Vole Poison. Rodenticides like zinc phosphide come in pellets that can be spot baited or broadcast. Plus the pros and cons of using vole poison and links to more information.

Rodenticides (rodent poisons) can be used to control large vole populations, although it's recommended that these are only used when other controls prove inadequate. The most widely used rodenticide for voles is zinc phosphide. It is available in ready to use pellets which can be spot baited or broadcast. It is always important to read and follow the health and safety rules on the side of the product and to familiarise yourself with the government health and safety rules which govern the use of rodenticides. For more information please click here or on the HSE Information Sheet Rodenticides link at the bottom of the page which takes you to an information sheet published by the Health and Safety Executive.

To spot bait, place about a tea spoonful of pellets at each of 4-6 locations around each tree to be protected. Place these 'baits' 6-18 inches from the tree base and in well defined vole runways, preferably inside sheltered 'stations' such as a beverage can with both ends removed. Such stations protect the vole poison from the weather, while making them more acceptable to mice, but less available to other wildlife. Commercial bait stations are also available.

Pelleted vole poison may be broadcast at a rate of 6-10 pounds per acre. Application rates and procedures are detailed in the label instructions for any rodenticide. Follow the instructions to the letter for maximum safety and effectiveness. Bad weather can substantially reduce the success of baiting. Do not spread pelleted bait in wet grass or before heavy rain is anticipated. Paraffin blocks containing vole poison may be used during wet weather. They are weather resistant and easy to place.

When making your choice of what vole poison to use you should consider its availability, your level of experience, and perhaps the price. Remember some products are 'restricted use' and require pesticide applicator certification before you can purchase them. Vole poison baits can be hazardous to all forms of animal life. Non-target animals can become sick or die from eating bait directly, or from eating bait-killed voles. Do not use the baits where there is a chance of harming humans, domestic animals or desirable wildlife.

Bait shyness, a condition that results when voles consume only enough to make them sick and then discontinue feeding, is a potential problem with zinc phosphide. Follow label instructions to limit the potential for bait shyness, and do not treat more often than every 6 months. Another point to consider when using vole poison is that Anticoagulant baits may not be used in some crops at any time of year, but they can be used at any time along fence rows and in the surrounding non crop areas. To be effective, voles must consume an anticoagulant over a period of at least 5 days. Therefore, the bait must be available to the mice until the population is controlled.

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