Vole Management in Fruit Orchards.

Meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), pine voles (M. pinetorum), and montane voles (M. montanus) cause significant economic damage in apple orchards throughout the eastern United States and in a few northwestern states where apples are grown commercially. By girdling the bark and roots, these rodents kill trees, reduce yields, and prolong the time for new plantings to come into production. We describe the identification, ecology, and behavior of voles in apple orchards, evaluate the types, extent, and magnitude of losses inflicted by these pests, and describe measures for reducing damage. cost-effective reduction. Proper selection, timing, and application is essential for obtaining best results with rodenticides.