Methods to control the two forms of Arvicola terrestris in orchards in the Federal Republic of Germany1

Abstract

Different methods had to be developed in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) for the control of the fossorial and the aquatic form of Arvicola terrestris. The fossorial form could be controlled on small areas by trapping but, on large areas where this is not feasible, satisfactory results were obtained by fumigation with carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The latter was judged superior as it does not endanger man and proved relatively humane. Sound‐emitting devices that were tested against fossorial A. terrestris showed no effect at all. To control the aquatic form, a floating poison‐bait station was developed. It was tested with baits containing bromadiolone, chlorophacinone or calciferol during 2 years on an area of 300 ha. Best results were achieved with fresh carrots soaked with chlorophacinone. Careful checks of the area under investigation did not reveal any evidence of secondary poisoning of non‐target species.