Keep Your Garden Vole-Free: Plants that Repel Voles

The Vole Problem

If you're a gardener, you know how frustrating it can be to find your precious plants nibbled down to the ground by voles. These small rodents can cause significant damage to gardens, landscaping, and lawns by eating roots, bulbs, and other underground plant parts. While there are several ways to control voles, such as traps or repellent sprays, using plants that naturally repel voles is an effective and eco-friendly solution.

Plants that Repel Voles

Here are some of the best plants that have been known to repel voles:

1. Daffodils

Daffodils are not only beautiful spring flowers, but they also have a toxic compound called lycorine that repels voles. Planting daffodil bulbs around the perimeter of your garden can create a barrier that voles will avoid.

2. Alliums

Alliums, such as onions, garlic, chives, and leeks, contain sulfur compounds that give them a strong smell that voles dislike. Planting alliums throughout your garden can help keep voles away.

3. Crown imperial

Crown imperial, also known as Fritillaria imperialis, is a tall, showy plant with a distinctive scent that voles find unappealing. Planting crown imperial bulbs in the fall can help deter voles from your garden in the spring.

4. Castor bean plant

The castor bean plant has a strong, unpleasant odor that voles find repuve. Planting castor bean plants around the perimeter of your garden can help keep voles away.

5. Gopher spurge

Gopher spurge, also known as Euphorbia lathyris, contains a toxic sap that voles avoid. Planting gopher spurge around the perimeter of your garden can help deter voles.

6. Fritillaria meleagris

Fritillaria meleagris, also known as snake's head fritillary, has a distinctive scent that voles don't like. Planting these bulbs in the fall can help keep voles away in the spring.

7. Hyacinths

Hyacinths have a strong scent that voles find unappealing. Planting hyacinth bulbs around the perimeter of your garden can help create a barrier that voles will avoid.

8. Mole plant

The mole plant, or Euphorbia lathyris, secretes a milky sap that voles dislike. Planting mole plants around the perimeter of your garden can help keep voles away.

9. Narcissus

Narcissus, also known as daffodils, contain toxic alkaloids that repel voles. Planting narcissus bulbs around the perimeter of your garden can help create a barrier that voles will avoid.

10. Snowdrops

Snowdrops have a bitter taste that voles don't like. Planting snowdrop bulbs around the perimeter of your garden can help deter voles.

Other Ways to Repel Voles

In addition to planting vole-repelling plants, there are other ways to keep voles away from your garden:

1. Keep your garden tidy

Voles like to hide in tall grass or weeds, so keeping your garden tidy by mowing the lawn and pulling weeds can help discourage them.

2. Use physical barriers

You can use wire mesh or hardware cloth to create a barrier around your garden to keep voles out.

3. Use vole repellent sprays

There are several types of vole repellent sprays available that use natural ingredients like peppermint oil or castor oil to deter voles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if I have voles in my garden?

Voles leave visible trails through grass and soil, and you may notice small holes or tunnels in your garden. You may also see damage to plants, such as chewed roots or stems.

2. Can voles be harmful to humans?

While voles are not typically harmful to humans, they can carry diseases that can be transmitted to pets or livestock.

3. Are there any plants that attract voles?

Voles are attracted to plants with soft, succulent stems and roots, such as hostas, lilies, and strawberries.

4. How often should I replant vole-repelling plants?

Most vole-repelling plants will need to be replanted every few years, as their effectiveness can diminish over time.

5. Will vole-repelling plants harm other animals or insects?

No, vole-repelling plants are safe for other animals and insects, as long as they're not ingested.

Using vole-repelling plants is an excellent way to keep your garden free of these pesky rodents. By incorporating plants like daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths into your garden, you can create a natural barrier that voles will avoid. In addition to planting vole-repelling plants, keeping your garden tidy, using physical barriers, and using vole repellent sprays can also help deter voles from your garden.