Black-tailed Prairie Dogs

Overview

Prairie Dogs can be found in the western plains states of the mainland U.S. and Canada. There are over 4 species (Genus - Cynomys) in North America:  Black-tailed, White-tailed, Gunnison’s, and Utah. Of these, the Black-tailed Prairie Dog is the most prevalent, causing the widest impact.

Disease

Prairie dogs are hosts of fleas which can carry the plague via livestock and pets to humans.

Damage

• One black-tailed prairie dog (BTPD) consumes up to 2 lbs. of vegetation every week.

• An active prairie dog colony can cut grazing capacity by over 50%.

• 250 prairie dogs can consume as much forage as one cow/calf unit (CCU).

• Pastures with 20% prairie dog occupancy reduced the estimated value of livestock
  weight gain by over $14 per steer. In pastures with 60% BTPD occupancy, value per steer was reduced by $37.¹

• Prairie dog infestations can reduce land value over 35%, and rental income by
  up to 50%.

• Land that has been devastated by a colony can take up to 20 years to recover to full
  grazing capacity.

• Infested rangeland can require ranches to allocate up to 40 acres per steer, where as rangeland that is free of prairie dogs can often carry a steer on only 10 acres.

*Rozol Prairie Dog Bait is approved for use by state certified pesticide applicators in CO, KS, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX & WY. It is the responsibility of the user to read and follow all label directions.

Download Complete Rozol Prairie Dog Bait Sec. 3 Specimen Label

Download Livestock Weight Gain Article

¹USDA Agricultural Research Service & Colorado State University, Dept. of Biology - Are livestock weight gains affected by black-tailed prairie dogs? (Justin Derner, James Detling, and Michael Antolin) Frontiers in Ecology & Environment. 2006 4(9) pp. 459-464. Used with permission.

Steps to a Successful Black-tailed Prairie Dog
Management Program

• Apply between October 1 and March 15 or
  before spring green-up of prairie grasses, whichever occurs later.¹

• For best results, apply in the absence of green vegetation or immediately prior to bad weather (rain or snow). This will increase the chances that prairie dogs remain in the burrow with the bait, and further promote feeding.

• Bait must be applied a minimum of six inches down prairie dog burrows. Do not apply to soil surface. If bait is spilled on the surface, it must be collected and disposed of.

• For best results, treat every active burrow –
  mark treated burrows to ensure that none
  are missed. Options for marking
  treated burrows include dragging a
  chain, using a “foamer” or setting out flags.

• If adjacent properties are infested, discuss treatment practices with neighboring
  landowners. Consider treating nearby properties at the same time to create buffer zones that reduce chances of re-infestation.

• When treating, think like a “hunter”– find the active burrows by verifying tracks, mound repair, or fresh droppings after a light rain or snowfall.

• Perform carcass search within 5-10 days after bait application and again during a second visit between 14 and 21 days after baiting. Collect and bury any carcasses found, at least 18 inches deep to avoid non-target scavenging.

• Check your colonies about one month after the first treatment, and re-treat any burrows that may remain active or have been re-invaded.

• Do not graze livestock until after the 2nd follow-up and when no bait is found above ground.

¹Check with your local weed board and see if your state offers a 24(c) label extending these use dates.
It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. Follow all applicable directions, restrictions and precautions on the Federal EPA-registered label (and State 24(c) label, if applicable.)

Endangered Species Considerations:

The killing of an endangered species during baiting operations may result in a fine under the
Endangered Species Act.

DO NOT use this product within Prairie Dog towns in the range of the black-footed ferret or other endangered species without first contacting endangered species specialists, at the nearest regional office of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

EPA Endangered Species Hotline:
1-800-447-3813

 

Proven, Outstanding Control

• Rozol is effective season-long. No efficacy differences were observed between
  Fall, early Winter or late Winter applications.

