Plants That Voles Don't Like

If you're a gardener or a landscaper, you know the frustration of finding your beautiful plants have been destroyed by voles. These small rodents can wreak havoc on your garden and leave you feeling helpless. But don't despair - there are actually several types of plants that voles don't like. By incorporating these plants into your landscape design, you can help protect your garden from these pesky critters.

The Problem with Voles

Voles, also known as meadow mice, are small rodents that burrow underground and feed on plant roots. They can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and crops, often killing the plants they feed on. Voles are particularly active in the winter months when food is scarce, and they will eat anything they can find, including bark and stems. Their burrowing can also create unsightly tunnels and holes in your yard.

Plants That Voles Don't Like

Fortunately, there are several types of plants that voles tend to avoid. By planting these species in your garden, you can reduce the risk of vole damage to your other plants.

Daffodils

Daffodils are a popular spring-blooming flower that voles tend to avoid. The bulbs of daffodils contain a toxic compound that makes them unpalatable to rodents. Planting daffodils around the perimeter of your garden can help deter voles from entering the area.

Daffodil flowers blooming in a field

Alliums

Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, are another type of bulb that voles tend to avoid. Like daffodils, alliums contain a sulfur compound that makes them unappealing to rodents. Alliums come in a variety of colors and bloom in the summer months, making them a great addition to any garden.

Alliums blooming in a garden

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that has long been prized for its medicinal properties. It's also a plant that voles tend to avoid. The strong scent of lavender is believed to repel rodents, making it a great choice for borders or as a groundcover.

Lavender plant in full bloom

Sage

Sage is another herb that voles tend to avoid. Like lavender, sage has a strong scent that rodents find unappealing. Sage is a hardy plant that can withstand drought conditions, making it a great choice for dry climates.

Sage plant growing in a garden

Other Ways to Protect Your Plants

While planting voles-resistant plants can help reduce the risk of damage to your garden, there are other steps you can take to protect your plants. Here are some additional tips:

Use Repellents

There are many natural repellents available that can help keep voles away from your plants. Some popular options include garlic, castor oil, and hot pepper spray. You can also use physical barriers such as mesh wire or hardware cloth to prevent voles from accessing your plants.

Remove Cover

Voles like to hide in tall grasses or under piles of leaves or debris. By keeping your yard clear of excess cover, you can make it less appealing to these rodents.

Maintain a Healthy Lawn

A healthy lawn can help deter voles from entering your yard. By keeping your grass well-maintained and free of weeds, you can reduce the risk of vole damage to your plants.

While voles can be a frustrating pest for gardeners and landscapers, there are several ways to protect your plants from their damage. By incorporating voles-resistant plants into your landscape design and taking other protective measures, you can help ensure that your garden stays healthy and vibrant year-round.

Daffodils, alliums, lavender, sage, protecting your garden from voles