Voles might be small, but the damage they cause to lawns and gardens is anything but! If these sneaky critters have turned your yard into their playground, don’t worry—you’ve got plenty of ways to send them packing.
I’ve rounded up 20 smart solutions to help you reclaim your outdoor space without a fuss. And if you’re looking for gentler ways to keep them away, I’ve included even more nature-friendly options.
Say goodbye to chewed-up plants and hello to a vole-free yard!
1. Use Castor Oil Repellent
Castor oil is an excellent, eco-friendly way to discourage voles from hanging around your garden. Mix it with water and a bit of dish soap, then spray it generously on the areas you want to protect.
The smell is overwhelming for voles, making them want to flee. Plus, it’s safe for your plants and the environment—win-win! Reapply after heavy rains to maintain its effectiveness.
2. Plant Vole-Repellent Plants
Certain plants are natural vole repellents. Think lavender, alliums, and daffodils! Planting them around your garden acts as a natural barrier to keep voles at bay.
These plants are not only beautiful but also smell and taste awful to these pesky rodents. They also attract pollinators, so your garden will be buzzing with life!
3. Garlic Spray Solution
Voles hate the smell of garlic, and you can use this to your advantage! Blend garlic cloves with water and let it sit for a few days. Strain the solution and spray it where you’ve noticed vole activity.
The strong scent will encourage them to move on to greener, less smelly pastures. Plus, garlic is great for repelling other pests too!
4. Use Hot Pepper Flakes
Want to spice things up in your garden? Hot pepper flakes are a great natural repellent! Sprinkle them around your plants or in vole tunnels.
The heat from the peppers irritates their noses, forcing them to find a less fiery place to call home. Just be careful not to inhale that peppery dust yourself!
5. Planting Mint Around Your Garden
Mint’s strong scent is enough to send voles packing. Plant a few mint plants around the edges of your garden to deter them from coming near.
Not only will it keep voles away, but you’ll also have fresh mint for your cooking or drinks. It’s a win for both you and your garden! Just make sure to contain it, as mint can spread quickly.
6. Essential Oils Spray
Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citronella are natural vole repellents. Simply mix a few drops with water and spray around your garden.
Voles can’t stand the strong smells, and your garden will smell fresh too. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly solution that’s gentle on plants and pets. You can even mix in a bit of dish soap to help the oils stick!
7. Try Coyote Urine
Sounds strange, but coyote urine is a natural predator scent that can scare voles away. You can find it at garden stores or online.
Sprinkle it around your garden, and the voles will think a coyote is lurking nearby. It’s a simple, effective solution with no harm to the environment! Just be sure to reapply it after rain or irrigation.
8. Set Up Rodent-Proof Fencing
Voles can be tricky, but they’re not great climbers. Install a mesh fence around your garden, burying it a few inches into the ground.
This prevents them from digging underneath. It’s a foolproof way to keep your garden safe without using chemicals. Just make sure the mesh is small enough to keep the tiniest voles out!
9. Sprinkle Blood Meal
Blood meal is a great natural deterrent for voles. The strong odor of blood signals danger to them, so they tend to stay away.
Just sprinkle it around your garden, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your plants are protected. It’s safe and effective! Reapply it periodically to keep the scent fresh and potent.
10. Use Owl or Raptor Decoys
Predators like owls and hawks can be a big deterrent for voles. Place realistic owl or raptor decoys in your garden to give the impression that there’s a hungry bird watching over.
Voles won’t stick around when they think there’s a predator nearby. Make sure to move the decoys occasionally to keep the voles on their toes!
11. Mulch With Cedar Chips
Cedar chips aren’t just great for mulching—they also help keep voles away. The strong smell of cedar is unpleasant for them and creates a barrier they’ll avoid.
Spread a thick layer around your plants, and your garden will smell fresh while keeping the voles at bay. Cedar mulch also helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds!
12. Use Human Hair or Pet Fur
Strange but effective—voles dislike the smell of human hair or pet fur. Gather some hair from your brush or clippings from your pet and place it around your garden.
The scent of predators or unfamiliar creatures will make voles think twice before entering. It’s a simple, free, and natural way to create a protective barrier!
13. Set Up a Vole Repellent Watering System
Add some repellent directly to your watering system to target voles as you water your plants. Mix up a garlic or hot pepper solution and add it to your watering can or drip system.
This method ensures your plants get watered while keeping the voles on the run! It’s also a great way to target hard-to-reach spots in your garden.
14. Trim Back Overgrown Grass and Weeds
Voles love hiding in long grass and weeds. By regularly mowing your lawn and trimming back overgrown areas, you can make your garden less appealing to them.
Keeping your garden neat and tidy is a simple way to keep unwanted critters at bay. It also improves the overall health of your plants by increasing airflow.
15. Use Cat or Dog Scent
If you have a pet, you’re in luck! The scent of cats or dogs can scare off voles. Try placing pet bedding or a bit of used litter around your garden to send voles fleeing.
It’s a natural and free way to create a protective barrier. Just be sure to monitor your pets and ensure they’re safe while you’re using this method.
16. Encourage Predators Like Snakes
Let nature help you out by encouraging animals that eat voles. Snakes are natural predators of these rodents, so if you don’t mind them, let them roam in your garden.
If you’re in the right area, snakes can do a great job of keeping the vole population in check. You may even get some free pest control while enjoying your garden!
17. Grow Thistle or Holly Plants
Thorny plants like thistles and holly are natural vole deterrents. Their sharp leaves make it hard for voles to dig or hide near them.
Planting them around vulnerable spots in your garden can keep voles at bay while adding some character to your landscape. It’s a prickly but effective solution to your vole problem!
18. Use a Vole-Specific Repellent
If you prefer a ready-made solution, look for a natural vole repellent. Many are made with ingredients like garlic, pepper, and mint oils.
These repellents are safe for your garden, animals, and the environment, keeping your plants protected without harm. Choose one that’s safe for both your garden and local wildlife.
19. Water Plants at Night
Voles are most active at night, so watering your plants during the evening can help you avoid attracting them during their busy hours. If your garden is dry and you water during the day, voles might find it easier to sneak in.
Watering at night ensures your plants get the moisture they need without drawing in unwanted visitors. It’s also a great way to avoid scorching your plants in the midday sun.
20. Rotate Your Plants Regularly
Plant rotation is a great way to keep voles from getting too comfortable in your garden. Changing up where you plant crops or flowers makes it harder for them to establish a tunnel system.
It also gives your soil a chance to rejuvenate, keeping everything fresh and healthy. This strategy can also help improve plant growth and yield!
21. Plant Garlic Around the Perimeter
Garlic is a natural vole repellent, and it’s easy to grow! Plant garlic cloves along the edges of your garden to create a natural barrier.
As the garlic grows, it releases an odor that voles can’t stand, keeping your garden safe and your crops thriving. Plus, you’ll have fresh garlic on hand for your meals!
22. Use Vinegar Around Your Garden
Vinegar is another simple, natural solution to deter voles. Mix vinegar with water and spray it around your garden beds.
The strong, pungent smell will send voles packing, leaving your plants undisturbed. It’s inexpensive and safe for your garden, and you probably already have it at home!
23. Build a Raised Garden Bed
Voles love to dig, but they’re not great at climbing. By building a raised garden bed, you can keep them out of your plants’ roots.
This is a simple and effective way to make sure your plants stay safe from these pesky critters. Plus, raised beds are easier on your back while gardening!
24. Set Up a Barrier With Chicken Wire
Chicken wire is another great way to keep voles from entering your garden. Bury the wire a few inches below the ground and around the perimeter of your garden.
This prevents voles from burrowing under and keeps them from munching on your plants. It’s a cost-effective and long-lasting solution!
25. Use Eucalyptus Leaves
Eucalyptus leaves are not only aromatic but also serve as a natural vole repellent. Scatter fresh eucalyptus leaves around your garden to create an unpleasant environment for voles.
This method is eco-friendly, and your garden will smell fresh too! Just replace the leaves every few weeks to keep the scent strong.
26. Plant Daffodils Near Vulnerable Areas
Daffodils contain toxins that are harmful to voles, but perfectly safe for your garden. Plant these beautiful flowers near vulnerable spots in your garden to keep voles away.
The bright yellow blooms will cheer up your space while protecting it from unwanted guests. They’re a great addition to any garden!
27. Keep the Area Around Your Garden Clean
Voles like to hide in cluttered areas with plenty of cover. Keeping the area around your garden clean and tidy can make it less appealing to them.
Remove piles of leaves, grass clippings, and other debris to give voles fewer places to hide. A tidy garden is also easier to maintain and looks great!
28. Use Fencing With Small Mesh
Fencing is an excellent way to prevent voles from entering your garden, but you need to use a mesh with small holes.
The smaller the holes, the harder it is for voles to squeeze through. Install the mesh a few inches underground to keep them from burrowing underneath. It’s a sturdy and reliable solution that lasts for years!
29. Create a Natural Predator Habitat
Attracting natural predators like owls, hawks, and snakes to your yard can keep voles in check. Set up birdhouses or owl boxes, and encourage wildlife to visit your garden.
These natural hunters will help keep the vole population under control without harming the environment. Plus, you’ll enjoy the beauty of these creatures in your garden!