Muridae

Rodents

Description

Rodents are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws. The damages are most often caused by rodents of the family Muridae, Myoxidae or by Eurasian red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris. The common pests on woody plants are also common vole Microtus arvalis, the field vole Microtus agrestis, the bank vole Clethrionomus glareolus, the yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis and other species of mice of the genus Apodemus (Apodemus sylvaticus, Apodemus agrarius). In addition to the roots, they also damage the above-ground parts of the trees, often to a height of several meters.

If the damage occurs near watercourses, the water vole Arvicola terrestris or Arvicola sherman may cause the damage. The damage to the roots results in young trees being uprooted.

Damage occurs most often during the winter and spring time, at a period of lack of other food. Young trees are the most damaged. Forest stands surrounded by agricultural land are also at high risk. A large layer of snow or strong weeding increase the likelihood of damage. Generally all woody plants are endangered, the most common damage occurs to spruce, spruce and beech.

Symptom

There are rodent tunnels in the ground, in the vicinity of damaged tree. There are visible traces of teeth on the damaged twigs. The damage is similar to the damage caused by game. Damage to rabbits or rabbits may look similar. In small rodents, however, there are traces of rodents only about 2 mm wide. The damage can be confused sometimes with the damage caused by Hylobius abietis.

Tree Species: Pine, Beech, Spruce, Larch

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Roots, Branch

Pest significance: Very harmful

Pest Category: Animals

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes