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Garden Voles

BusyBee2BusyBee2 Posts: 4
in Problem solving

Does anyone have any advice on how to get rid of garden voles? I have hundreds in my garden and just don't know how to deal with them.  I have 8 raised beds and they are in every one of them plus elsewhere in the garden. I heard that if you flatten their runs and block up the holes that will force them to move on but it doesn't seem to be working. I am at my wits end and sick of them pushing up seedlings and young plants.  Anyone got any ideas?

BusyBee2

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Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,441

    Get a cat.

  • Le HibouLe Hibou Posts: 6

    Definately get a cat - ours are catching them all the time, but not from our garden!

  • BusyBee2BusyBee2 Posts: 4

    We have a cat but she is 18 and too arthritic to catch voles.  Besides, all the beds have 2 foot high chicken wire around them to keep out the rabbits!!!!  Also keeps out cats!!  Plus the beds are also at least 2 foot high on one side (we live on a very steep slope). Anyone else got any suggestions?

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,359

    My garden is undermined with them. Good owl food but not enough owls



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,441

     A cat friendly  Jack Russell would probably sort out the voles and the rabbits as well.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,980

    Would your resident cat object too much to a lively newcomer?   She could laze in the sun and keep her arthritic bones warm, while the youngster deftly leaps over the wire and snaffles the voles! image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • BusyBee2BusyBee2 Posts: 4

    Thanks everyone but I don't think cats and dogs are the answer.  Appreciate your help though.

    BusyBee2

  • Joe_the_GardenerJoe_the_Gardener Posts: 876

    Contact local council or a pest-control firm.

  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,247

    Hmmm - am just starting to notice this problem in my raised veg beds too.

    So far, just a few holes but I know there are lots of critters under the nearby hedges. I  tried poking sticks down the holes, then flooding them with water before filling them in  & sticking a large stone at the top for good measure.

    A few days on and the holes have not reappeared. Will let you know if this is a temporary or permanent solution.

    PS. I wondered why my cat had taken a sudden interest in these beds a few weeks ago - guess I found out the reason. Might need to remind him of his duties if he wants cuddles and biccies.

     

    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • BusyBee2BusyBee2 Posts: 4

    Hi Topbird, yes I tried this method too but it didn't work.  They just pop up somewhere else.  Even thought of pushing mothballs down the holes so the smell would keep them away but didn't think it would do the veg much good!

    Joe The Gardener - I think your solution is probably the best. There are only so many voles a cat or owl can eat, and with quantity I have I think more drastic measures are called for. We have 4 acres of land and most of it is riddled with voles so will be on to the local pest-controller on Monday.

    Thanks for your help everyone.

    BB2

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