UBC farm’s staff have noticed a considerable amount of rodent activity in their blueberry bushes. Our objective was to assess the damage and to determine the species of rodents that were burrowing in the mulch. With this information we hoped to make recommendations in the management of these blueberry bushes which would help reduce the impact caused by the local rodent populations.
In order to gather our data we surveyed and assessed the rows of blueberry’s and noted where the most extensive damage was. We then placed traps systematically throughout the blueberry field and recorded which species we caught. The rodents were then released further away from the area in which they were caught.
Our research allowed us to determine that the Oregon vole is the most common species of rodent living amongst the blueberry field. We found extensive vole damage where either a sawdust or control mulch was applied compared to areas where yard trimmings were used. In light of this information, we suggested that yard trimmings be used instead of sawdust or basic soil control mulches.
We hope that the modification in mulches used in the blueberry field will help discourage rodents from nesting in the area. If this method proves successful, it will be a more eco-friendly alternative to rodent control and a lot less labour intensive then trapping.
Main photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter-trimming/6052484972