There are various methods to combat voles in the garden. Killing with a shot trap is a measure that involves dangers, but also has advantages. Find out below how to set up the vole shot trap correctly and what alternatives there are.
How do you properly set up a vole shot trap in the garden?
To set up a vole shot trap, first locate the tunnels, uncover the entrance and secure the trap. Load the trap with suitable cartridges, place them in the passage, cover them with soil and release the trap. Check the trap regularly for trapped voles.
Caution: Dangerous
Theoretically, the vole trap cannot kill people, but caution should still be exercised: When setting up the trap, make sure that it is secured and always keep the shot opening away from you! Only unlock the trap once it is installed in place. It is also important to keep children and pets away from the trap (even after it has been set up).
Setting up a vole shot trap: instructions
What you need:
- A vole shot trap (€38.00 at Amazon)
- Cartridges for the shot trap (be sure to use originals)
- A small shovel
1. Uncover vole passage
First you have to locate the vole burrows. The tunnels are only a few centimeters underground. Find an entrance and dig it free so that the vole trap fits. Use odorless gloves to prevent human smell from sticking to the entrance.
2. Load trap
Secure the trap!!! To do this, place a locking ring over the trigger lever (follow instructions!). To load the case, the cartridge chamber is unscrewed, the cartridge is inserted and screwed back on. Make sure that the firing port is facing away from you while loading!
3. Set up a trap
Now place the still secured trap into the exposed opening. If possible, the rear part should rest against an aisle wall to minimize kickback.
4. Dig in the trap and arm it
Now cover the trap again with earth and only then remove the safety ring.
5. Dispose of dead voles
If you were successful and the vole was killed, you must dispose of it. To do this, secure the trap again and remove it from the hole. Then use a spade to dig up the vole and dispose of it in the trash or bury it. Do not let the mouse rot in place as the pests will attract and smell bad.
Advantages and disadvantages of the shot trap
The shot trap is designed to kill the vole and it does so quite efficiently. This puts it ahead of other killing traps such as the pincer trap, because there is little risk that the vole will only be injured and die painfully slowly. On the other hand, the vole trap can lead to serious injuries if handled improperly. It also poses a danger to pets and children. It is also a killing trap.
Pet-friendly alternatives
If you want to consider not killing the vole, but catching it alive or just driving it away, you have the following options:
- Catch a vole with a live trap
- Repel voles with butyric acid
- Repel voles with ultrasound
- Build a vole scarecrow
Even if you have successfully killed the vole, you should prevent a new infestation, for example with a vole scarecrow or plants that are hostile to voles. It also makes sense to protect particularly endangered plants with a wire basket.
Tip
Before buying your shot trap, make sure that your garden resident is really a vole and not a mole. Moles are protected and must not be killed under any circumstances!
