Self‐service traps inspected by avian and terrestrial predators as a management option for rodents

Abstract

BACKGROUND Worldwide, serval rodent species are major pests in agricultural landscapes. A vole‐specific tub‐trap combining trapping and natural predators was developed to minimize the migration of rodents into agricultural crops. The trap was tested in enclosures in terms of its trapability of common voles (Microtus arvalis Pallas) and in the field regarding predator access and removal of voles, both in comparison to a commercially available self‐service trap (standby‐box). RESULTS The trapability of voles was equal for tub‐traps and standby‐boxes. The removal of voles occurred four times more often from tub‐traps by a wider variety of predators (e.g. smaller terrestrial predators, birds of prey). Visits by predators were most likely if study sites were not surrounded by artificial surfaces (70% visit probability by terrestrial predators) or if they were in areas that were more than 25% (semi)natural (95% visit probability by avian predators). Furthermore, visits by avian predators increased with time and a learning effect could be demonstrated for magpies (Pica pica L.). From the first to the fifth day, the visit probability of magpies quadrupled. CONCLUSIONS Visits by predators decreased with increasing cover of artificial surfaces or decreasing cover of (semi)natural areas, proving the importance of (semi)natural areas in the agricultural landscape. Long‐term trials with different baiting techniques and in landscapes characterized by organic farming should be conducted to ensure the regular removal of voles. The use of tub‐traps that are frequently visited by predators could support crop protection, which might limit the use of rodenticide and the associated exposure risk of non‐target wildlife. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

Diversity of small terrestrial mammals under different organic farming management in Mediterranean and Continental agriculture ecosystems

“…In addition, organic farming can minimize negative impact of voles in arable land by decreasing crop damage (Fisher et al, 2018). For example, Schlotelburg et al (2019) findings proved that self-service traps, which help reduce numbers of voles at arable land, are visited with higher probability at sites with characteristics of organic farming. On the contrary, Bruggisser et al ( 2010) claim that at organic vineyards, there is no positive effects on biodiversity nor abundance (studying plants, grasshoppers and spiders).…”

Control of Common Vole (Microtus arvalis) in Alfalfa Crops Using Reduced Content of Anticoagulants

“…Babinska-Werka [31] found that an average vole population of 145-220/ha caused 8.7% damage to alfalfa crop. A significant level of crop protection is achieved by stimulating the presence of predators in the field [32]. Although acceptable protection is possible by applying other nonchemical measures [33][34][35], rodenticide treatments are still the most widespread and most frequent measure for controlling common voles in alfalfa crops, particularly in situations of great urgency to reduce vole numbers, i.e., in periods of their high abundance or seasons of overpopulation.…”

Management of the Common Vole in the Czech Lands: Historical and Current Perspectives

“…A very interesting method that could be implemented, even today in organic farming, is to create ditches around fields, with dug holes at distances of 4-5 m, where voles are caught [59,62]. Recently, this method was extended by Schlötelburg et al [77], who suggested a technique that combines mechanical and biological control by self-service traps that are inspected by avian and terrestrial predators. Such methods not only prevent the spread of voles from the infested field, but can also protect against reinfestation after treatment from the surrounding field.…”