Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations: Mouse and Vole Control in Orchards


Excerpt from Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations, 2010-11
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Cover of Publication 360, Fruit Production RecommendationsTable of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Bait for mouse and vole control in orchards
  3. Repairing damage by mice and rabbits
  4. Other topics in Other Pests and Disorders
  5. Chapter 9 - Other Pests and Disorders - PDF 240 kb
  6. Related Links

 

Mouse and vole control in orchards

Use a wide weed-free strip in the tree row or under individual trees, coupled with regular close mowing of orchard ground cover to help discourage mice.

  • Remove straw, trash, sod, etc. from around the base of the tree for at least 60 cm from the trunk.
  • Encourage predation by cats, foxes and birds of prey, especially red-tailed hawks, kestrels and great horned owls, which all help to reduce mouse populations.

Use a guard around the trunk of all newly planted trees. A number of commercial tree guards are available. Two of the most common are spiral plastic and galvanized wire mesh. Bury the bottom of the guard in the soil 5 cm deep, or preferably, in a mound of fine crushed stone or sharp cinders. Tree guards require regular maintenance.

  • Check tree guards each fall to ensure they are mouse-proof and free of trash.
  • Ensure tree guards do not interfere with root development as the tree grows.
  • Spiral guards left in place too long can interfere with bark development. Remove guards before this occurs.

Bait for mouse and vole control in orchards


Broadcast bait over the floor of the orchard before the grass falls over and the ground is covered with snow. Apply bait on bright days with no rain expected for several days. If further mouse activity is detected, repeat the treatment when rain is not expected. In addition to using baits, pick up and remove dropped fruit from the orchard.

Several commercial formulations of bait are available for orchard use (see Table 9-3. Bait for Mouse and Vole Control, below). Consult the label before application and obey all safety instructions.

Table 9-3. Bait for Mouse and Vole Control (PDF 117 kb)

Product name

Active ingredient

Application rates

 Crop registrations Comments
Ramik Brown
diphacinone
No application rates on the label.
 orchards,
Christmas tree plantations, newly reforested areas,
shelter belts and nurseries		 Bait MUST be placed in either tamper-resistant bait stations or in locations not accessible to children, pets or livestock.
DO NOT place bait in areas where there is a possibility of contaminating food or surfaces that come in direct contact with food.
Bartlett Waxed Mouse Bait
zinc phosphide
4.5-9 kg/ha, depending on severity of infestation.
Or place in bait stations, 15 g of bait per bait station.
 orchards, Christmas tree plantations, newly reforested area, etc. Bait MUST be placed in either tamper-resistant bait stations or in locations not accessible to children, pets or livestock.
DO NOT place bait in areas where there is a possibility of contaminating food or surfaces that come in direct contact with food.
Rodent Bait
or
Rodent Pellets
zinc phosphide
4.5-9 kg/ha, depending on severity of infestation.
Or place in bait stations.
 orchards, nurseries, fruit and vegetable storage areas (in bait stations) Best timing is after apple harvest before leaf-fall or lodging of the grass. Repeat at least once before snow is expected.

 

  • Baits are poisonous to humans, domestic animals and wildlife.
  • Store the bait away from children, irresponsible persons and animals.
  • Wear chemical-resistant gloves and wash hands after handling poison baits.
  • Avoid inhalation of dust or fumes.
  • Destroy empty containers safely.
  • Keep children, pets and domestic animals away from treated areas.
  • Where possible, remove mouse bodies and bury or dispose of them in a safe manner.

Bait stations help control mice longer than broadcast treatment. Bait stations also help prevent non-target mammals from feeding on the bait. Set up bait stations at a rate of approximately 25/ha.

Place bait in tamper-resistant bait stations or in locations not accessible to children, pets or livestock.

To ensure safe use of this product, tamper-resistant bait stations must have the following characteristics:

  • Constructed of high-strength materials and resistant to destruction by children and non target animals.
  • Entrance designed to ensure children and non-target animals cannot reach the bait.
  • Internal structure that prevents bait from being shaken loose.
  • Access panel that fastens securely and locks (e.g. metal screw or padlock).
  • Capable of being securely fastened to a surface (e.g. nailed down).
  • Clearly labelled: WARNING - POISON.

For more information, see OMAFRA Factsheet, Rodent and Deer Control in Orchards, Order No. 98-023.

Repairing damage by mice and rabbits

Carry out regular inspection throughout the winter to check for injury. Mice often work just below the surface of the snow or in the litter. If a tree has been wholly or partially girdled, cover the wound with grafting compound or wound dressing promptly or before it dries out.

Before the buds swell in the early spring, secure scions that are long enough to bridge the wound. For more details, see OMAFRA Factsheet, Repair Grafting, Order No. 98-003. Store scions in damp sand or sawdust in a cool place or preferably, refrigerated conditions. If the wound extends for more than one quarter of the circumference of the trunk, bridge graft in the manner described in Repair Grafting. Graft when the bark slips readily from the wood, usually about bloom. Repair grafting is not practical on trees with a diameter less than 10 cm. Instead, replace small trees.

For more information on all aspects of deer and rodent control, see OMAFRA Factsheet, Rodent and Deer Control in Orchards, Order No. 98-023,


For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 25 June 2007
Last Reviewed: 15 July 2010