Say Goodbye to Voles: The Permanent Wire Mesh Solution

Voles can be a real pain for homeowners (and their lawns!). These burrowing rodents love to munch on the roots of plants and make trails through the grass, wreaking havoc on your landscaping. One common solution is poison bait stations. But what if there was a safer, more permanent option?

Enter wire mesh exclusion! This method utilizes a fine mesh barrier (hardware cloth with a ¼ inch opening) to prevent voles from entering your desired area in the first place. Here’s why this might be the perfect solution for you:

• Save Money: Constantly refilling poison bait stations can get expensive. Wire mesh is a one-time investment that offers lasting protection. It pays for itself in just two or three years!
• Safe for Pets and Wildlife: Unlike poison, wire mesh is completely non-toxic. This means peace of mind knowing your curious pets (dogs, cats) or helpful wildlife predators (hawks, owls, weasels, ermine) won’t be accidentally harmed by ingesting poison meant for voles.
• Permanent Solution: Once installed correctly, wire mesh provides a long-term barrier against voles. No more worrying about reapplying poison or refilling bait stations every few months.

Here’s how to use wire mesh for vole exclusion:

1. Measure and Cut: Measure the perimeter of your walkway or driveway, accounting for a one-foot overlap at the corners. Purchase enough hardware cloth to create a barrier at least three inches deep and 10 inches out.
2. Trench Time: Dig a trench around the perimeter of your walkway or wherever you’re seeing the voles, just a few inches deep, but at least one foot out.
   
3. Install the Mesh: Place the hardware cloth into the trench, ensuring the top meets the side of the structure (walkway, deck, etc.). Overlap the mesh at corners for a secure fit.
   
   
4. Secure and Backfill: Bend the edge of the mesh outward at a 90-degree angle to create a “floor” that deters voles from burrowing under. You also may need to secure the mesh to the concrete with concrete screws. Backfill the trench with dirt and tamp it down firmly.
   
   
5. Water: If the season is right, water the area to help the grass roots set in through the mesh.

With a little planning and effort, you can create a vole-free zone around your walkway or driveway using wire mesh exclusion. This environmentally friendly method keeps your pets and wildlife safe, while saving you money in the long run.

Does this sound like a lot of work? It is! Give us a call at Grove Eco-friendly Pest Control or fill out the form on our site to have a professional install the wire mesh for you, ensuring it works properly and lasts forever.