Question
I actually have 2 questions.  1.  I keep having voles in my window wells and don't see where they are coming in at.  How do I get rid of the voles.  2.  I bought a house that had clematis vines climbing up a trellis and I would like to get rid of them, but it just doesn't seem to want to die.  Any suggestions.  Thanks so Much!  Tracy

Answer
Hello Tracy,

Voles are particularly determined creatures. After much trial and error I found that they steer clear of daffodils, which they can smell.  Daffodils are poisonous.  When I had problems with voles eating my lilies (they LOVE them) I started putting daffodils near them and the problem stopped.

My question for you is: do you have soil adjacent to your window wells? If so, plant daffodils in a line around your window wells. I am particularly fond of a miniature daffodil called W.P. Milner.

Or, you can put a gritty substance in your window wells. Voles have very tender little feet, and don抰 like rough surfaces. Oyster shells or a product called Permatil or Volblok will work. You can find the last two products on line.

As for your clematis, wait until it is actively growing and apply Roundup.  It will kill any green plant material growing (so be careful where you put it) but it becomes inactive almost immediately after use, so that there is no residual effect. It is benign enough that organic gardeners use it. But remember, the clematis must be actively growing.

Is this helpful? Clear? Please feel free to write again.

Donna