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Anyone with experience in how to control lots of voles? We're talkin dozens or hundreds coming out of neighboring fields. How can these be controlled in the winter? Cats are one answer. Traps maybe another. Please give me details.
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Thanks. That may just be the ticket. Anyone else? -
Better make sure it is LEGAL to do so where you are! Releasing predatory animals is a great idea, but in practice through the years it has caused more problems than it has cured! MAKE SURE YOU ARE FULLY WITHIN THE LAW! Contact the Utah Department of Agriculture and ask them. To just release animals, no matter what kind, that may not be native, is HIGHLY irresponsible. It is too easy to damage a fragile ecosystem, or completely WIPE OUT an endangered species. Also make sure that dong something like this doesn't put you at a financial liablity with the local residents. Someone loosing hundreds of eggs from chickens because YOU released blacksnakes will most certainly be wanting to see you in court.
An easier way to control rodents is to purchase some bobcat urine, and sprinkle it around the perimeter of your property. Squirrels, rabbits, and rodents of all kinds will quickly vacate the area. If you are doing this for customers, you'll be needing to go back on a regular basis, so it can become a money maker.
The Department of Agriculture should be able to give you some sound advice. They get real funny about things like this. Heck, here in Ohio, it is ILLEGAL to catch a fish in one lake, and then release it into another. I don't see that fish having a real big environmental impact, but someone obviously does.
Check it all out real good before you act.
WoodyWoody
"Those willing to give up a little liberty for a little security deserve neither security nor liberty." ---Benjamin Franklin
"This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing Government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it." ---Abraham LincolnComment
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Are the fields adjoining the lawns overgrown? I thought I heard, to avoid predators they don't like open areas. So they tend to run along or close to bldgs., and other shelter. Perhaps mowing a buffer strip along the edge of the field would be one cultural way to keep them at bay a little. If the fields are having construction done in them, you probably wont stop them.
I catch them now and then in the mouse traps set up in the shed and garage, with peanut butter as bait. I see the smaller ones. I imagine in Utah you are dealing with the larger prairie vole.
I did some checking to see that I gave the right info. Here's a link.
It says the mow strip should be at least 15 feet wide, and confirms the peanut butter as bait for trapping. Also advises to wear gloves when handling due to the little nasties they can carry.Comment
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For sure Woody.
Mow strips are not an option. The neighboring fields are hayfields, and the owners don't want to mess with anybody. There is a 3-8 ft strip between the lawn fence and the edge of the property that grows up with weeds. I sprayed some back in early July, but this is a freebie for them. It was more to just keep the weeds from coming through the fence too badly. This strip does provide some cover for the voles though. Anything short of a monthly spray program I don't think will work, and then if it doesn't work, they may be mad at us.
Anyone tried a chemical repellant? Will they work under snow cover? OR hurt
the lawn?Comment
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