Voles Holes in yard
Voles cause voles holes in yard or around the bases of trees. Soil mounds like molehills do not surround the dens. There are areas where the grass of the lawn is suddenly very short. Voles are tiny animals, but they can drive gardeners and homeowners crazy! Vultures can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens by digging crisscrossing tunnels deep into the soil.
Voles are a common problem that many people want to solve. Our goal in today’s post is to help you become a vole extermination expert. In this guide, you will learn about the voles hole in the yard.
Moles vs. voles: What Are the Differences?
Even though the names sound similar, the two animals are not the same. There are some critical differences between the two, even though they both dig tunnels in your yard.
Voles
This animal looks like a field mouse. These rodents are small and have round, compact bodies, short tails, close-set ears, and small eyes. They usually grow between 5-8 inches long and have large teeth that gnaw plant roots and stems.
This means that voles dig holes a lot. Mole tunnels are made in the soil, with exit holes the size of golf balls. Voles eat the ground. Their vegetarian diet consists of chewing on plant stems and grass blades, much like many other rodents. Since they prefer food near the surface of a garden or yard, their tunnels tend to be near the surface.
Moles
Differ from voles by not being rodents. Instead, they’re small mammals that spend much of their time digging tunnels underground. Approximately 4-7 inches long, they have large, paddle-shaped feet and prominent claws that help them move soil.
A distinctive feature of their heads and snouts is their length. Additionally, they lack external ears and have small eyes. The fur on their bodies is dense, brown-gray, and lacks any grains. Moles can rush underground due to this dense fur.
How do you know that there are voles in the yard?
The following signs can detect voles in your yard:
- To 2-inch wide paths in the turf surface.
- Vole burrows in the lawn or around tree bases, which look like holes. Dens like these do not have mounds of soil like molehills do.
- Spaces in the lawn where the grass suddenly becomes very short.
- Young trees and woody plants often have gnawed marks visible on their stems.
- Gnawed-to-a-pointed-tip stems that are exposed.
- Dead plants whose roots can be removed without causing injury.
Is it possible for voles to damage the lawn and yard?
Yes, they can cause damage. Voles can do a lot of damage to a yard and lawn. They cause severe damage and dieback to young trees and woody ornamental plants by chewing the stems of vulnerable plants.
During the spring, homeowners discover the extent of the damage caused by voles. The snow cover protects against predators and shelters for voles throughout the winter. During the spring thaw, homeowners often discover the telltale “runways” of a vole infestation.
Voles dig tunnels in the grass surface and form these runways when they feed within the canopy of the grass. Voles feed in these pathways, chewing plants down to the growing point at ground level, which impedes later plant growth. Additionally, their foot traffic wears down the grass surface and leaves layers of excrement along the runways.
Top 5 Best Methods about how to get rid of voles holes in yard?
Your outdoor space is beautiful, thanks to your hard work. It deserves protection. Follow these tips to keep your yard vole-free:
1. Get rid of vegetation
Voles don’t like to feed in open areas. In light of this, habitat modification is one of the easiest ways to control their numbers. Remove dense ground cover, mow the lawn, keep mulch light around trees and shrubs, and remove snow as needed.
2. Protect young trees
It is not uncommon for voles to gnaw on the trunks of young trees. Like a wire mesh or plastic tubing, a guard can discourage this behavior and remove a favorite food source.
3. Trap live animals
Vole traps are designed to trap animals without killing or injuring them. It’s not the best choice for severe vole infestations, but live traps are a convenient way to remove a few voles or control vole numbers. If you release the voles, make sure you remove them as far from your property as possible, or else they may return.
4. Apply natural repellents
Voles do not like the taste or smell of castor oil like most animals (and people). Rodents are deterred by sprinkling some of it around your landscaping. Moreover, voles dislike capsaicin, which gives peppers their spicy taste. Add chopped hot peppers and biodegradable dish soap to the water to deter voles naturally. To prevent voles from nibbling on your plants, spray the mixture onto vole hotspots in your lawn and landscaping.
5. Consult with a pest control specialist
A professional team is your best option if you want a fast, comprehensive vole removal service.
How long does it take to get rid of voles hole in yard?
Depending on which method you use, you will get a different answer. For example, you can expect to spend about 3-4 weeks whittling down your vole population if you choose to set live traps. You’ll see better results for vole control by hiring a professional service. You can regain control over your property quickly if you hire a company.
Vole burrows resemble holes in the grass or at the bases of trees. These dens don’t have dirt mounding as molehills do. Areas where the lawn’s grass has suddenly become exceedingly short. Observable gnaw marks on the stems of young trees and woody plants.
What natural means are there to get rid of voles?
Dice up some spicy peppers and combine them with dish detergent and water in a spray bottle to create a natural vole repellant. Then apply the spray to any residual brush heaps or garden areas that voles prefer to frequent. You should reapply the spray every week or so, especially if it rains.
