Voles - Ask Extension
I have put seedlings in my garden, only to have them eaten by voles. My garden is resided beds and fenced, but I think they are happily living inside ...
Knowledgebase
Voles #865563
Asked April 23, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT
I have put seedlings in my garden, only to have them eaten by voles. My garden is resided beds and fenced, but I think they are happily living inside the fence. I am looking for a repellant, and considering castor oil? But cannot determine if that would harm worms. This is a vegetable garden. Can you recommend a deterrent? I have tried red pepper with limited success; my cat is no help.
Thx!
Athens County Ohio
Expert Response
Dear Liz
Sorry to hear about the voles.
Marne Titchenell put together some resources that might help.
https://u.osu.edu/wildside/2021/08/12/moles-voles-and-other-holes-what-is-digging-in-my-yard/
There are several resources listed including bait trapping, which can be an effective treatment. Maintaining a closely-mowed lawn also greatly reduces vole populations.
If possible, place a hard cloth barrier at the bottom of your raised beds. Use a stiff cloth with small openings (about 1/4 inch) to prevent voles from burrowing. Lay the cloth on the ground under the raised bed, extending it a few inches on either side. Secure it with garden staples or similar fasteners.
All the best, Roxanne
Sorry to hear about the voles.
Marne Titchenell put together some resources that might help.
https://u.osu.edu/wildside/2021/08/12/moles-voles-and-other-holes-what-is-digging-in-my-yard/
There are several resources listed including bait trapping, which can be an effective treatment. Maintaining a closely-mowed lawn also greatly reduces vole populations.
If possible, place a hard cloth barrier at the bottom of your raised beds. Use a stiff cloth with small openings (about 1/4 inch) to prevent voles from burrowing. Lay the cloth on the ground under the raised bed, extending it a few inches on either side. Secure it with garden staples or similar fasteners.
All the best, Roxanne
Thanks for your speedy reply! Since my garden beds are already filled with soil and plants, it’s not practical to dig them up and tetrofit with stiff cloth.. I have read most all of those artcles previously, but they don’t address vegetable gardens and toxicity. The OSU article on nuisance wildlife didn’t mention voles.
I suppose I’ll try the castor oil and see what happens
Thanks again
Liz,
The OSU slides discuss voles on slides 23-29, and focus on repellents, trapping and pesticides. Just wanted to make sure you saw those.
I personally would not feel comfortable using pesticides in my veg garden, although some are labeled for use around edibles.
I have used traps successfully for voles using apple slices.
Re: castor oil.
I could not find references from any of the extension publications, within Ohio or another state, using castor oil to repel voles. I did find a reference from Michigan State University to repel moles.
Moles in the lawn - MSU Extension
Sorry, I don't have more recommendations. I know how frustrating it can be contending with critters.
Roxanne
The OSU slides discuss voles on slides 23-29, and focus on repellents, trapping and pesticides. Just wanted to make sure you saw those.
I personally would not feel comfortable using pesticides in my veg garden, although some are labeled for use around edibles.
I have used traps successfully for voles using apple slices.
Re: castor oil.
I could not find references from any of the extension publications, within Ohio or another state, using castor oil to repel voles. I did find a reference from Michigan State University to repel moles.
Moles in the lawn - MSU Extension
Sorry, I don't have more recommendations. I know how frustrating it can be contending with critters.
Roxanne
Again, thank you so much.
I will now try traps!!!!
Best of luck!
