There are several ways to control voles in the garden. Killing with a shot trap is a measure that brings with it dangers, but also benefits. Find out below how to set up the vole trap correctly and what alternatives there are.

A shot trap kills voles efficiently, but it also poses a threat to other creatures

Caution: Dangerous!

Theoretically, the vole trap cannot kill people, but caution should still be exercised: when setting up the trap, make sure that it is secured and always keep the shot opening away from you! Do not unlock the latch until it is installed in place. It is also important to keep children and pets away from the trap (even after it has been set up).

Setting up a vole shot trap: instructions

What you need for this:

  • A vole shot trap
  • Cartridges for the shot trap (must always use originals)
  • A small shovel

1. Uncover vole passage

First you need to locate the vole tunnels. The passages are only a few centimeters underground. Find an entrance and dig it out to fit the vole trap. Use odorless gloves so that no human odor sticks to the entrance.

2. Load trap

Secure the trap!!! To do this, a safety ring is placed over the trigger lever (follow the instructions!). To load the case, the cartridge chamber is unscrewed, the cartridge inserted and screwed on again. Make sure the firing port is pointing away from you while loading!

3. Set up trap

Now place the still secured trap in the exposed opening. If possible, the rear part should rest against a passage wall to minimize kickback.

4. Bury and arm the trap

Now cover the trap again with earth and only then remove the safety ring.

5. Dispose of dead vole

If you were successful and the vole was killed, you must dispose of it. To do this, secure the trap again and remove it from the hole. Then use a spade to dig up the vole and dispose of it in the trash or bury it. Don't let the mouse rot in place as it will attract bugs and smell foul.

Pros and cons of the shot trap

The shot trap is designed to kill the vole, and it does so quite efficiently. This puts it ahead of other killing traps such as the pincer trap, because there is little risk that the vole will only be injured and slowly die in agony.
On the other hand, if handled improperly, the vole trap can cause serious injury. It also poses a danger to pets and children. It is also a killing trap.

Animal friendly alternatives

If you're considering not killing the vole but catching it alive or just repelling it, you have the following options:

  • Catch a vole with a live trap
  • Repel vole with butyric acid
  • Repel voles with ultrasound
  • Build a vole scarecrow

Even if you have successfully killed the vole, you should prevent another infestation, e.g. with a vole scare or vole-hostile plants. It also makes sense to protect particularly endangered plants with a wire basket.

tips

Before you buy your shot trap, make sure your garden dweller is actually a vole and not a mole. Moles are protected and must not be killed under any circumstances!

Category:

Animals in the garden