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Published byCarmel Malone Modified over 9 years ago
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Neil O’Connell University of California Cooperative Extension Tulare County
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Vole Management in Citrus
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Vole Management Voles are also known as Meadow Mice Five species in California Two species known to cause damage Microtus californicus, M.montanus
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Vole Damage Damage from voles: Permanent pasture,alfalfa hay,various vegetable crops, grains,nursery stock,apple,avocado,citrus,cherry,olives.
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Damage from Vole Feeding
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Vole Habitat Microtus are often found where there is grass cover Voles establish “runs or trails” in the cover Voles are active all year long
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Vole Activity Voles are chiefly nocturnal-active at night; may forage at any time of day or night
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Vole Habits Voles are usually found in colonies Vole colonies usually associated with 2 inch wide runways through the grass Signs of vole presence usually marked by small brown fecal pellets and pieces of grass along runways
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Vole Runway With Burrow
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Vole Colonies Mice may feed beyond runways They feed on roots,seeds,succulent stems, and leaves
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Vole Burrow
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Vole Burrows Burrows are made up of extensive tunnels,nest chambers and storage chambers. Tunnels are extensive and shallow This may limit the effectiveness of some treatments
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Vole Colony With Burrows
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Vole Reproduction Female Microtus may produce 5-10 litters per year with an average of 4 young per litter. Breeding coincides with growth of forage Peak populations occur every 3-4 years followed by a rapid decline Declines result from lack of forage, disease, overcrowding,predators Predators include coyotes,owls, snakes
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Predator Activity Predators are not able to prevent or control rapid buildup of vole populations
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Vole Presence Permanent habitat is along roadsides, ditch banks, or adjacent to cultivated crops Invasion into cultivated crops results when permanent habitat not favorable or population of voles is increasing
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Additional Habitat for Voles Plastic ground cover provides cover for voles Feeding damage may go unnoticed
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Burrow Under Tarp
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Vole Management Meadow mice are classified as non- game mammals by California Fish and Game Department Non- game animals injuring a crop may be taken at any time, by any means by owner or manager
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Vole Management Reduce ground cover Use of toxic baits
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Vole Management Toxic bait- carrier is often oats or wheat with a toxicant
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Toxic Baits Primary toxicants used: zinc phosphide, diphacinone, chlorophacinone Agricultural commissioner’s office(Tulare,Kings,Fresno counties) have baits-check with them if they have a bait for use in citrus for management of voles
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Vole Damage-Trunk Girdled
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Vole Damage-Roots and Trunk
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Watch for Burrows in the Orchard
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