-10- 



AN EVALimTIOH OF /lOUSE CONTROL liETHODS 



An evaluation of nothods requires extensive and accurate observations incliod- 

 ing the kno\;ledge of many biological factors. It is surprising to know that some 

 orchardists erroneously evaluate the effectiveness of last season's control by 

 tha number of mice present novf. It is known that each spring and summer mice 

 move into orchards from surroimding areas and through their great reproductive 

 capacity rapidly repopulate an orchard, thereby requiring annxial control, 



. ■ ■ At the present time there are three methods proposed by different agencies. 

 This article vdll attempt to give the advantages and disadvantages of each method, 

 Hov/ever, it must be remembered that tests currently are being conducted and the 

 folloviring opinions are not final, 



AIRPI/J'ffi BAITB^G VJITH ZIMG PHOSPHIDE-TREATED C0R1\I; This method consists of 

 broadcasting 6-b pounds of poisoned cracked corn per acre by flying dovm each tree 

 rov/. 



Advantages ; 



Disadvantages ; 



1, A large acreage can be treated rapidly, 



2. Lot; cost of both materj.al and application, 



1. Does not control Pine Mice, Under certain conditions 

 MeadoY/ Ilice have been controlled effectively, but these 

 results have not been consistent. This is probably due 

 to the grain (com or oats) not penetrating through dense 

 cover to reach active mouse runways, 



2. Small orchard blocks are not suitable for airplane coverage. 



3. Hazard to vdldlife. Several orchardists have reported find- 

 ing dead pheasants » 



GROUtTO SPRAYING I'TITH ENDRIN ; This method is the application of Endrin as a spray 

 to the ground cover at the rate of 2 pounds actual Endrin per acre. 



Advantages : 



Disadvantages ; 



1, Gives effective control of MeadovT and Pine Mice, 



2, Reasonably fast — one sprayer can treat approximately 20 

 acres per day. 



3, Ordinary spray equipment \rith minor changes can be used, 



1, Costly, Of the three methods this is the most costly. 

 The cost of Endrin vdll be |10-l5 per acre, application 

 costs in addition, 



2, This material does not have federal registration for use 

 in mouse control which should preclude its use. 



