An overview of the possibilities

How does the vole trap work?

voles are cautious and dig up foreign objects in their tunnels with dirt. It is therefore important that you show patience and try different fishing methods. Once you find the right strategy, you'll benefit from long-lasting success. Basically, the models can be divided into snap traps, shot traps and tube traps.

digression

Who is behind the vole?

snap traps

These models are cocked and triggered by the animal. Bait ensures that the rodents are attracted. If the mouse gets on the trigger tile, the trap will slam shut and the animal will die by breaking its neck. The risk of an agonizing death is very high if the snap traps incorrectly catch the mouse.

Many vole traps also kill the protected mole. Accurate species identification is therefore necessary.

wire traps

The best-known wire trap for catching voles is the Bavarian vole trap. This trap is equipped with a bait and tightened by squeezing the tentacles together and fixing them with the release plate. The Baden Wire Trap is a variation of this model, in which the tentacles are crossed.

When pressed together, they open so that either a release plate or a metal ring can be clamped between them. These traps can be bought in almost every hardware store or garden center such as Hornbach or Bauhaus. They cost about three euros.

Advantages and disadvantages:

• effective and inexpensive
• reusable, even without bait
• does not work in both directions

pincer traps

The pincer trap works on a similar principle to wire traps. They have gripper arms that spread apart when squeezed. A release plate is clamped in between to fix it. The advantage is that these models can be triggered from either side. A bait is necessary so that the vole pulls hard on the trigger plate. The models cost about three euros.

box traps

These models are ideal for fighting voles, because the trigger mechanism cannot be actively activated by moles. Inside the box, which can be made of plastic, wood, or metal, is a spring-loaded striker. This snaps into place on a release hook when tensioned.

Only when the vole pulls hard on the hook does the mechanism come loose. It is therefore necessary to bait the hook. Box traps only catch in one direction. The Sugan vole trap from Neudorff performs best in the price comparison and is characterized by good experiences.

cylinder traps

These models consist of a housing in which a cylinder is located. It is pushed or pulled up with a clamping lever. Depending on the model, plastic rods or rods with cross wires are used as triggers. If the mouse runs over it, the trigger is moved and the cylinder, which is attached to a main spring, snaps down onto the mouse. Such models do not have to be equipped with a bait and work in both directions.

*shot traps

Vole traps are loaded with blanks. Since the rodent triggers the trap itself, these models are also referred to as "vole trap self-shot". However, she is not killed by either a mechanical blow or a direct shot. When triggered, a pressure wave caused by gas pressure is created, which has a fatal effect on the vole within milliseconds. It also penetrates centimetre-thick layers of earth and ruptures the lungs.

Self-Firing Apparatus

In Germany, only firing devices with the identification of the Physical Technical Testing Institute (PTB for short) may be sold. The killing is considered animal welfare, since the rodents die immediately. However, before using these devices, you need to make sure that your garden dweller is a harmful vole. If you kill moles, you risk prosecution with fines of 50,000 euros. Proof of age is required to purchase ammunition. Buyers must be at least 18 years old.

Proven shooting devices:

• Kieferle W2 PTB 875: Self-shooting holder for vertical positioning
• Göbel Torero 935: The trigger mechanism is additionally protected, so that the trap is suitable for sandy soils
• Except PTB 2: reliable function due to a fine release mechanism
• Top Fox PTB 936: delicate mechanism that can be triggered from either side

tube traps

The tube trap is a live trap consisting of two plastic tubes inserted into each other. There are openings at both ends so that the animals can be caught from either direction. After the rodent has crawled into the tube, non-return valves prevent escape. Slots allow for easy visual inspection. An additional bait inside attracts voles and prevents them from digging an escape tunnel just before the trap.

Set up the vole trap correctly

Many tunnels under construction are not used regularly, so the trap has little success here. Poke the ground with a pointed object and use fresh mounds of earth for orientation. If you come across a cavity, uncover it and wait. If the hole is dug up in the near future, the corridor will be inhabited by a vole. If you don't place the traps correctly or trigger them with difficulty, the mouse will quickly mess them up and cover them with dirt.

Place the wire trap correctly

Wire traps are placed directly in the vole's passage and only work in one direction. It is therefore worth equipping each aisle opening with traps in both directions. Using a shovel, dig up the passage to 20 to 30 centimeters. Stick a wooden stick into the branching passages to check the straightness of the side tunnels.

A catch attempt is only worthwhile if the gears run in a straight line. The traps are pushed deep into the passage and fixed with a stick. After some time, the vole controls the passage opening so that it pushes away the release plate and the wire trap slams shut.

Instructions for setting up pincer and box traps

Only open the passage so far that the tensioned trap can fit perfectly into the hole. Place pieces of wood on the tongs and cover the trap with soil. If the hole is too large or has been insufficiently covered with a log or bucket for light to enter, the vole will avoid the area. You can tell that the trap has struck by the gaping pincer handles.

