What Animal Digs Up Potted Plants to Eat the Roots

Potted plants are a great way to bring some greenery into your home or garden, but sometimes they can be subject to damage caused by animals. One common problem is when potted plants are dug up and the roots are eaten. So, what animal is responsible for this kind of damage? Let's take a closer look.

The Culprit

The most likely culprit for digging up potted plants to eat the roots is the common garden pest known as the vole. These small rodents are often mistaken for mice, but they have shorter tails and smaller ears. Voles are known for their habit of digging tunnels underneath the ground, and they prefer to eat the roots of plants.

What to Look For

If you suspect that voles are responsible for digging up your potted plants, there are a few telltale signs to look for. First, you may notice tunnels or burrows in the soil around the plant, as voles will often tunnel beneath the surface to reach the roots. You may also see teeth marks on the roots themselves or evidence of them being chewed on.

Preventing Vole Damage

If you want to prevent damage to your potted plants caused by voles, there are several things you can do. First, try to keep your plants elevated off the ground, as voles are less likely to tunnel up through a pot than they are to dig through soil. You can also wrap the base of the pot in wire mesh to prevent them from gaining access.

Another option is to trap voles using live traps, which can be purchased at most gardening or hardware stores. These traps are designed to capture the vole without harming it, allowing you to release it at a location far away from your garden.

Treating the Damage

If your potted plant has already been damaged by voles, there are a few steps you can take to help it recover. First, remove any damaged plant material and gently wash the roots to remove any excess soil or debris. You may also want to treat the plant with a fungicide to prevent infection, as voles can introduce bacteria into the soil when they dig.

Finally, make sure to keep an eye on the plant and monitor its progress over time. With a little care and attention, your potted plant should be able to recover from vole damage and grow healthy and strong once again.

Conclusion

Potted plants can be a beautiful addition to any home or garden, but they are vulnerable to damage caused by voles. By taking steps to prevent vole damage and treating any damage that does occur, you can ensure that your potted plants remain healthy and thriving for years to come.