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Voles—often referred to as meadow mice—are small rodents that burrow underground and can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens if not managed with a reliable repellent. Because these pests can produce up to 100 offspring annually, it is vital to address a vole presence before multiple generations of these rodents establish your property as their permanent home.
According to Daniel Baldwin, a board-certified entomologist at Hawx Pest Control in Ogden, Utah, “Prevention is always the key when it comes to pests such as voles.” He also says that there are a number of ways to deal with a vole infestation, including using natural repellents, setting live mole traps, or even placing peppermint-oil-soaked cotton balls near problem areas in the yard.
With this information in mind, and after evaluating more than 35 promising vole control solutions, our top recommendation is the Natural Elements Mole and Vole Repellent. Composed of 100 percent castor oil, this nontoxic and pet-friendly formula effectively deters voles. Continue reading for guidance on selecting the right product for your situation and to browse our curated list of the best vole repellents currently available.
Vole prevention is vital. Since these rodents can produce 100 offspring per year, early intervention is necessary.
Natural Elements is our top choice. Formulated with 100% castor oil, it is nontoxic, safe for pets, and provides effectiveness for up to 90 days.
There is a wide variety of repellent types on the market. Options include liquids, granules, and ultrasonic devices, each offering distinct advantages.
Safety and performance are paramount. Select humane, nontoxic repellents that have received positive feedback for the best results.
Bottom line: Selecting the appropriate vole repellent is crucial for safe and effective pest management. Review our top selections and tips to help protect your landscape.
BEST OVERALL: Natural Elements Mole and Vole Repellent
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Shield
BEST GRANULES: Chase Mole and Gopher Repellent
EASIEST TO USE: CLVDOFSS Mole, Gopher, and Vole Repellent Balls
Product
Type
Coverage
Quantity
Natural Elements Mole and Vole Repellent
Liquid
20,000 square feet
1 gallon
Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Shield
Liquid
1,000 square feet
1 gallon
Chase Mole and Gopher Repellent
Granules
6,000 square feet
6 pounds
CLVDOFSS Mole, Gopher, and Vole Repellent Balls
Balls
1,040 square feet (130 square feet per ball)
8
We have researched the most popular vole repellents, evaluating them based on their effectiveness and ease of use. The following are our top picks for the best vole repellents for your property.
Natural Elements Mole and Vole Repellent
Made from natural and nontoxic ingredients
Only effective on moles and voles
Can take up to 14 days to work
This product consists of 100 percent castor oil, which is nontoxic and free of harsh chemicals while serving as a potent deterrent for voles. It functions by contaminating the voles’ primary food repel both moles and voles without harming companion pets or other wildlife
We appreciate that the formula is rain-resistant and remains effective for up to 90 days, reducing the need for frequent reapplication. The product is sold in 1-gallon containers, each providing an impressive coverage area of 20,000 square feet.
Get the Natural Elements vole repellent at Amazon.
Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Shield
Effective for mice, rats, and rodents
Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Covers less area than other products
The Natural Armor All-Natural Rodent Shield is a versatile repellent suitable for both indoor and outdoor use to eliminate moles and voles. Although voles rarely enter homes, this product is also effective against mice and rats that might move inside. It is non-staining, allowing for use in various areas of the home. The formula uses peppermint essential oil as a natural, nontoxic deterrent.
To apply, pour the liquid into a spray bottle and shake well. Then, spray the solution on any areas affected by rodents, whether inside or outside.
Get the Natural Armor vole repellent at Amazon.
Chase Mole and Gopher Repellent
Works on all sorts of burrowing animals
Safe for children, wildlife, and pets
Can be applied by hand or spreader
Past users report mixed results on effectiveness
Chase mole and vole repellent granules are sold in a six-pound bag and can be distributed by hand or via a drop or broadcaster spreader at a rate of one pound per 1,000 square feet. Chase suggests applying the granules upon noticing vole activity, typically from early spring through late autumn. To encourage the rodents to leave, apply the granules to one-third of the problem area on the side opposite your desired exit point. A few days later, treat the middle section, and then repeat the process on the final portion of the yard.
These granules are safe for children, pets, and wildlife and feature a castor oil scent. For quicker soil absorption, you can water the granules after application or apply them just before rainfall.
Get the Chase vole repellent at Amazon.
Swialls Mole, Gopher, and Vole Repellent Balls
Nontoxic, plant- and pet-safe formula
Offers 2 to 3 months of protection
Multiple packs needed for large yards
Coverage: 1,040 square feet (130 square feet per ball)
If you notice signs of voles and require a simple deterrent, the Swialls repellent balls, scented with garlic and peppermint, provide a safe solution for kids, pets, and plants. Each ball covers up to 130 square feet, and one pack contains eight balls.
