Vole & Mole Repellent

Voles and moles are two common pests that can destroy a garden by burrowing through roots and damaging or destroying plants. If either of these creatures has infested your lawn and garden, then there are some ways you can repel or remove them.

Traps

• Voles are just like mice and can be trapped or killed as such. Any mouse trap will usually work on a vole. Any trap with bait placed near a vole hole will most likely attract the animal when it emerges. Mole traps must be partially buried in order to work, as moles "see" with their feet and will detect any unnatural object in their path. Both lethal and nonlethal traps for both creatures can be bought at many hardware and lawn stores.

Pesticides and Repellents

• Moles and voles do not feed off plants, they eat insects and small grubs. Spraying your garden with pesticides to kill insects won't directly repel moles and voles, but if you do it enough they'll learn there's no food in your garden and eventually they'll leave it alone. Specialized mole and vole repellents are also available at many stores. These repellents are less toxic than poisons or pesticides, making them ideal for houses with children or pets. Typically these repellents just need to be occasionally sprayed or sprinkled across a garden in order to work.

Ineffective and Illegal Methods

• According to Jack DeAngelis, retired entomologist for Oregon State University, "sonic" or "electronic" pest repellents do not repel any pests, including moles and voles, and should not be used by anyone. Some gardeners may recommend using mothballs to keep pests out of a garden, but this is illegal, as mothballs are not a registered pesticide for mole and vole control. Furthermore, they emit dangerous vapors that can make any living thing, including people, very sick.