Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for
Date of this Version
March 1982
Abstract
Despite years of research aimed at developing ecologically safe and effective methods for controlling pine voles these rodents remain a serious agricultural pest. A large portion of the damage occurring yearly could be avoided through close adherence to the current recommendations. A regular mowing and herbicide program to eliminate rodent cover combined with rodenticides comprise the integrated pest management program currently available. Effective toxicants include a ground spray and various pelleted baits which can be placed in the runways. Repeated mowing of grasses and the use of herbicides are two effective means of reducing or eliminating an existing population, and more importantly in excluding the potential establishment of voles in a new orchard. This is not to suggest that there now exists a panacea for controlling rodents in all orchard habitats. Vertebrate pests are likely to remain a factor for some time and may never be completely conquered.
Comments
Published in Proceedings of the Sixth Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposium, Harpers Ferry, WV, March 10-12, 1982, Ross E. Byers, editor. Copyright © 1982 Miller and Richmond.