Trapping

Trapping is effective for small numbers of voles and is often the most practical and economical method to use around the home and in the lawn and garden area. A snap-type mousetrap used with a small piece of apple or a peanut butter-oatmeal ball works well for bait. To improve trap success, bend a shingle to form an arched roof over the trap so that the trap spring arm will clear the shingle. To trap pine voles in the deeper tunnel runs, some excavation will be needed to place the trap down on the run. Place the trap at a right angle to the run. Prairie and meadow voles can be caught by setting traps at right angles to their runways or back-to-back within the run. No excavation is needed because these species travel along surface runways. Do not skimp on the number of traps. Ten traps would be the minimum number to use in a yard or small garden. To reduce opportunities for disease transfer, wear plastic or rubber gloves when handling dead voles.