Pest eating hosta, liriope roots
#1
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Pest eating hosta, liriope roots
I just noticed yesterday that something has been eating the roots of our hosta and liriope ("monkey grass"). The ground around them feels spongy and I think I see tunnel openings, so I am think moles or voles. I have read that moles don't actually eat the roots, but it sure looks like it. Maybe thats just where the grubs are? We have never had a mole problem here, I'm not sure if we even have voles in TN.
So is it moles, voles, or something else? And what's a toddler safe way to get rid of them?
So is it moles, voles, or something else? And what's a toddler safe way to get rid of them?
#2
Voles are vegetarians and will eat the roots of prized plants in the landscape. 12" wide or wider hardware cloth can be used as a barrier around plants, digging and planting the mesh beyond the depth of the roots. There are poisons available which can be placed in tunnels and openings. By doing so, rather than broadcasting on the lawn, it keeps pets and small children safe.
http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/Voles.asp
http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/Voles.asp