Getting rid of backyard pests (voles) while keeping backyard ducks safe

[Mudbillkisses]

I have a vole colony starting in my backyard. My neighbors have had them for a while- torn up lawn with tunnels and have failed to address it quickly and effectively. I believe some have migrated over and I'm seeing signs of burrowing in my yard. Before they destroy my lawn and plants and get out of control, I am not sure how to address this with backyard ducks. My ducks free range during the day. I don't have a large yard. I can't use poison or traps without my ducks being at risk.

Anyone have experience killing voles with other techniques that won't harm my ducks?

 

[Bills vs Beaks]

One word...cat
At least, that's what I use
He leaves the birds alone because they are in electric fence, and catches all sorts of things.

If you can't get a cat, try shooting them. B.B. guns work fine
Shotguns are better

 

[Mudbillkisses]

One word...cat
At least, that's what I use
He leaves the birds alone because they are in electric fence, and catches all sorts of things.

If you can't get a cat, try shooting them. B.B. guns work fine
Shotguns are better

Yeah- can't have a cat (live in upstate NY so they wouldnt' do well as outdoor animals in the winter months) and we are very allergic. I haven't actually seen one to shoot it...just know they're starting to make a home there based on the few holes/craters in the lawn. Was thinking if there was something 'natural' that voles hate but won't harm the ducks...

 

[Bills vs Beaks]

Machine gun? Maybe you'll hit one or two

Like I said, I have voles but they aren't a problem coz of said cat... I really don't know any other way

 

[Amiga]

So, it's definitely voles, not moles? We got moles to go away by getting rid of the grubs by using milky spore.

In some areas, there are small terriers that are trained to go after rodents. Might there be someone around who could do that service? You'd need to get the ducks out of the area first, of course . . . just thinking.

We have voles here - and we have cats. And there are foxes and other predators that seem to keep rodent populations in check.

 

[Mudbillkisses]

@Amiga yeah they're voles- just judging based on what the lawn is beginning to look like and the neighbors (who have had voles and are being lazy/in denial about getting rid of them). The terrier idea is interesting- I was hoping there was something we could do first before looking at bringing in an expert. Mostly because if I pay to have someone come out for a service and my neighbors aren't doing their part- it'll be short lived.

Our ducks do a pretty good job at getting the grubs in the yard. I live in a village setting so my yard is not big- the ducks free range from morning until dusk.

I'm trying to figure out how quickly I need to address this going into upstate NY winter...

 

[Bills vs Beaks]

No mess mouse traps might work, maybe bury them or something? I dont see how a duck could hurt itself on one, even if its not buried. I just dont know if a vole would fall for it.