-4- 



2. Meadow mice runways nay also be used by shrews, which are insectivors , 

 and the smallest and raost abundant of our mammals. Deer mice too may use 

 these trails, but they are primarily seed eaters, and like the shrew, do 



not constitute a menace to fruit trees. In order to verify results of 

 poison operations, the runways should be examined for signs of fresh grass 

 cuttings — a sure indicator that meado\7 mice are still present. 



3. Apple cubes, lightly sprinkled with the rodenticide, are the best 

 baits for use in the fall. VYith the advent of freezing weather, ?inc phos- 

 phide treated steam crushed oats is preferable. Y/hile some orchardists are 

 still partial to strychnine grain, there is no evidence to indicate it is 

 as effective as the zinc phosphide. The bitter taste of strychnine, and 

 the ability of mice to build up a resistance to it, are two reasons why this 

 poison is no longer recommended. 



4. Foxes, skunks, hawks, owls, wire guards and cleared tree bases are 

 all helpful in controlling mice, but should be augmented by fall poison op- 

 erations and frequent winter checks to provide maximum protection. 



Massachusetts fruit growers are reminded that assistance with rodent 

 problems and poisons for control aro available through the United States 

 Fish & Wildlife Service at the Massachusetts State College. 



— TTalter W. Dykstra 



CONTROL OF ORG HARD IN SECTS IT ITH DDT 



Follov/ing is a brief report covering experiraental work with DDT 

 submitted by Philip Carman of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station 



1. DDT is more effective against the Oriental fruit moth than any chemical 

 which we have tested in the field so far* Reports from others indicate 

 that it is equally effective against codling moth, 



2. DDT is better for Japanese beetles on peaches than lead arsenate. 



3. Combined with Fermate, DDT gave the best control of quince insects and 

 diseases that we have ever been able to obtain at Mount Carmel. It con- 

 trolled the quince curculio as well as the codling moth and Oriental 

 fruit moth. 



4. DDT is only partially effective against the plum curculio. 



5. DDT is only partially effective against the apple maggot. 



6. DDT is useless against the periodical cicada or seventeen-year locust, 



7. DDT is useless alone against the European red mite. U. S. Rubber "72 E" 

 gave promising results for mite control and may prove of value in over- 

 coming this DDT deficiency. Destruction of lady beetle predators by 

 DDT-kerosene applications v/as noted at Meriden. 



8. DDT dust is ineffective against the adult pear psylla. Nicotine dust is 

 much more effective. 



