Winter is the time of year when voles can become a significant problem for property owners in Iowa. These small rodents can wreak havoc on lawns and landscapes during the winter months, as they tend to burrow and create unsightly trails beneath the snow. To protect your lawn from these pesky critters, it is essential to take preventive measures. Granular repellents can be applied to your landscape beds before the snow arrives, creating a barrier that deters voles from entering your property. However, for the most effective and long-lasting results, it is advisable to hire professionals who can implement comprehensive vole control strategies tailored to your specific needs. By taking proactive steps to repel voles, you can help ensure that your lawn remains healthy and free from damage throughout the winter season.

What are voles, and what kind of problems do they cause?

Vole eating vegetation on a property in Des Moines, IA.

Voles are small, burrowing rodents that belong to the same family as mice and rats. They are known for their voracious appetite and can cause significant damage to lawns and plants. Voles primarily feed on the roots and stems of plants, including grass, flowers, and shrubs. They create extensive tunnel systems just beneath the surface of the soil, which can lead to the destruction of lawns and gardens.

The presence of voles can result in unsightly patches of dead grass and plants, as well as uneven and damaged lawns. Their tunneling activities can also disrupt the root systems of plants, causing them to become unstable and more susceptible to other pests and diseases. Additionally, voles can attract other predators, such as snakes and birds of prey, to your property, further increasing the potential for damage.

How do you repel voles?

To effectively repel voles and prevent them from causing damage to your lawn and plants, there are several strategies you can employ. One of the most common methods is to use granular repellents. These repellents contain natural ingredients that voles find unpleasant, such as castor oil or garlic. When applied to your landscape beds, these repellents create a barrier that deters voles from entering the area.

It is important to apply granular repellents before the onset of snow, as this will ensure that the repellent is in place before voles become active. The repellent should be evenly spread across the affected areas, paying close attention to areas where voles are known to be present.

In addition to repellents, there are other measures you can take to repel voles. Keeping your lawn well-maintained and free of debris, such as fallen leaves and branches, can make it less attractive to voles. Removing potential food sources, such as fallen fruits or nuts, can also help deter voles from your property. Additionally, installing physical barriers, such as wire mesh or fencing, around your plants can prevent voles from accessing them.

Hire professionals to eliminate voles from your property.

While DIY methods can be effective in repelling voles, hiring professionals can provide a more comprehensive and long-term solution. Professionals have the knowledge and experience to assess the extent of the vole infestation and implement targeted strategies to eliminate them.

Professionals may use a combination of methods, such as trapping, baiting, and habitat modification, to effectively control the vole population. Trapping involves setting up traps in strategic locations to capture and remove voles from your property. Baiting involves placing specially formulated baits in vole tunnels to attract and eliminate them. Habitat modification involves making your lawn and landscape less conducive to vole activity, such as reducing excessive vegetation and improving drainage.

By hiring professionals, you can ensure that the vole infestation is effectively managed and prevented from recurring. Professionals have access to specialized tools and products that may not be readily available to homeowners. They can also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure that your lawn and plants remain vole-free.

Professionals can provide guidance on preventive measures to reduce the risk of future vole infestations.

Give us a call today to schedule our vole control service.

At A+ Lawn & Landscape, we offer a reliable vole control service to property owners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and surrounding areas in Iowa. Give us a call today at (515) 289-2020 to schedule our vole control service and keep these rodents from causing damage to your property.