yard

Regular maintenance of your yard can help discourage voles and moles from making your property their home.

• Keep Grass Short: Voles like to hide in tall grass, so keeping your lawn well-manicured reduces their hiding spots.
• Remove Debris: Piles of leaves, mulch, and wood can provide shelter for voles. Regularly clear away debris to eliminate potential habitats.
• Use Gravel or Mulch Barriers: Installing gravel or mulch barriers around plants can deter voles from burrowing. The loose material makes it harder for them to dig.

Preventing Future Infestations

Once you’ve successfully removed voles and moles from your property, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future infestations. Regularly monitoring your lawn and garden, maintaining good landscaping practices, and using natural deterrents can help ensure that these pests do not return.

• Regular Inspections: Check your yard regularly for new molehills or vole tunnels and act quickly to address any signs of return.
• Natural Barriers: Continue to use natural repellents and plant deterrent species to keep your garden mole- and vole-free.
• Seal Entry Points: If you have a vole problem, seal any gaps around your home or sheds to prevent them from entering and causing damage.

Conclusion

Getting rid of moles and voles permanently requires a combination of methods tailored to the specific pest and the extent of the infestation. By removing food sources, using traps, applying natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators, you can effectively eliminate these pests from your property and protect your garden and lawn. Consistent maintenance and prevention techniques are key to ensuring that voles and moles don’t return, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful and pest-free outdoor space year-round.