Some critter likes my Phlox

It seems that about every other winter, something (mice/moles) decides that Phlox will sustain them when there's 6" of snow cover. They make tunnels throughout the bed and munch away until there's nothing left but 2-inch "trunks". Luckily, the plants are hardy, and recover over the course of the growing season.

But I'd like to strike first this year and eliminate the source of the problem.

Any ideas as to exactly what I'm dealing with? And, other than traps, how to eliminate them?

 

I feel confident that they are “voles”. They travel freely underneath the snow cover. They are vegetarians so they eat roots, bulbs, some barks, etc.

Getting rid of them is one thing, but keeping them away is another. Voles will re-infest from adjoining properties. They like low-lying ground covers, shrubs, fields, etc.

I’ve had good luck with using the rodenticide blocks; not pellets or meal. Put the blocks right in the phlox, HOWEVER, don’t do this if dogs ever frequent this area as dogs will eat the blocks if they find them.

Check with your local county-extension agent about voles and treatment, too. In Pa it would be the Penn State extension office; maybe yours is Ohio State. They have a fine agronomy program, one of the best (after Penn State!).

Let us know what more you find out.

 

Voles would have been my choice as well. I remember my parents dealing with them in S OH. Outside cats and small dogs seemed to deal with them as well.

 

First, I gotta find out what "agronomy" is ...