Again, the cylinder should be tight to the ground or buried slightly, but should extend higher than the maximum snow depth in winter, including drifts. Where rabbits also are a potential problem, the height should be at least two feet above the snow depth, if possible. When making the cylinder, overlap the edges at least one inch and fasten securely so gaps do not form that could admit voles. These cylinders should last about five years, so make them large enough in diameter to accommodate expected trunk growth if they remain in place during the growing season. They are not registered for use on gardens or plant parts destined for human consumption.
Repellents are relatively expensive and provide only short term protection.
Precipitation may wash some off. When foods are in short supply, such as in winter, the effectiveness of repellents usually decreases. Traps Figure 6. Voles can be controlled easily by trapping if only a few are causing problems. Set single mouse snap traps perpendicular to vole runaways, with the triggers in the runways.