Dear Sirs:
I have several spots of voles in my yard. The worst is in our septic system and I am afraid they are breeding in the infiltrators of the septic system, which provide a large tunnel. Near the septic system we have a hedge of 50′ where we have planted trees and bushes. I have found holes burrowed through the balls of these fairly new trees and bushes. I am afraid that the sulfur gas will not work because the tunnels may lead to the septic lines. I am not concerned of any neighborhood animals getting to the poison, because we live on a large acreage.
It seems that my best bet is the ZP bait, but I will need a lot of it. If it gets wet will it still be effective? If I apply it just before winter hits is it too late? Do you have any good suggestions for me?
If it would be better for me to call you, let me have a phone number and I will call during your business hours.
V. W.
Vole control, given your unique set of circumstances, does present a challenge. Tunnels leading directly to your septic tank would be a problem if you wanted to “gas” effectively. In all likelihood, these tunnels would in fact draw some of the smoke and take away from the net benefit the gas has to offer. However, if you have boroughs or nest sites which are more than 20 feet away from the tunnel pipes, you probably can still use the GIANT DESTROYERS successfully. In our experience, their maximum effective “smoke reach” range seems to be 15 to 20 feet. So for nest sites outside this effective range, I’d still recommend using some and incorporating them into my overall vole control program.
Vole baiting may in fact be your best option. The ZP Bait does need to stay dry so I’m not sure this will be a viable biat choice for your yard. In fact, the MOLE PATROL is probably better suited. It can get wet and still be both attractive and maintain its effectiveness. Since moles, voles and other borrowing animals (like shrews) will many times be active throughout the winter months, baiting now and every 2 to 3 weeks all winter long would be the suggested treatment program giving your situation. Remember, septic tanks tend to be active and many times will “warm” the surrounding ground. They also tend to leak highly fertile sewage which will breen all kinds of small organisms in the soil. These organisms are the very stuff animals like moles and voles depend on and are exactly what they seek when foraging. Voles have a fast metabolism and require more nutrition than most animals their size. For this reason they quite commonly forage for food during extreme temperatures including the winter months. Obviously if you have a foot of snow on the ground don’t worry about baiting. But if there is no snow or during any unusual warm spells in the winter, pay attention to see if there is renewed activity in your turf. If you find anything new, get fresh bait applied to take advantage of the foraging animal which undoubtedly will be quite hungry and more likely to consume your offering.
Lastly, based on the size and area of your yard with activity, it would be wise to employ either CINCH STYLE or TUNNEL TRAPS. These devices are very effective and easy to use. Once you get the knack of how to make effective sets, it’s quite likely one of these trap designs may prove to be your most effective weapon.
And of course if you have further questions, please give us a call on our toll-free 1-800-877-7290.
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