Charles D. Lee: Extension Wildlife Specialist, Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)
Scott E. Hygnstrom: School of Natural Resources, Univ. of Nebraska (Lincoln, NE) –
Study period: Oct. ‘06 – Apr. ‘07
Study done at three different locations in Kansas & Nebraska comprising over 11,400 burrows on over 140 acres.
Census method = visual count

Charlie Lee, Extension Wildlife Specialist; Kansas State University, March 2004

Rozol Pocket Gopher / Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Control Brochure

Rozol Black-Tailed Prairie Dog True Cost Whitepaper

Rozol Prairie Dog Bait Sec. 3 Specimen Label

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Pocket Gophers

Overview

Pocket Gophers can be found in most states of the mainland U.S. and Canada, but are primarily concentrated west of the Mississippi River in the plains states  There are over 17 species (Genus - Thomomys)  in North America. Rozol® Pocket Gopher Bait is a General-Use Product formulated on food-grade winter wheat grain and approved for the control of Pocket Gophers on lawns, golf courses, alfalfa, rangeland, orchards & groves, and non-crop areas.

Damage

• Pocket gophers can cause major damage to grassland, lawns and golf courses.

• Pocket gophers can decreass irrigated alfalfa yields by up to 35%, and dryland yeilds by up to 46%.¹

• An active infestation can reduce forage capacity up to 49%.

• Pocket gophers can damage underground utility cables, irrigation systems and farm buildings, leading to substantial crop and farm production losses.

• Gopher mounds damage farm implements, slow harvesting and can injure livestock.

• Gopher digging brings fresh seeds to the surface, facilitating infestations of noxious weeds, which may be toxic to livestock.

• The high plains suffer up to $30 million in annual losses due to pocket gophers.

¹UW-Madison Extension, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Now Approved for use on Alfalfa!

Helpful Application Tips & Tools

Spoon Application:

With a long-handled large spoon, carefully remove the plug on the flat side of the fan-shaped mound, on either side of the tunnel. Carefully insert 1/2 cup (3.4oz. or 108 gms.) of bait as far down the burrow as possible. Close the burrow opening, being careful not to cover the bait with soil.

 

Probe Application:

Using a metal rod, probe 6-12 inches deep to locate the main tunnel. Drop 1/2 cup (3.4oz. or 108 gms.) into the tunnel and cover the hole so that no light enters the tunnel system.

Make 2-3 treatments per burrow system. Maintain a constant supply of bait in the burrow system for as long as there is gopher activity. Do not apply bait on the surface of the soil.

The right and the wrong ways to use a probe for poisoning gophers are shown to the right. Be sure that bait is in the main runway - not in the laterals or imbedded in the bottom of the runway.

 

Baiting Using a Burrow-Builder:

     Mechanical Burrow Builder                                Artificial Burrow Pattern

Apply when soil conditions allow formation of good artificial burrows.

Make artificial burrows at the same depth as natural burrows, perpendicular and about 20-30 ft. apart.

Apply at 6-8 lbs. per acre, picking up any spilled bait. See entire label.

For information on acquiring a burrow builder-type applicator like the one pictured, please contact:

All American Ag -
The Verminator
Sales (509) 520-4055
Msg (509) 394-2910

 

Rozol Pocket Gopher / Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Control Brochure

Rozol Pocket Gopher 2lb. Pouch Sell Sheet

Rozol Pocket Gopher Bait Specimen Label / MSDS

Rozol Pocket Gopher Bait – Burrow Builder Formula Specimen Label

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Voles

Overview

Voles can be found in every state of the mainland U.S. and Canada.  There are over 23 species (Genus - Microtus in North America. Voles are frequently mistaken for shrews, field mice & deer mice. While similar, distinguishing features include longer, coarser hair, and a larger head size.

Vole Taxonomy & Behavior / Technical Sheet

Rozol Vole SLN 24c WA Label

Vole Map

Voles can often be found in wild and landscape environments with rock structures nearby.  Vole activity is more frequently visible during winter months and in the spring, immediately after snow melt.  Voles cause economic damage in many areas, some of the more important of which include:  Orchards, Commercial Nurseries, Christmas Tree Farms & Forestry Plantations.  Rozol® Vole Bait is registered for use in these usage segments in select states.