To set a box trap:

• in front of a tunnel opening or directly into the open corridor
• Seal the end well with soil
• can be placed on straight aisles or at bends and intersections

Set cylinder traps correctly

Special accessories are available for the topcat trap to make it easier to set up. With a search stick (price approx. 35 euros) find the underground passage. Then you pierce with the extra available hole cutter (price: approx. 50 euros) a precisely fitting opening in the floor. A plant spike is recommended as an inexpensive alternative.

With this method you only destroy the vole's exit minimally and after successfully catching it you can put the soil plug back into the hole. Cylinder traps do not leave a crater landscape in your garden.

Rest of the procedure:

• set the cocked trap in the hole
• align according to the course of the aisle
• press down on the surrounding ground
• when triggered, a clearly audible clicking noise is produced
• A triggered latch can be recognized by the loosened clamping levers

Use of a self-firing trap

Before the cartridges are inserted into the firing device, it must be secured. The Kieferle shot trap has a hasp bar that prevents accidental triggering. Prepare a hole for the trap by opening the passage. The placement of the shooting device differs depending on the model. Either push the device deep into the aisle or stick it vertically into the opening.

How to stretch the Kieferle apparatus;

1. Slide the release ring forward
2. Fix the firing pin lever with the release ring
3. block the rear end with a piece of wood
4. Unlock device

Use tube trap

The passage will open so that you can slide the trap into the hole. The opening is closed to such an extent that a small area around the viewing slits remains open. In order to spare the trapped animals unnecessary stress, you should check the trap every hour. Moles may also get into the container. Since these are under nature protection, they must be freed immediately.

Buy a vole trap

At Amazon there is an almost endless selection of vole traps. If you want to buy the products used, the Ebay platform is the first port of call. You can find models of high-quality brands in the electric fence online shop. The well-known hardware stores also offer inexpensive and effective variants.

Vole Traps at Obi:

• Neudorff Sugan vole trap: effective box trap for approx. 10 Euro
• Gardigo vole trap: inexpensive snap trap, price approx. 15 euro
• Swissinno: wire vole trap, zinc vole trap or SuperCat vole trap
• Celaflor vole trap: pincer trap for approx. 5 euros

Brand and discount products in the test

Which model produces the best results cannot be answered in general terms. Success depends on various factors such as the availability of food in the garden, the maintenance and use of traps, and the timing of control. Therefore, no test winner can be chosen from the products presented, but only an objective comparison of the advantages and disadvantages can be offered. Product tests are offered by Stiftung Warentest, which reported on the successful fight against voles in its 12/2014 issue.

Build your own vole trap

With few resources, you can build a vole trap yourself, with which you can capture the animals alive. You will need a PET bottle, a skewer, rubber, a piece of cardboard and two paper clips. The piece of cardboard serves as a release plate. When pressed down by a mouse, the paperclip fuse collapses and the bottom of the bottle snaps shut. The trap is equipped with a bait and laid out like a tube trap.

Instructions for building

Cut the bottom of a PET bottle so it doesn't completely separate. The floor later represents the trapdoor and ensures that the vole can no longer escape. Poke two opposite holes in the sides of the bottom flap.

Build the clamping mechanism

The floor represents a trapdoor that can be bent open under tension. Another paper clip is needed to tighten the trap. Bend this open and snap the paper clip in two. One part is bent over at the tip in such a way that a slightly open hook is created. This part will hook into the paper clip that is already in the cardboard. Now the hook hangs freely on the cardboard. To cock the trap, insert the end of the hanging paper clip through the hole in the wall.

frequently asked Questions

Which baits are suitable for vole traps?

The rodents are strictly vegetarian and feed on roots or bark. They gnaw at fruit trees and shrubs and damage the roots of vegetables and bulbs. Root vegetables make excellent bait. Place small pieces of celeriac or carrots in your traps. Jerusalem artichoke or potatoes are also gladly accepted. Peeled apple pieces are a real treat.

When is the best time to set up a vole trap

You should be guided by the food supply in the different seasons. Between April and October, nature offers a rich diet, so that voles are happy to refuse the bait that is laid out. These are particularly effective from November to March, when the rodents can hardly find any food. At the beginning of spring, the soil is particularly loose due to the effects of frost, so that you can open the tunnels without major damage. At this time, animal reproduction has not yet begun, and you can focus on fighting individual animals.

Do voles need to be controlled?

The rodents can cause damage to perennial plants, fruit trees and root vegetables. But experience shows that peaceful coexistence with the vole in the garden is possible. The herbivores spare your ornamental and useful plants if they find enough food alternatives.

One fat meadow offers the supposed pest a rich diet. It can prove useful, as it often stocks up on couch grass and other unwanted herbs, and is a keen eater of clover. To give your bulbous plants, roses and fruit trees extra protection, you can plant garlic in these areas.

How do I know it's a vole?

The dig test is a good measure to unmask the culprit of dirt mounds. Open the passage at one point and wait a while. The vole will close up the hole in a short time. You can also put carrots or potatoes in the aisles, which are guaranteed to be eaten by voles.