5 Best Vole Poisons to Protect Your Yard

We've done the research to find the best vole poisons and ranked them according to their pros, cons, and special characteristics.
By
Phyllis McMahon
Phyllis McMahon
Research Writer
Phyllis teaches English Literature at a local college and loves writing in her free time. She’s also a great cook – her British beef Wellington is something the best res read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Chas Kempf
Chas Kempf
Expert Consultant
Chas works in a professional pest control company and knows all the nuances of this job. Also, he’s a fantastic tennis player and loves to organize BBQ parties for his fam read more
Last updated: August 23, 2023
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Vole poisons are some of the most effective ways to kill these pesky rodents. Voles can cause a lot of damage to your yard or garden, and getting rid of them can be difficult. Using poison is one of the best ways to get rid of them.

Buying the most effective vole poison might be difficult. So, there are a few things you need to consider while choosing vole poisons. You should think about active ingredients, weather resistance, non-target species, and children and pet safety. In this article we’ve covered all the important aspects, so you will find the perfect vole poison for your yard without any hesitations.

Quick Summary

  • "The poison contained within the pellet, user-friendliness, effective and safe formula make it the top of our list"
  • "The long-lasting formula that continues to work for up to 3 months, not required mixing or measuring, and easy-to-use application make it the most user-friendly option on the market"
  • Choice of Professionals: I Must Garden Mole & Vole Repellent
    "All-natural ingredients, children, pets, and environment safety, resistance to different weather conditions and versatility make it the best option for professionals"
  • "Ready-to-use pellets, long-lasting effect protective against moles, gophers, voles, armadillos, rabbits, ground squirrels, and other burrowing animals make it the most versatile option on the market"
  • "1st generation anticoagulant diphacinone as an effective active ingredient and wax-free formula ideal for use in wet or damp areas make it the best weather-resistant option"

Top 5 Vole Poisons Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4529 people in the past 30 days
9.8
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Customer Feedback
9.7
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9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
Features
  • Type: pellets
  • Weight: 4 lbs.
  • Active Ingredients: warfarin 025%; imidacloprid 020%
  • Target Pests: vole, rat, mouse

Kaput Mouse, Rat & Vole Combo Bait Pellets are our Editor’s Choice since it is an effective and easy-to-use solution for eliminating voles, mice, and rats, as well as the fleas that reside on these rodents. The bait’s active ingredients, warfarin, and imidacloprid are highly effective at extremely low concentrations, making them exceptionally safe for use in and around the home. Kaput Combo Bait Pellets are packaged in 25 two-ounce place packs, ensuring easy application of the bait in appropriate quantities according to your specific needs. The bait can be placed as a whole, unopened package, or in portions if smaller applications are required.

The Kaput Mouse, Rat & Vole combo is a great vole poison with only the Victor M925 giving it a run for it’s money. You see, they both can be used indoors and outdoors but the Kaput Mouse is limited to within 50-feet of buildings. The Victor M925 is also fish flavored to attract all voles. However, the Kaput Mouse sells in a sealable container and we found that more pleasant to use compared to the M925 victor which sells in a convenience bag.

    Why did it make our list?
  • The pellets are very effective in poisoning voles, mice, and rats at once
  • The poison is contained within the pellet, so there is no risk of it contaminating other areas
  • KAPUT Mouse, Rat & Vole COMBO Bait Pellets are easy to use and can be placed in a variety of locations
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The pellets can also be dangerous if handled without proper precautions
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9483 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
Features
  • Type: bait balls
  • Weight: 4 lbs.
  • Active Ingredients: diphacinone
  • Target Pests: voles, mice, rats

If you’re looking for an effective and user-friendly rodenticide, Victor M925 4-lb Ready-to-Use Rodent Killer is a great option. This formula effectively eliminates rats, mice, and meadow voles, and is highly palatable to rodents thanks to its fish-flavored bait. It’s also weather-resistant, so it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Plus, it comes in a convenient 4lb bag that’s ready to use. Simply place the bait balls where you’ve noticed signs of rodent activity or in tamper-resistant bait stations. For quick and efficient elimination of your rodent problem, Victor M925 4-lb Ready-to-Use Rodent Killer is a great choice.

