3. 

 Use 6-10 pounds per acre for broadcast by hand. 



AIRPLANE BAITING 



Broadcasting poisoned grain bait by airplane has produced results 

 varying from 0-100%. This variation in degree of control leaves some 

 doubt as to the reliability of the method. 



The broadcast method for applying any poisoned bait is not recommended for 

 an infestation comprised primarily of Pine Mice. 



Bait Pre ference 



Steamed-crushed Oats have continually demonstrated, u nder a l l field condl- 

 tions, that they are more highly preferred by mice than other grains. The 

 Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife has conducted extensive laboratory and 

 field tests on bait acceptability, with the result that both meadow and pine 

 mice have shown a preference for oats over corn or even wheat. In addition, it 

 has been shown that pine mice are less likely to store oats than corn. 



Ground Spray s 



Some comments are in order regarding ground cover sprays. Toxaphene field 

 tests by both Bureau representatives and horticulturists showed variable and 

 usually inadequate control of meadow and pine mice, even when the maximum amount 

 (14 pounds per acre) was used. 



The use of En drin is not recommended by the Bureau due to the hazards in- 

 volved in its use, rather than its efficiency as a mouse control method. There 

 have been instances of run-off of Endrin into domestic water supplies, farm 

 ponds, and streams. Endrin is extremely toxic to fish at the dilution of one 

 part to five million parts of water. There is also a hazard to the operator 

 when mixing and applying Endrin sprays. It is suggested that any orchardist 

 using Endrin follow the detailed recommendations for deviations from the 

 standard recommendations have resulted in whole or partial failure to control 

 mice. 



Mechanical Pro tectors 



Mechanical protectors such as hardrjare cloth (-^-inch mesh, 18 inches high) 

 are the most permanent type of mechanical barriers that will help to prevent 

 mouse damage by girdling. These protectors are not effective under deep snow 

 and will not prevent pine mouse damage to root systems. 



Orchard Sanitation 



Clean tree bases help to prevent girdling, but are not effective against 

 pine mice or when there is snow on the ground. 



P roper Tim e f^o£ Orchard Mouse C ontrol 



The recommended control season is just prior to freezing conditions or from 

 the middle of October on. By controlling orchard mice at this time, VJinter 

 damage can be prevented. 



T^chnj^que s_J or Eva luat ing t he Eff sctiveness of Mouse C ontro l 



Prior to poisoning, pick a row of trees, set a minimum of 50 traps (4 per 

 tree) in active mouse runways and bait with freshly-cut pieces of apple. The 

 trap should be placed with the trigger and bait across the trail. Traps should 

 be left out for 24 hours. Then, the number of mice caught should be counted. A 

 few dayt, after poisoning, another row of trees in the same block should be 

 trapped using the same method. The cover and vjcather should be comparable as well 



