Voles can be a real pest in the garden. They eat the bulbs of tulips and other flowers and do not stop at the roots of vegetable plants. Instead of aggressive agents, there are some environmentally friendly alternatives that naturally drive away voles. The daffodil is one of them.
How do daffodils help against voles in the garden?
Daffodils can help to drive away voles naturally, as their intense smell, caused by the alkaloids they contain, is unpleasant for the rodents. Plant daffodils among popular vole targets such as flowers and vegetables to protect your plants.
How do you recognize voles in the garden?
The nimble rodents can be quickly recognized by thesmall mounds of earth that they spread around the garden. These are the entrances to their underground tunnel system. The mounds are similar to those of moles, but are larger and flatter in comparison and run close to the surface of the earth. Before you try to fight the vole, you should make sure that it is not a mole after all. This is very welcome in gardens as it does not damage plants and at the same time keeps voles away.
What damage can voles cause?
Voles can not only dig up the entire garden and leave unsightly traces behind, they can especiallyseverely damage plants The small rodents nibble on flower bulbs and roots as well as on the bark of plants trees and bushes and ensure that they do not bloom, get diseases or die.
How do daffodils work against voles?
Daffodils are poisonous to humans and animals due to the alkaloids they contain. The bulbs of the daffodil in particular have an intense smell that deters voles. You can take advantage of this effect in the garden: plant a few daffodils between flowers and vegetables that are particularly popular with voles. This way you can reduce the risk of attracting the voles and of course protect your plants.
What other measures are there against voles?
Daffodils work even better when used in combination withother measures.
- Plant other plants in your garden that voles don't like the smell of. These include in particular imperial crowns and garlic, but also elderberry, basil and peonies.
- Distribute fermented buttermilk or garlic cloves at the tunnel entrances; the smell will also drive away the voles.
- Protect your flower bulbs when planting and place them in wire baskets that the voles cannot penetrate.
Tip
Live traps for voles
Especially in the winter months, when the vole finds little food, you can lure it into a live trap (€4.00 on Amazon) with a piece of carrot, celery or potato. After you have caught the mouse, you can release it in the forest or in a field at a sufficient distance from your own and other gardens.