The Victor M925 4-lb ready to use rodent killer is similar to the Bonide Molemax Mole and Vole repellent. They are both granulated and are great for outdoors. However, the Victor M925 is clearly better as it can be used indoors, it is fish flavored to attract voles, and it is weather resistant. The Victor M925 is also easier to apply unlike the Bonide Molemax which needs water after application.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Quick and effective results and easy-to-use application
  • No mixing or measuring is required
  • Long-lasting formula continues to work for up to 3 months
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • It can be difficult to remove if you don't want it around anymore
  • The smell is unpleasant
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3687 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
3
Choice of Professionals

I Must Garden Mole & Vole Repellent

Features
  • Type: granules
  • Weight: 10 lbs.
  • Active Ingredients: castor oil, botanical oils
  • Target Pests: 

I Must Garden Mole & Vole Repellent is a professional strength repellent that is now available to homeowners. It is trusted and used by professional landscapers and exterminators and contains concentrated active ingredients and powerful botanical oils for the strongest protection on the market. It is safe for pets, people, and the environment and will not harm your grass. This product works year-round, in all weather conditions, to protect your lawn from moles and voles.

The I Must Garden Mole & Vole repellent is eerily similar to the Victor M925. They are both great for outdoor use, and are weather resistant albeit with some differences. With the I Must Garden repellent, you can apply in granulated or liquid forms. It is also more concentrated, which though better for repelling voles, makes it difficult for everyday users. By and large, the I Must Garden is great for professionals while the Victor M925 is best for everyday use.

    Why did it make our list?
  • I Must Garden Mole & Vole Repellent is made with all-natural ingredients, so it is safe for use around children and pets
  • It will not harm your plants or lawn
  • I Must Garden Mole & Vole Repellent is long-lasting and weather-resistant
  • It is easy to apply, simply mix with water and spray on desired areas
    What is not ideal about it?
  • It has a strong odor
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7251 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
Features
  • Type: granules
  • Weight: 10 lbs.
  • Active Ingredients: castor oil
  • Target Pests: voles, moles, gophers, armadillos, rabbits, ground squirrels and other burrowing animals

Bonide MOLEMAX Mole & Vole Repellent is the most versatile option on the market for keeping animals out of your garden. It protects against voles, moles, gophers, armadillos, rabbits, ground squirrels, and other burrowing animals. The long-lasting ready-to-use pellets treat up to 5,000 square feet and pest control can last up to three months. Castor oil penetrates deep into your soil to repel them from where they burrow, making your lawn & garden unpalatable to pests. When used as directed, MOLEMAX will not harm desirable garden plants.

Bonide MOLEMAX is quite similar to the I Must Garden Mole and Vole Repellent. However, they are different with the I Must Garden poison having more active ingredients compared to the MOLEMAX. While castor oil will penetrate deeper and last longer, we found that simply irritating the voles would not compare to the killer action that is in the I Must Garden repellent. Yes, the MOLEMAX is more eco-friendly, but we want to kill some voles which the I Must Garden Poison is great at doing.

    Why are we impressed?
  • The option comes ready-to-use
  • Covers up to 10,000 square feet
  • The ingredients are not harmful for your lawn and garden
  • Repels moles, voles, gophers, and more
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • May take up to 4 weeks to see results
  • Has to be reapplied every 30 days for best results
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7455 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.4
Features
  • Type: nuggets
  • Weight: 4 lbs.
  • Active Ingredients: diphacinone
  • Target Pests: meadow voles, rats, mice

Neogen Ramik Green Weather Resistant Rodenticide Nuggets are the most weather-resistant option for controlling rats and mice. Made with 1st generation anticoagulant diphacinone, this rodenticide is effective in killing rats, mice, and meadow voles. Death may occur within 4-5 days of consuming a lethal dose, making it a quick and efficient way to get rid of unwanted rodents. The formula is also wax-free, making it ideal for use in wet or damp areas. For the ultimate all-weather protection against rodents, choose Neogen Ramik Green Weather Resistant Rodenticide Nuggets.

Both the Reogen Ramik Green and the Kaput Mouse, Mole and Vole repellent are ideal for indoor use and around structures. However, the Ramik Green only comes alive in damp areas or when applied with some water. Also, users have reported voles avoiding the Ramik pellets when applied without water. Finally, The Kaput Mouse vole poison is more pet friendly and easier to store.

    What stands out?
  • The nuggets are weather-resistant, so they won't be washed away in the rain or snow
  • They're flavored with fish, so they're more attractive to rodents
  • They're easy to use, just place them where you see rodent activity
  • They're effective at killing voles, mice and rats
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • There is a risk that non-target animals may eat the poison
  • Voles may become resistant to the poison over time

Things to Consider

Active Ingredients

Several active ingredients can be found in vole poisons, including strychnine, bromethalin, cholecalciferol, and zinc phosphide. Each of these ingredients works in another way to kill voles, but they all share the common goal of being effective at killing these pests. Strychnine works by causing paralysis and then death through respiratory failure, while bromethalin works by causing neurological damage that leads to death. Cholecalciferol is a vitamin D3 analog that causes calcium in the blood, leading to heart and kidney failure. Zinc phosphide works by releasing toxic gas when it comes into contact with stomach acid, causing death through suffocation.

