- 5 - 



to prevent this. Most fruit growers know from past experience 

 which areas and blocks of trees are most subject to girdling. It 

 is still a good idea, however, to make a fall survey of the orchard 

 to determine whether new trouble spots have developed. Any areas 

 having many mouse trails, chewed apples or the characteristic fan- 

 shaped mounds of soil pushed up by pine mice, have potential mouse 

 damage problems. These are the areas where a thorough mouse con- 

 trol program should be undertaken. 



MEADOW MICE 



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Perhaps a more effective way of curbing vegetation in the 

 orchard is by the use of herbicides. When used properly, herbi- 

 cides will create a barren area around trees. These open areas 

 are avoided by meadow mice. The larger the cleared area, the more 

 protection that can be expected. 



Control of vegetation should not be used as the primary method 

 in meadow mouse control, only as a supplement to the use of toxic 

 baits designed for mouse control. Also, remember that during the 

 winter deep snow will provide the needed cover for mice and they 

 will be able to reach the trees without becoming exposed. 



The use of Zinc Phosphi de- treated steamed-crused oats is still 

 the best method for controlling orchard mice. These treated oats 

 may be applied either by the Trail Builder Machine or by broadcast- 

 ing, using 6-10 pounds per acre. All sections of the orchard hav- 

 ing meadow mice should be treated in the fall. For extra protection 

 a buffer strip around each block of trees should be baited. This 

 additionally-treated area will provide a greater distance that mi- 

 grating mice have to cover before reaching the orchard. For those 

 areas having an overabundance of mice, an extra treatment may be 

 needed if the initial one did not give adequate control. Hand 

 placement or broadcast of Zinc Phosphide Rodenti ci de-treated apples 

 is a good follow-up method. 



Periodic checks during the winter months, particularly after 

 a thaw, may reveal spots still having meadow mouse infestations. 

 A tablespoonf ul of Zinc Phosphide-treated steam-crushed oats poured 

 into the holes may give added protection for the remaining winter 

 months . 



