Check crops regularly for common vole during October and November

In October and November, autumn crops must be inspected and, when the population density of the pest common vole exceeds the economic injury threshold (2 active colonies per decare), control measures are necessary.

Common vole ( Microtus azvalis) – it is widespread throughout the entire country. It causes damage to cereal crops, alfalfa, oilseed rape, orchards, etc. It lives in colonies in long tunnels with a varying number of openings on the soil surface. Habitable colonies are identified by the scattered soil heaps, the well-shaped opening, and the green leaves inserted into it. In warm and dry winters, the reproductive capacity of the vole is very high. It reproduces year-round, and the offspring from a single pair can reach up to 2400 individuals. It feeds on the green parts of the plant. Damage is observed from crop emergence until harvest. In cases of severe infestation, the crop stand becomes thinned out. After harvest, deep ploughing is recommended in order to destroy the colonies and eliminate any potentially emerging weed vegetation that serves as food for the vole. During field inspections, the population density of the vole is determined, and when 2 active colonies per decare are present, poisoned baits are placed in the openings (habitable ones) and are trampled down with the foot to protect birds and beneficial game. Treatment is carried out with rodenticides authorized for this purpose (Phostoxin pellets) – poisoned baits that are placed at the entrances of the colonies.