Type of Poison

5 Best Vole Poisons to Protect Your Yard
Trapping, Poison baits, Repellents, Repellents, Fencing, and Burrowing wire are all effective methods for controlling and eradicating voles. Voles can be stopped with various traps, including live traps, snap traps, and glue traps. Poison baits are an alternative technique for removing voles. Strychnine or zinc phosphide are frequently used poisons to kill these vermin.

There are several ways to control and get rid of voles, including:

  • Trapping: Trapping is one of the most effective methods for removing voles. Several types of traps are available, including live traps, snap traps and glue traps. Check out our comprehensive guide for the best humane mouse traps.
  • Poison baits: Poison baits are another option for getting rid of voles. Baits containing strychnine or zinc phosphide are commonly used to kill these pests. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using poison baits.
  • Repellents: There are a number of repellents available that can help to keep voles away from your garden or yard. Repellents containing methyl nonyl ketone or castor oil are effective at deterring these pests.
  • Fencing: Fencing can be used to exclude voles from an area. A fence should be at least 18 inches high and have a mesh size of 1/4 inch or less.
  • Burrowing wire can also be used to discourage voles from entering an area.

Non-Target Species

Various vole poisons are available on the market, but many of these products are also dangerous to non-target species. It is essential to read the labels carefully and follow the directions to avoid harming other animals. Some of the most commonly used vole poisons contain anticoagulants, which can be fatal if ingested by dogs, cats, or other animals. Some newer products use less harmful ingredients to non-targets, but these products may be more expensive. Whichever type of vole poison you choose, be sure to use it carefully and only as directed. Check out our comprehensive guides for best baits for groundhogs and best baits for chipmunks if you’re interested in getting rid of other types of rodents.

Weather Resistance

Weather resistance is an essential factor to consider when selecting a vole poison. Voles are active year-round, and their activity levels can vary depending on the weather. Poisons that are not weather resistant may be less effective in cold or wet conditions. Weather resistance ensures that the poison will be effective no matter what the weather is like.

Coverage

The coverage that the poison will provide is vital to consider when choosing a vole poison. You will want to ensure that the poison you choose will cover the area in which the voles are. If the poison does not cover the area, the voles will move to another location, and you will have to start the process again. Another thing to consider is how long the poison will last. Some poisons only stay for a short time, while others can last for months. Choose a poison that will last long enough to kill all of the voles in the area.

State’s Regulations

The use of vole poisons is regulated by the state in which they are used. Each state has its restrictions and requirements for the use of these products. For example, some states require that the poison be mixed with food so it will not harm other animals or children. Other states may require that the poison be placed in a special container so it can be disposed of properly. Some states may also require the person using the poison to have a license or permit. Before using it, check with your local county extension office or state wildlife agency for specific regulations in your area.

Voles and Their Eating Habits

Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that can be a nuisance in gardens and yards. They have a voracious appetite and eat just about anything, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, bulbs, and roots. Some of the more common plants that voles enjoy include lettuce, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, apples, and cherries. While they eat just about anything, their favorite foods are grasses and other green plants. In addition to eating your garden plants, voles can cause damage by burrowing under sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Their tunneling can undermine the stability of these structures and create problems for homeowners. Voles are also known to eat the bark of young trees, which can damage and kill the tree.

How to Use Vole Poison Properly?

When using vole poison, it is essential to use the proper amount. Voles are small animals and don’t require a lot of poison to kill them. Applying too much poison can result in the death of other animals that come into contact with the poisoned bait. It can also be dangerous for children and pets if they contact the poison.

The best way to apply vole poison is to mix it with peanut butter or another food that voles like to eat. Once the mixture is made, put it into a container with small holes punched into the lid. Place the container near areas where you have seen voles or their burrows. The voles will smell the food and enter the container to eat it. Once they eat the poison, they will die within a few days.

If you have a large vole problem, you may need to reapply the poison every few weeks to keep the population under control. Always follow the directions on the package when using any pesticide.

5 Best Vole Poisons to Protect Your Yard
The most significant way to administer vole poison is to combine it with peanut butter or another voles’ favorite food. Once you’ve finished mixing the mixture, place it in a container with small holes punctured in the top. Place the trap near areas where you’ve seen mice or their burrows. The voles will detect the meal’s aroma and come inside to eat it.