Damage

• Voles can cause extensive damage to orchards, ornamentals and tree plantings by gnawing on roots and on the bark of seedlings and mature trees (called girdling).

• Voles consume foliage, seeds, stems, bulbs and small roots, and girdle large roots, which disrupts the tree’s f ow of nutrients and water. Voles can kill trees and smaller plantings, as well as cause foliage and production loss, and the onset of root disease by exposing vulnerable tissue and creating air pockets.

• Because it occurs underground, root damage is harder to detect. By the time weak, unhealthy trees are noticed,root damage is often extensive. Trees experiencing root damage from voles exhibit stunting and foliage reduction,resulting in production losses.

• In a 1987 study¹ on McIntosh orchards in New York, vole densities of up to 400 per acre led to major production losses. During the second year, the highest vole population reduced fruit yield by 65.5% and increased undersized fruit from 3.1 to 57.5% – reducing income by $2,745 per acre.

• Pine voles also build extensive runway and tunnel systems. In the Willamette Valley, voles inflicted varying degrees of damage on 40-50% of grass seed acreage(a $300 million a year crop),² leading to stand loss as high as 60% in 2005.³

• Meadow Voles (Microtus pensylvanicus) can cause unsightly runway damage to lawns & golf courses.

¹ Effects of Differential Pine Vole Populations on Growth and Yield of McIntosh Apple Trees, Proc.EasternWildlife Damage Control Conference, 1987. Richmond, M.E., C.G. Forshey, L.A. Mahoffy and P.N. Miller.

² Dave Pehling & Todd Murray (WSU Snohomish Co.)

³ Mark Mellbye Field Crop OSU Ext.Agent, Linn County, and Bruce Coblenz Prof.OSU Dept. of Fisheries &Wildlife, Bob Rost OSU Gardening Expert – OSU News 06-28-05

Disease

Voles are primary and intermediary hosts for several transmittable pathogens impacting humans, pets, and livestock, including:

• Hantavirus (Prospect Hill strain)

• Lyme Disease

• Hyatid Disease (tapeworms)

• Creutzfeldt-Jakob strains of spongiform encephalopathy

• Hemorrhagic Fever (HFRS)

Voles also transmit foot and mouth disease strains to livestock.

Alternative Methods of Vole Control

• Wire mesh guards and plastic bands can be expensive and labor intensive to maintain. They may provide marginal protection against girdling, but do not protect against burrowing access and root damage.

• Repellents such as Thiram (a fungicide) and Capsaicin (the ingredient that makes chili peppers hot) offer inconsistent data on effectiveness.

• Fumigants are usually not effective because the complexity and shallow depth of vole burrow systems allow fumigants to escape. They are also very costly.

• Anticoagulant rodenticides such as chlorophacinone (Rozol) and diphacinone are restricted-use products when used for vole control. LD₅₀ studies show that chlorophacinone has superior efficacy on microtus (voles).

• Zinc phosphide, an acute toxicant, is a restricted-use pesticide when used to control voles. Zinc phosphide lacks palatability due to the high concentration (2000 ppm) of the active ingredient. The rapid onset of discomforting symptoms with an acute toxicant like zinc can lead to poor bait acceptance and a sub-lethal dose, resulting in “bait shyness.” Zinc phosphide also quickly loses its effectiveness when it reacts with a small amount of moisture, such as dew. The volatility of the active ingredient can result in the need to prebait and frequently re-bait to increase effectiveness and adds costly steps by wasting growers’ time and money.

Rozol Vole Bait Usage Guide

Approved in all states except: CA, CO, FL, HI and the District of Columbia

Labeled Rates:

• 1-1/2 ounces in each active hole, trail or runway at each tree site (10 lbs./acre)

• (10 lbs./acre) Meadow voles all states except OR

• (10 lbs./acre) Mountain voles ID, OR, WA only

• (20 lbs./acre) Pine voles all states except ID, OR, WA

Maximum application rate per year for Meadow & Mountain voles (20 lbs.)
Maximum application rate per year for Pine voles (40 lbs.)

