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are losing their vigor, leaves are small and have a yellowish cast, 

 or if suckers or water sprouts have enierged--i ndi cati ng root damage. 



Both Pine and Meadow Mice may or may not inhabit the same area 

 at the same time. Consequently, it is wise to examine the orchard 

 for both species and utilize the recommended control measures, 



PINE VOLE. Although not as abundant as the Meadow Vole, this animal 

 is found in many orchards in the State. It may be present throughout 

 the orchard, or its presence may be restricted to an area of only a 

 few trees. Pine Mice are burrowing rodents, with an underground sys- 

 tem of trails that emerge periodically to the surface. In the late 

 fall, these emergent corridors frequently can be identified by the 

 pile of fresh soil pushed out by these animals. The holes and under- 

 ground trails are smaller in diameter (seldom exceed 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 

 inches) than those made by Meadow Mice. Damage to trees by the Pine 

 Vole is below the ground surface and consists of chewing and girdling 

 the root system. Because the damage is unseen, it must be discovered 

 before severe tree damage occurs. 



MEADOW VOLE. This animal has a wide distribution and frequently 

 large populations. It is found in almost any area of dense grass 

 cover, where it builds a maze of surface trails. Its presence is 

 easily detected by parting the grass and looking for the trail sys- 

 tem and its associated piles of fresh grass clippings and droppings. 

 Damage caused by the Meadow Vole usually is above the surface of the 

 ground, and on apple trees consists of bark chewing or complete 

 girdling of the stem. Quite often tooth marks up to 1/8-inch will 

 be found on the damaged stem. 



************** 



ORCHARD MOUSE CONTROL 



Edward R. Ladd, Wildlife Biologist 

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 



Do you know that the most numerous mammals on earth are the voles 

 Untold millions of these mouse-like animals inhabit the Northern 

 Hemisphere. Parts of this large group of animals are the pine and 

 meadow mice, found in the orchards of Massachusetts. These two ani- 

 mals, like all voles, are extremely prolific. They have 4-8 young 

 at one time and up to several litters per year. In a "number game" 

 such as this, it is easy to see why fruit growers must do something 

 each fall to protect their orchards from the damage pine and meadow 

 mice may cause during the winter. 



As in previous years, a permit for bait application must be ob- 

 tained from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game, 100 

 Cambridge Street, Boston, Ma. 02202, before any control work is 

 started. 



