Fight pesky voles effectively

I have voles in my yard that are very destructive. I cannot get any information on voles at all. They dig holes everywhere and eat the bulbs and anything else they fancy. I presume they migrated to my garden because there was a lot of construction going on below me in Wandermere. If you can give me any information, I would be ever so grateful.

Frances McCaffrey, Spokane

There are some cultural things you can do to slow them down. In areas where they seem to be doing a lot of damage, keep the grass mowed short at least 4 feet out to remove their cover and food source. If your lot backs onto an open field, mow a strip of that, too. This gives predators a chance to see voles when they surface. Reduce mulch covers to 1 inch to 2 inches so voles can’t hide or nest in it. If they are chewing on plants and shrubs, surround the plants with fine-meshed wire set several inches into the ground. Tree trunks can be wrapped with rigid plastic tubes the same as the ones used to deter deer damage. Bulbs can be planted in fine-mesh wire baskets that the voles can’t get into.

You could also try some of the repellants that are on the market. Bonide MoleMax, Mole and Vole Repellant, is environmentally friendly clay granules impregnated with castor oil. The granules are applied to the soil wherever you see vole damage.

Do not use poison baits because they are toxic to other animals that may eat them by mistake. And of course, there’s always the mouse trap and a hungry cat or two.

Find plants tolerant to clay, deer

We live in Mica, up at 2,900 feet. We have tons of deer, and really thick, heavy, clay soil. What kinds of plants would you recommend for the clay-based soil with the deer in mind? We are thinking of all native perennial plants like sage and aspens with `mixes of small evergreens in the beds. Also, what tips would you have for our lawn care considering the clay soil?

Shawn McGuire, Mica

Considering native plants for your clay is a good start but not all plants can handle it. Since I don’t live far from you, I know your clay. It is hard to get anything to grow in it. Always amend your beds with a lot of compost, because even native plants grow and look better with good soil. Some native plants, like the sages and junipers, require good drainage and that’s something clay does not do well, so get to know the plants you are considering.

As there are hundreds of good plants out there I’d suggest picking up the WSU publications “Landscaping with Native Plants” ($6 plus tax) and “Landscape Plants for the Inland Northwest” ($10 plus tax). Both books have extensive lists of plants and their growing requirements. They are available at the Master Gardener Plant Clinic, 222 N. Havana St. Lists of deer resistant plants can be found at http://spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane/eastside/ under the Free Fact Sheets. A good list of deer resistant perennials can be found at Tower Perennial Gardens’ Web site www.towerflower.com under literature.