Voles

[jonclancy]

For some reason (seven year glitch?), we have had a massive appearance of vole holes up in our little bit of field. I had a quick Google and it’s almost certain voles are responsible for the many holes that have recently appeared, at around 2” dia and with no earthworks. I normally keep the area well-mown. I have just planted four apple trees and transplanted a 10’ oak sapling into the area. The trees have rabbit guards on them, but I am worried that the voles will damage the roots and bark on the young trees.

I have sacrificed my remaining half-litre of castor oil (used occasionally in the mower for a Goodwood experience while doing the lawn), but I would be grateful for any other tips on how to protect my space from hungry herbivoles. They could just bgr off under the fence to the adjacent grass-keep and that’ll be just fine.

Cheers

 

[jo1010]

Spring type traps with peanut butter incentiviser near the holes.....cover the traps with buckets or whatever to prevent non target species being caught...

 

[Bouledogue]

Keeping the grass very short (as you already are) is key. Assuming they are field voles, they are pretty bad climbers so tree guards will help (but not entirely) prevent them from girdling.

Raptor perches and nestboxes will really help a lot. If you can get some kestrels (essentially vole serial-killers) to take up residence, then you've won!

Or, whatever traps /poisons are currently lawful in the UK...but (imho) that's much less fun than recruiting your very own feathery air force.