Chris, I haven't had any experience with voles, which you could tell in the article. I skimmed right over them. But I've heard stories that aren't pretty. Sorry I don't have a ready solution to the vole problem, but maybe somebody else does.
Chelle, it works for rabbits, planting a second patch of something. It doesn't work for squirrels though. Luck with your beans!!
Christine, it's the bluebirds that came here this week, that's always exciting. Birds are good. We get some weird weather here and I've learned that birds are great weather predictors. If it gets really dark and quiet and if there are no birds, then I know bad weather is on its way. I'm not to fond of the blackbirds landing in droves in my yard, but they don't linger long. And right at the moment the finches are losing their winter drab color and I'm beginning to see their yellow. Beautiful little things.
You're right, Jean, I've heard that saying all my life. It happened when Aunt Bett was going after her medicinal plants too. 'Take one for yourself, one for medicine, and leave the rest alone.' It sounds very pretty there where you live and actually I've been to Deland. I stayed with some friends who have a little fishing resort on the river there one January. I enjoyed the walks, lovely place.
I remember your raccoon story, Vic. I would have done the same thing and would probably still be crying about it. I've never killed anything, but I know I could if it needed to happen.
Thanks for all your comments. It's pretty difficult to 'out think' critters, but I prefer trying to out think them than getting rid of them. I think we'd be in worse shape without them than we are with them. I did stomp down some mole hills yesterday. I just hope I didn't squash too many moles with my stomping.
