Keeping pests out of your garden can be the key to having healthy crops all year long. Sometimes this is as simple as spraying a little insecticide, but, when you are dealing with larger animals, control can get a little more complicated. Moles and voles will eat crops and dig holes through the roots, so keeping them away is key to good crops.

Surround the Garden

One of the most effective ways to keep away burrowing moles and voles is to surround the garden with a protective barrier. Dig a trench around your garden at least 18 inches deep. Line this trench with material that the voles cannot pass through, such as mesh or hardware cloth. Once the trench is lined, you can refill it with the soil to keep the lining taught against the barrier. Be sure that your mesh or hardware cloth lines the bottom of the trench as well. Digging down 18 inches means that you are below the point that moles and voles will burrow through; so long as you surround your whole garden with this trench, the moles and voles will not be able to pass through to destroy your crops.

Garlic Fire

Smell and taste are some of the most influential factors on the appearance of moles and voles. A strong mixture called garlic fire will help to deter these animals from entering your garden. The recipe for garlic fire calls for large amounts of garlic and chili peppers or chili powder. Generally, two to three garlic bulbs and one to two tablespoons of hot chili powder will work to keep the pests away. Combine these with one tablespoon of vegetable oil, two to three tablespoons of liquid detergent and seven cups of water. Blend all of the ingredients together, pour into a spray bottle and spray the perimeter of your garden. The intensely powerful and spicy smell of this mixture will chase the moles and voles away. If it is not working, you can increase the power of the mixture by using less water. Pay attention to the effect this spray has on your garden; certain plants or flowers may be harmed by the intense ingredients.

Other Animals

Keeping other animals near your garden can help to chase moles and voles away. If your area plays hosts to birds of prey such as hawks, encourage them to visit your garden with bird baths and high foliage. These birds eat small burrowing animals such as moles and voles, and their presence will keep the pesky critters away. Similarly, have a family pet such as a dog or cat in your garden during dawn and dusk, when moles are most active, and the pet can chase the pests away.

Source:

GardenGuides.com: Keep Out Moles and Voles

NoDigVegetableGarden.com: Organic Garden Pest Control