To deter voles, simply place a ball near active tunnels or in garden areas where you want to prevent burrowing. Each ball provides up to three months of long-lasting, nontoxic protection.
Get the CLVDOFSS vole repellent at Amazon.
Years of experience covering home goods and gardening supplies, combined with extensive product research, informed the creation of this guide. We examined more than 35 vole deterrent options and weighed several practical factors before finalizing our recommendations.
Type: There are various types of vole repellents available, and we aimed to include a diverse selection to suit different consumer needs.
Reviews: Many deterrents make bold claims that fail to hold up during actual use, so we only included products with strong user ratings.
Safety: When selecting a repellent, it is important to choose a humane option that will not harm pets or local wildlife. We selected only nontoxic, humane products for this list.
While it is easy to assume all vole repellents perform similarly, several factors influence their effectiveness. Considerations such as intended use, safety, and coverage area can make one product more suitable than another for your specific needs. Read on to learn about these key features when selecting a vole deterrent.
A variety of factors determine the most effective vole control for your situation. Several styles of deterrents exist, each with its own benefits, though some are better suited for specific scenarios.
Granular repellents are intended to be sprinkled outdoors in areas where voles are active. These must be watered into the soil after application.
Liquid repellents function similarly to granules, though some are safe for both indoor and outdoor use. They are often sold in spray bottles, which simplifies the application process.
Ultrasonic vole repellents emit low-frequency vibrations that are irritating to voles but inaudible to humans. These devices often include motion or heat sensors that activate when animals enter the area. They may not be ideal for pet owners, as they can also disturb cats and dogs. However, they do not release chemicals, making them an eco-friendly way to keep animals out of the garden.
Many vole and mole repellents make impressive claims but do not always deliver effective results. For this reason, we relied heavily on consumer feedback to ensure our recommended products are proven to work.
Even with highly rated picks, severe infestations may require professional assistance. “Sometimes, the infestation may be too severe for DIY solutions or you may just not want to deal with the problem yourself,” says Baldwin. “In this case, you should call up a professional pest control service who can tackle the problem quickly and efficiently, and provide advice on how to keep voles from coming back.”
For households with young children and pets, it is vital to avoid repellents that could pose a risk to them. Such homes should be particularly cautious about choosing products containing toxic ingredients. The repellents we recommend are humane and nontoxic, preventing damage to your yard without harming the animals. They are also safe for use around children and pets.
When selecting a repellent, consider the coverage area, which is usually specified in the product details. Some ultrasonic devices can cover up to 7,000 square feet, while other products vary significantly. Choose a solution based on the size of the area affected by the voles.
Voles can infest various parts of a home or garden, so choosing a versatile product is important if your problem is widespread. Some options work only in garden beds, while others are more broadly applicable.
When shopping for a repellent, you might also look for a product that deters other animals. Many vole repellents are also effective against moles, rats, mice, and other rodents. Some all-purpose formulas may also keep wildlife like raccoons, foxes, deer, and skunks away. Keep versatility in mind to maximize value if your property is plagued by multiple pests.
Although you now have more information on controlling voles, you may still have questions about how to use these products. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the selection and use of vole repellents.
Q. What is the fastest way to get rid of voles?
Although there is no humane and fast-acting method to get rid of voles, the first step should be to create an environment that’s inhospitable to them. Voles thrive in tall grass and piles of wood, mulch, or leaves, so be sure to eliminate these from the property.
Q. How can homeowners get rid of voles permanently?
Vole extermination should be considered only as a last resort. In fact, it’s important to note that it’s illegal to kill voles in some parts of the country. To permanently get rid of voles, consider using a trap-and-release system. Release the voles into a green area that’s away from other residences.
Q. Do sonic repellers work on voles?
Ultrasonic pest repellents are effective on voles because they emit a frequency of sound that’s irritating to them and therefore keeps them at bay.
Q. Do vole deterrents work?
Though some vole deterrents do work, it’s important to choose a product that’s well-reviewed and has been proven to be effective.
Q. What is a home remedy to get rid of voles?
Voles are deterred by both castor oil and capsaicin—a compound found in hot peppers. Either of these products can act as a simple DIY vole deterrent. You may also consider adding plants that repel voles around problem areas in your yard. These can include daffodils, snowdrops, garlic, or onions.
Q. What time of year are voles most active?
Unlike many other pests, voles are active year-round. When identifying vole activity, consider that mole versus vole damage is often confused. Voles will typically create shallow channels throughout the yard, while moles will create tunnels with dirt mounds on the surface of the ground.
