How to Protect Tomato Plants from Voles

Tomatoes are a favorite vegetable for many gardeners. They are easy to grow and can produce a large amount of fruit. However, there are many pests that can damage tomato plants, one of which is voles. Voles are small rodents that can cause significant damage to tomato plants. They eat the plant roots, damaging the entire plant. Here are some tips on how to protect tomato plants from voles.

Use Vole Repellents

One of the easiest ways to protect tomato plants from voles is to use vole repellents. There are many different types of repellents available, including sprays, granules, and electronic devices. Most repellents work by emitting strong odors or ultrasonic sounds that voles find unpleasant. Some of the most effective repellents include castor oil, garlic oil, and peppermint oil. Simply spray or apply the repellent around the tomato plants to keep voles away.

Install Physical Barriers

If vole repellents don't work or if you want to take a more proactive approach to protecting your tomato plants, you can install physical barriers. Voles cannot climb, so placing a physical barrier around the plants can be very effective. Some types of barriers include mesh wire fencing, hardware cloth, or plastic barriers. Make sure that the barrier is at least 6 inches deep in the ground and at least 12 inches above the ground to prevent voles from burrowing under or climbing over.

Protect the Area Around the Plants

Voles are attracted to areas with lots of weeds, tall grass, or debris. You can reduce the number of voles in your garden by keeping the area around your tomato plants clean and tidy. Remove any piles of brush or debris, and keep the grass and weeds mowed. This will make the area less attractive to voles and reduce the chances of them burrowing near your tomato plants.

Use Bait and Traps

If you have a severe vole problem, you may need to resort to using bait and traps. Voles are attracted to certain types of food, such as peanut butter, apple slices, or oatmeal. You can place these baits in snap traps or live traps. Snap traps are more effective but require more work to set up and dispose of the dead voles. Live traps are more humane, but require you to relocate the voles once they are caught.

Conclusion

Voles can cause significant damage to your tomato plants, but there are many ways to protect them. By using vole repellents, physical barriers, keeping the area around the plants clean, and using bait and traps, you can keep your tomato plants safe and healthy. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes.