Voles are small animals that live in gardens and yards. They make slightly raised tunnels in the soil and eat plant roots, bulbs, and grass under the ground. Plants can wilt, turn brown, or even die because they chew on roots, flowers, and young trees. Over time, vole tunnels can also make the lawn look uneven and cause patches of grass to disappear.
Vole repellents are products or methods that keep voles from feeding on and tunneling under garden plants and lawns. They help keep these pests away without harming the plants. Natural options like castor oil sprays and predator scents, or commercial granules and barrier repellents, make the garden less tasty and less inviting for voles.
Growcycle offers various vole repellent options for new and experienced gardeners. These top-quality products keep the garden neat and safe from voles.
Understanding Vole Behavior
Understanding the behavior of voles is essential to eliminate them. Here is how they usually behave:
• Habitat Preferences: Voles favor dense ground cover—thick grasses, mulch, fallen leaves, and brush piles—where they can move undetected from feeding to nesting sites.
• Dietary Habits: They feed on roots, bulbs, turf grass, and bark, especially young trees and shrubs.
• Reproductive Potential: Voles can produce multiple litters yearly, with up to six pups per litter. An unchecked population can explode rapidly.
Natural Vole Repellents
For eco friendly options or having concerns about chemical use around children and pets, consider these natural repellents:
Castor Oil-Based Repellents
Castor oil irritates voles' digestive systems, making treated areas unpalatable. Mix a commercial castor oil concentrate (e.g., 25% castor oil) with water and spray onto turf, around tree trunks, and along vole runways. Reapply after heavy rain. It is safe for most plants, people, and pets, but requires frequent reapplication and thorough coverage.
Predator Urine and Scent Deterrents
Synthetic or natural fox, coyote, or bobcat urine products use the vole’s fear of predators. Scatter granules or soak cotton balls near burrow entrances and vole trails. Replace scents every 2–3 weeks or after rainfall. It has a low environmental impact and is non-toxic. Its effectiveness can be reduced as voles habituate.
Garlic, Hot Pepper, and Other Botanical Repellents
Strong odors from garlic, capsaicin (hot pepper), or essential oils confuse and repel small mammals. Crush garlic cloves or mix hot pepper spray in water with a surfactant, then mist on soil or plant foliage. It is readily available and inexpensive.
Chemical Vole Repellents
Chemical repellents can be highly effective for severe infestations. These commonly contain thiram (a fungicide) or anthraquinone. They create a taste barrier that deters feeding. Broadcast granules around vulnerable trees, garden beds, and lawn perimeters. Reapply according to label directions, usually every 4–6 weeks. These chemical repellents are long lasting (up to several weeks).
Best Vole Repellent Products
Here are some of the best vole repellent products:
1. Nature's Mace Mole and Vole Repellent Granules
Nature’s Mace 10 lb Mole Repellent Granules protects lawns and gardens by making the soil taste and smell bad to moles and voles. When mixed with water and released, castor oil based granules slowly seep into the ground and disturb the areas where these animals like to tunnel. It uses natural ingredients and contains no harsh chemicals. It is non toxic and safe for people, pets, and plants.
2. Epic 6# Vole Scram Bag
The Epic 6 pound Vole Scram Bag is an all natural granular repellent that protects up to 3,600 sq ft of lawn and garden from hungry voles. Sprinkle the granules around bulbs, tree bases, or along vole runways, and the strong taste and smell drive voles away. The formula does not wash out in rain and, when used as directed, is safe for people, pets, and plants.
3. Mole and Vole Stopper 2.5lb Jug Repellent Shaker Granules
Mole and Vole Stopper comes in a 2.5 lb shaker jug filled with natural, plant based granules that create an invisible barrier to keep moles, voles, shrews, and other burrowing pests out of the lawn and garden. Simply shake or pour the granules around tunnels, dens, or the base of trees and plants, and the scent, taste, and texture make the area uninviting to voles. It is safe for pets and children.
4. Bonide Qt RTS Vole Max
Bonide Max Mole and Vole Repellent RTS is a ready to spray quart that helps keep voles out of the lawn and garden. It uses castor oil (a natural irritant) to penetrate deep into the soil and make it unappealing for digging and feeding. Attach the bottle to the garden hose, shake well, and spray over the affected area. The formula is safe for people, pets, grass, flowers, and other desirable plants.
The Bottom Line
Voles are a significant threat to gardens and lawns. Keep voles out by making the space less inviting and adding extra layers of protection. Start by clearing thick grass, mulch, and debris so voles have fewer hiding places. Use natural sprays like castor oil or predator scents, sprinkle commercial repellent granules when needed, and add physical barriers such as wire mesh around tree trunks and bulbs. Visit Growcycle to explore various vole repellents.
