2. 



ORCHARD MOUSE CONTROL 



Orch ard Mous^ Con trol Methods 



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

 considered an important part of standard orchard management practices. Experience 

 Indicates that the best method of mouse control is trail baiting; i.e., placing 

 poisoned bait (either Zinc Phosphide-treated oats or apple cubes) in natural or 

 artificially-constructed mouse trails. For the trail baiting method to be effec- 

 tive, it is necessary to search for mouse trails. In using the trail builder, 

 proper adjustment of the machine is very important in attaining control; and the 

 sod conditions must be suitable to provide clean-cut trails or runways. As cost 

 of labor increases, effective trail baiting becomes more expensive--especially 

 in the larger orchards . 



As a compromise directed towards reducing labor costs and the time required 

 to bait an orchard, the broadcast method of baiting was devised and field tested. 

 Although the per cent of control attained is not as high by this method (average 

 of 787o as compared to 957, control using the Trail Builder), it is much quicker, 

 easier, and considerably cheaper than either hand-baiting or using the Trail 

 Builder. 



Broadcasting bait can be done by using a hand seeder, tractor-dravm seeder, 

 or fertilizer spreader. No matter which method is used, it is best to apply the 

 bait under ideal conditions, A series of three warm, sunny days, with little 

 wind, is best. Broadcasting may also be done by hand. Simply walk down each 

 tree row and throw handfuls of oats into all heavily-grassed areas around and 

 under the trees. Although this method is slower than machine distribution, it 

 produces effective control when proper placement of bait is made. 



Baiting Information 



The following are the recommended amounts for the different control methods. 



HAND- BAITING 



1 Can Zinc Phosphide R o denticide (1-Ounce Can) 



■ 16-20 quarts of treated apple. 



■ 1600-2000 apple baits (^-inch apple cubes). 

 - 400-500 trees baited with apple only. 



■= 800-1000 trees baited with apple and oats. 



iO Pounds of Zi nc Phosphide-treated Steamed-crushe d Oats 

 = 900 teaspoon-sized bait placements. 

 = 225 trees baited with oats only. 

 = 450 trees baited with apple and oats. 

 (Use 2-3 pounds of oats per acre,) 



TRAIL- BUILDER BAITING 



(a) 1 Acre requires 5-% quarts of apples only, 



(b) 1 Acre requires 6 pounds of oats only. 



(c) 1 Acre of combination baits requires 3 quarts of apples and 

 3 pounds of Zinc Phasphide-treated Steamed-crushed Oats, 



BROADCASTI NG BAITING 



Z inc Phosphi de -tr eated Steamed-crushed Oats 



Use 6-10 pounds per acre for tractor -drawn equipment. Travel at a 

 moderate speed, approximately 3 m.p.h. Dry grass conditions will 

 insure penetration of oats into mouse trails. IN ANY BROADCAST 

 METHOD, THE OATS SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON OPEN, BARE GROUND. 



