Rodents and their control in orchards

Abstract

The number of mouse-like rodents was monitored based on the traces and the estimates of the active holes in a private orchard from February to October 2019. Based on the appearance and spatial arrangement of the active holes on the observed orchard plot, the presence of the field vole Microtus arvalis (Pallas 1778) and the field mouse Apodemus agrarius (Pallas, 1771) was determined. Until 2019, the control of the rodent population at this location was successfully implemented through an integrated approach and the application of many non-chemical methods and procedures. Considering the mass appearance of these organisms during the research period, which was determined by constant monitoring, the chemical control had to be implemented to avoid major economic damage and defects to young seedlings. In the chemical control a zinc-phosphide based rodenticide with 2% active substance, which belongs to the group of fast-acting rodenticides with an acute and respiratory effect, was used. The effectiveness of rodenticide formulations was evaluated according to the Henderson & Tilton formula, based on the number of active holes for 7, 14 and 28 days. The best efficiency of the applied rodenticide was registered in the 28-days spring control period (85.11%) and in the 14days autumn period (74.03%) and 28days autumn period (82.14%).