around the dripline of each tree. Pay particular attention to 

 low areas, rock outcrops, fence rows and orchard borders. 

 Bait should be placed near holes to underground burrows or 

 in active runways and under vegetation or artificial covers. 

 Apply at the rate of 2 to 3 pounds per acre. For pine mice, 

 bait should be applied to holes and burrows for best results. 



Mechanical trail baiting. A tractor-drawn trail-building ma- 

 chine constructs artificial runs in which bait is distributed. 

 If properly done, 95% of meadow mice and 80% control of 

 pine mice can be expected by the trail builder method. A 

 trailbuilder should be operated so that the trail made by the 

 machine is just inside the drip line on both sides of the trees. 

 Apply at the rate of 2 to 3 pounds per acre. Check machine 

 accuracy for proper operation. 



Broadcast application of bait by hand, cyclone seeder or 

 aircraft will provide control of meadow mice but control of 

 pine mice may not be adequate. Broadcast application by 



tractor-drawn equipment is rapid but more bait is used than 

 with hand or mechanical trail baiting. Broadcast methods 

 give poor control when the ground cover is very dense, 

 including a heavy mat of leaves, as the bait fails to penetrate 

 into the mouse runways. Apply the zinc-phosphate-treated 

 baits at the rate of 6 to 10 pounds per acre. 



Choose a period, immediately after harvest, of the least 

 human activity in the orchard and warm, clear weather for 

 applying the baits. This is the period when mice will be most 

 active and most apt to consume the applied baits. A thorough 

 and conscientious job is essential for good mouse control. 



NOTE: Before applying any toxic baits, a permit must be 

 obtained for bait application from: Massachusetts Division 

 of Fisheries and Game, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, 

 Massachusetts 02202. Pesticide regulations are always sub- 

 ject to change, therefore, always contact your local County 

 Extension Service for the latest information on rodenticide 

 and pesticide usage. 



32 