Benefits of Using Vole Poisons

There are a number of benefits to using vole poisons as opposed to other methods of mouse and rat control. Vole poisons are usually very effective, killing voles within a day or two of ingestion. This means that they are much less likely to cause suffering than other methods such as trapping or shooting, which can take days or even weeks to kill their prey.

Vole poisons are also relatively safe for other animals and humans, as long as they are used according to the instructions on the packet. This is in contrast to traps, which can injure or kill non-target animals, and rats and mice baits, which can be dangerous to pets and children if ingested.

Finally, vole poisons often work out cheaper than other methods of control in the long run, as they only need to be applied once to be effective. This is in contrast to traps, which need to be baited and set regularly, and rat and mice baits, which need to be replenished every few days.

Vole Prevention Tips

First, remove potential food sources: clean up fallen fruit in your yard, pick up pet food bowls at night, and cover trash cans.

Second, trim back vegetation: voles love eating greenery, so keep your lawn and garden trimmed.

Third, eliminate hiding spots: get rid of piles of wood, leaves, and other debris where voles can hide.

Fourth, seal up openings: block holes leading into your home, garage, or shed with wire mesh or hardware cloth.

Use traps: snap traps and live traps are both effective ways to catch voles. Be sure to check the traps regularly and dispose of any caught voles immediately.

Finally, apply repellents: there are several commercial repellents available that can help keep voles away from your property. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully.

With these tips, you can help prevent a vole infestation on your property and keep your home and garden safe from these pesky pests.

FAQ

Can I use the vole poison in my organic vegetable garden?

The short answer is no. Vole poison is not allowed in organic gardens. The main reason for this is that the poison can kill not only voles but also other animals that may eat the poisoned voles, including pets and wildlife. Additionally, the poison can contaminate the soil and water in your garden, which can be harmful to people and the environment. If you are looking for a way to get rid of voles in your garden, there are some non-toxic options available, such as traps and repellents. You can also encourage natural predators of voles, such as owls and snakes, to take up residence near your garden.

What time of year is best to initially apply vole poison and how long does each application typically last?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it will vary depending on the specific product you are using, as well as the infestation level of your property. However, in general, it is best to initially apply vole poison in early spring and then reapply as necessary throughout the season. Each application should last for several weeks, but if you continue to see vole activity on your property, you may need to reapply more frequently.

What type of vole poisons is the easiest to apply?

The easiest type of vole poison to apply is a contact poison, which is applied directly to the vole’s body. This type of poison is typically more effective than other types of poisons, as it does not require the vole to eat the poison in order for it to be effective. Additionally, contact poisons typically have a quicker kill time than other types of vole poisons.

Do I need to constantly reapply the vole poison?

If you are using a granular vole poison, it is best to reapply the product every 3-4 weeks. This will ensure that the voles have ample opportunity to consume the poison and die. If you are using a liquid vole poison, you will need to reapply it every 2-3 days. Again, this will ensure that the voles have ample opportunity to consume the poison and die. If you are using a bait station, you should check it every few days to make sure that the voles are still consuming the poison. If they are not, you may need to reapply the poison more frequently.

Our verdict

If you’re looking for an effective and easy-to-use solution for eliminating mice, rats, and voles, as well as the fleas that reside on these rodents, then we highly recommend KAPUT Mouse, Rat & Vole COMBO Bait Pellets. The pellets are very effective in poisoning these pests, and the poison is contained within the pellet so there is no risk of it contaminating other areas. KAPUT Combo Bait Pellets are also easy to use and can be placed in a variety of locations.

Victor M925 4-lb Ready-to-Use Rodent Killer is an effective and user-friendly option for eliminating rats, mice, and meadow voles. It is weather-resistant and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Plus, it comes in a convenient 4lb bag that’s ready to use. Victor M925 4-lb Ready-to-Use Rodent Killer is a wonderful alternative for fast and effective eradication of your rodent problem.

I Must Garden Mole & Vole Repellent is an effective and safe way to protect your lawn from voles and moles. Made with all-natural ingredients, it is safe for use around children and pets and will not harm your plants or lawn. Long-lasting and weather-resistant, I Must Garden Mole & Vole Repellent is easy to apply and will provide lasting protection for your lawn.

References

1.
Voles: How to Get Rid of Voles in the Yard or Garden | The Old Farmer's Almanac
Voles can be a destructive garden pest! Here are tips to help you identify, control, and prevent vole damage in the yard or garden.
2.
How to Get Rid of Voles - Bob Vila
Encourage voracious voles to vacate your property at once using the following pest control tips to protect your plants.
9,8
Total Score
KAPUT Mouse, Rat & Vole COMBO Bait - Editor’s Choice
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