Q. I have a significant vole problem in my yard. In the past years, they
have destroyed roses, azaleas, and many of their favorite plants, my
hostas. It’s frustrating and costly. I’ve tried many “solutions” with
only limited success. Every year, I start the battle again, but they
always win by mid-summer.

Predator urine (I guess bobcat would be the pee of choice) seems like a
logical next step. I have a couple of questions about its use and would
greatly appreciate your advice before I order.

1. How much do I need to apply? Many of the areas I’d like to cover are
broad swaths with lots of plant material and mulch in between.

2. How often do I need to reapply? Half of the yard has an irrigation
system which we use as often as necessary to reach 1″ of rain each week.
Will this defeat the effectiveness of the product?

3. Aside from applying the urine, are there other steps that people have
taken to increase its overall effectiveness in controlling voles? A
bobcat adoption, perhaps?

4. Is the application of the bobcat urine likely to have any negative
behavioral effects on my three dogs?

I appreciate your advice and look forward to hearing back from you and
trying out your product (that is, the bobcats’ product.)

A. I would recommend our “Mole Blaster” combo. This includes both the
BobcatPee granules and a Spray Bottle of BobcatPee Liquid. The granules
can be sprinkled right on the ground in your beds. One jar will treat
about 200 sq ft. Use the spray bottle to squirt the down into the vole
holes and mix it into the loose soil. You will have to reapply weekly if
you are using that much irrigation. Dogs will be curious as always but
the pee is no more harmful than what they might sniff at their favorite
fire hydrant! The long term solution for voles is to break their
spring feeding habits by early application. Some people mix BobcatPee
into the soil in the fall when the they get their beds ready for winter.
Thanks for asking!
The Peeman