Killing Voles. The most effective and safest methods to eliminate voles, such as poison voles, trap voles and bait voles. Plus pictures and links to more advice on Killing Voles.

The two main methods for killing voles are trapping and applying poisonous baits. When voles are not numerous or when the population is concentrated in a small area, trapping may be effective. Use a sufficient number of traps to control the population: for a small garden a dozen traps is probably the minimum number required, and for larger areas at least 50 or more may be needed. A simple, wooden mousetrap baited with a peanut butter-oatmeal mixture or apple slice is commonly used. Often, no bait is needed because voles will trigger the trap as they pass over it.

Trap placement is crucial. Voles seldom stray from their runways so set traps along these routes. Look for burrows and runways in grass or mulch in or near the garden or flower beds. Place baited traps at right angles to the runways with trigger end in the runway. Examine traps daily and remove dead voles or reset sprung traps as needed. Continue to trap in one location until no further voles are caught, then move the trap to a new location 15 to 20 feet away. Destroy old runways or burrows to deter immigration of new voles to the site.

It is important to bury dead voles or place them in plastic bags in the trash. Because voles may carry infectious pathogens or parasites, do not handle them without gloves; you can use a plastic bag slipped over your hand and arm as a glove. Once the vole is removed from the trap, hold it with your "bagged" hand and turn the bag inside out while slipping it off your arm and hand. Be sure to keep small children and pets out of the area where you have set traps.

Rodenticides usually are short-term solution to damage by voles. Habitat management usually is more long-term. Two- percent zinc phosphide baits are available in pellet form, on oats, and on corn. One study indicated that pelleted zinc phosphide baits provide greater control of voles than zinc phosphide placed on oats or corn. Be sure to follow label direction carefully when using any poison bait. To minimize hazards to birds, do not apply zinc phosphide bait to bare ground, areas without vegetation, or in piles. Also, do not apply to crops destined for use as food or feed. Zinc phosphide can be applied to orchards and groves only during the dormant season after harvest.

The best time of year to use zinc phosphide baits on lawns is during fall before snow cover. Unpredictable rain and snowfall will severely limit the life span of baits exposed to the elements. Zinc phosphide can be absorbed in small amounts through human skin. Wear rubber gloves to avoid contact with the chemical and take extra care to avoid breathing zinc phosphide dust.

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