IMPROVED ORCHARD MOUSE BAIT NOW AVAILABLE 



This year the Zinc Phosphide-treated Steamed-crushed Oats are being mixed at a 

 higher toxicity level (1.87. instead of 1%) to insure a greater kill. Zinc Phosphide 

 has a very pungent odor which is disagreeable to humans and most domestic animals. 

 This factor combined with its rapid loss in toxicity (less than one month when ex- 

 posed to weather) makes it a relatively safe bait to use. 



Meadow mice are a continuing problem and control of these animals should be 

 considered an important part of standard orchard practices. Experience indicates 

 that the best method of mouse control is trail baiting. Placing poisoned bait, 

 either Zinc Phosphide-treated oats or apple cubes, in the natural or artificially- 

 made mouse trails will give the best control. Mouse control should be done early 

 in the Fall and, if necessary, in Winter. Zinc Phosphide-treated Oats should be 

 used in Winter if there are many runways in the snow. 



As cost and availability of labor have become more of a problem, effective trail 

 baiting is difficult — especially in the larger orchards. For the trail baiting 

 method to be effective, a conscientious search for mouse trails is a must. In using 

 the Trail BuiMder, proper adjustment of the machine is of paramount importance in 

 attaining control. 



A new method of Meadow mouse control now recommended is the mechanical broad - 

 cast syste'P . The use of a hand seeder, tractor-drawn seeder, or fertilizer spreader 

 will give good control if application is made evenly under perfect wind and weather 

 conditions. No matter which method of mouse control is used, it is best to apply 

 the bait under ideal conditions. A series of three warm sunny days with little wind 

 is considered best. 



In the event that mechanical methods of broadcasting Zinc Phosphide-treated 

 Oats are not available, broadcasting may be done by hand . Simply walk down each tree 

 row and throw a handful of oats into all heavily-grassed areas under and around the 

 trees. There should be at least 4 treated spots per tree. Although this method 

 is slower than machine distribution, it produces effective control when proper place- 

 ment of bait is made. 



HAND-BAITING INFORMATION ; 



1 Can ZINC PHOSPHIDE RODENTICIDE (1-Ounce Can) 



- 16-20 quarts of treated apple. 



~ 1600-2000 apple baits (1/2-inch apple cubes). 



- 400-500 trees baited with apple only. 



■ 800-1000 trees baited with apple and oats. 



10 Pounds of ZINC PHOSPHIDE-TREATED STEAMED-CRUSHED OATS (1.87.) 



= 900 teaspoon-sized bait placements. 

 = 225 trees baited with oats only. 

 ' 450 trees baited with apple and oats. 

 (Uso 2-3 pounds of oats per acre.) 



