Steps To Learn How To Get Rid Of Voles And Moles

By Leonard Hungerford


Small mammals that burrow into the soil can cause havoc on landscaping often leaving home owners at their wits with what to do and how to manage the problem. How to get rid of voles and moles requires identifying the pest and learning to apply methods of control that are specific to each species. These steps can aid in making informed and humane decisions to return your garden to its original state.

A vole is a small mammal that appears similar in size to a field mouse and works to burrow and form tunnels along the garden area and flower beds. These tiny critters remain near the surface of the soil because they feeds on grass, roots, bulbs and plants leading to long lines of upturned soil. These rodents remain largely hidden and therefore it is unlikely that you will be able to identify them by its appearance.

By contrast, a mole forms deep burrows in the ground including tunnels to feed on bulbs and grubs. (Although moles largely feed on small animals such as insects.) The mole is associated with the soft mounds that appear as volcanoes on the top of the lawn. Moles also require correct measures being put in place quickly to prevent it from spreading through the garden.

Voles can quickly invade landscapes and require the correct steps being taking quickly. This should include natural management to control populations. Voles can contribute to the destruction of trees and shrubs that can cause the roots and the plants to eventually tilt and die.

Habitat modification: A garden should remain weed free and include the removal of different forms of debris that contribute to the ideal habitat for a vole colony. A common method of controlling vole numbers without harsh intervention is to use traps to catch the voles without killing them ... and then to safely remove them from the property. There is the option to use mole, field mice and vole repellents that can be placed on the grass to create an unappealing environment for the animals due to the strong smell of such repellents. These can all be effective ways to get rid of field mice, voles and moles.

Moles are highly destructive and must be controlled with the appropriate techniques before the entire landscape is destroyed. One can also place shovels into mounds in the early morning while feeding takes place as it scares off the critters that are sensitive to noise. It is better to consider more human methods of intervention before making a decision use mole or vole poison.

Mole and vole repellents can be used in the form of a spray solution. The spray aims to cause irritation for the moles making living conditions unpleasant and encouraging the animals to move to a new environment. One of the issues with mole and vole repellents, however, is the fact that they need to be reapplied frequently as their effectiveness reduces quickly after a few weeks ... especially if it rains a lot.

Mole and vole populations can prove major nuisances as they greatly contribute to the destruction of the garden. To prevent the landscape from being turned upside down, it is important to keep the garden trimmed and to take action as soon as the first signs of vole or mole infestation are noted. There are a number of environmentally friendly solutions available to address the pest as well as the safety of both people and pets.




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