VOLES are destroying my gardens! HELP!?!?!?!

[peacebird]

In the last three days they have taken three hosta, gnawed a rose off its roots, and wiped out a stand of lariope... What will stop these creatures? Garden books talk about putting a "moat" of gravel or sinking wire mesh around my plants but this is every plant in three separate gardens around my home.....

Normally I am all about organic and humane - but I can make an exception in this case. :grr:

[Cleita]

1. I have the same problem with gophers and moles.

I make chicken wire baskets for plants I want to protect like shrubs. However, my annuals are vulnerable and I often have to replace them. I noticed that they lose interest when a plant's roots gets too woody or chewy, so if you can protect your new plants until they get somewhat mature and unattractive to the rodents it will help. Sometimes I grow them in containers until they reach that stage. Also, herby plants like lavender or thyme don't interest them that much. However, when they are hungry they will eat anything.

As far as predators go, our cats do a reasonable job of cleaning them out and acting as a deterent. Another gardner has suggested inviting snakes into your garden with rocky abodes that they like and they will take care of the rodents, however, I haven't tried this tact because I don't like snakes. Another neighbor has trained her terrier to root them out and kill them, but I'm like you and prefer a non-lethal solution.

Good luck. Incidentally, killing them only creates a vacancy and new rodents move in. Having predators on your property acts as a deterent in a way that just poisoning them doesn't.

[peacebird]

2. hmmmm - I had no problems last year or the year before BUT

late last summer my son killed a huge black snake (almost 4 foot long) in the garden by the walk - he was trying to be helpful, he thought I would be frightened by it....

I wonder if it had previously kept things under control? I will put out the welcome mat for replacement black snakes! We have lots of rocky bits in the gardens for them!

Thanks Cleita!
:hi:

[sazemisery]

3. Long term solution - Milky Spore - organic and lasts 20 years!

Here is a link to answer any questions you might have.

http://www.milkyspore.com/milkyspore.htm

I had this problem so bad for the past 2 years and before I could stop him(I don't like chemicals)my husband spread some grub killer in the spring. The moles disappeared from the treated areas(I have 5 acres so only the immediate yard area was treated). I researched the problem and found the milky spore. I applied it in the fall and have seen evidence of moles/voles in other areas of my acreage but not in the treated areas. Hope this helps.

[peacebird]

4. thank you! I will give it a try! Fingers crossed....!

[Kolesar]

5. Sounds super. Got anything for cabbage moth larvae?

There was no such product at that company's site but I thought you might know. thx

[sazemisery]

6. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is an acceptable product but cannot contain petroleum distillates in the formulation, according to OCIA.
Insecticidal soaps (not household) can control a wide range of plant destructive insects, especially aphids.

CABBAGE WORMS - For control use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Read and follow label directions. Hand picking is also an alternative.

[Kolesar]

7. That name is familiar from something I read a long while ago

thanks

[jean]

8. we had major vole damage to parts of our lawn this year, after the snow melt

those areas looked like the little buggers had been partying all winter long. We'll have to re-seed those areas. Plus, they burrowed around and chewed off bark at the base of many of our shrubs.