Outbreaks and Damage by the Field Vole, <i>Microtus agrestis</i> (L.), since World War II in Europe¹

Abstract

ABSTRACT The field vole, Microtus agrestis (L.), is a major pest in horticulture and forestry in all Scandinavian countries, and an important forestry pest in certain regions in central Europe. The most common type of damage is girdling trunks of cultivated trees, usually under the snow cover. In horticulture, the apple tree is the commonest subject of injury, while, in forestry, several deciduous and conifer species are attacked. In Finland and Norway, the garden industry has suffered most, while, in Sweden, the problems are predominantly in forestry. In central Europe, M. agrestis is a forestry pest only. Summation of all losses due to the field vole since World War II amounted to somewhere between 50 and 100 million US Populations of M. agrestis normally undergo cyclic fluctuations. However, comparison of the periodicity of outbreaks in different areas reveals variations, 3 to 4‐year intervals dominating in the Scandinavian countries, while the interval in central Europe is generally somewhat shorter. No overall synchrony exists over the geographical range of the species. Present knowledge concerning the demography and habitat dynamics of M. agrestis is briefly reviewed. Current possibilities for preventing damage by M. agrestis are much dependent on the individual value of the potential subjects of injury. High value stands, like apple gardens or seed orchards of forest trees, can be protected by means of mechanical guards. However, current means of combating damage in forest plantations are badly limited. Surface spraying with toxaphene and poison baits is practised in central Europe, while, in the Scandinavian countries (except Denmark), no chemical means are used today. Development of new compounds to be used as surface sprays, or specific baits for M. agrestis , is urgently needed. Research on bio‐control methods should also be intensified.