 

Segments

Orchards

Special Instructions/Directions for Use: For control of pine, meadow or mountain voles in pome fruit (apple, pear) and stone fruit (peach, cherry, apricot, plum, prune, and nectarine) tree orchards (bearing and non-bearing). Apply after fall harvest (including drops) before new spring growth, and when three days of rain-free or snow-free weather are expected. Do not apply within 50 feet of any body of surface water or where raptors are actively feeding on voles. Do not apply over bare ground or crops not specifi ed above. Do not allow animals to graze or clean up drops in treated areas. Do not use hay cut after application for feed or bedding. Apply only by hand spot baiting and ground broadcasting. Ground broadcast is not permitted in NY or VT.

Hand spot baiting: Place 1-1/2 ounces of bait in each active hole, trail or runway at each tree site (10 lbs./acre). Cover each placement with grass or shingle to avoid exposing non-target organisms.

Ground broadcast baiting: Using a commercial spreader, apply 10 lbs. per acre, unless prohibited by your state (see above). If populations are high, make a second application 1-2 months after the fi rst. The maximum application rate is 40 lbs./acre per year for pine voles, and 20 lbs./acre per year for meadow and mountain voles. Ground broadcast is not permitted in NY or VT.

To avoid exposing non-target organisms, clean up any bait in piles for reuse or disposal according to the “Pesticide Disposal” section of the product label.

Vole Agronomist Whitepaper

 

The same directions shown under orchards, apply to the segments shown above.

Follow all applicable directions, restrictions and precautions on the EPA-registered label.

Special Instructions: This product must not be applied directly to food or feed crops. Do not apply within 50 feet of any body of surface water or where raptors are actively feeding on voles. Do not allow animals to graze in treated areas. Do not use hay cut after application for feed or bedding.

Lawns, Golf Courses, Parks, Other Ornamental Turf Areas,
Ornamental Flower & Shrub Gardens

Special Instructions:
Hand Spot Bait only: Do not apply by aerial or ground broadcast. Place 1-1/2 ounces of bait in active holes, trails, or runways, or in tamperresistant bait stations in areas where voles have been observed or are known to forage. Cover placements with grass, shingles, or tarps (turf areas for winter protection) to avoid exposing nontarget organisms.

See entire label. It is the responsibility of the user to read and follow all label directions.

Vole Control Brochure

Specimen Label / MSDS

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California Voles

Overview

Six species of voles of the genus Microtus occur in California. The California vole (Microtus californicus) is the most widespread vole in the state, found along nearly the entire length of the coast range, and is responsible for the majority of damage to vegetables.

These voles are grizzled brownish with scattered black hairs on their backs; and gray hairs below, with hairs often white-tipped. They possess a relatively long, two-colored tail and pale feet, and can reach 5 to 8 inches in length from head to tail. They typically weigh from 1 1/2–3 1/2 oz (42–100 g).

Voles are prolific breeders with females maturing in 5 to 6 weeks and having 5-10 litters per year. Litter size ranges from three to six. However, voles seldom live past a year.

Damage & Disease Transmission to
Artichokes / Vegetables

Voles are feed on a variety of grasses, herbaceous plants, bulbs, and tubers. They usually consume bark and roots of trees, only in the fall or winter, when other food sources are less available. In California, they cause notable damage on the following vegetables: artichoke, beet, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, turnip, sweet potato, spinach, and tomato.

California voles are known carriers of the hantavirus and probable carriers of other diseases as well. Vegetable growers are concerned that California voles, along with slugs & snails, can also transmit, through gnawing and saliva, e. coli. and other bacteria.

Rozol® Pellets are registered for use only within the state of California for the control of California voles (Microtus californicus) in artichoke fields. When used for this purpose, Rozol Pellets are a Restricted-Use Product, and may be sold and used only by Certified Applicators, or persons under their direct supervision, and only for uses covered by the Certified Applicator’s certificate.

Helpful Application Tips

Use Rozol pellets as an alternative to Chlorophacinone treated artichoke bracts only during the period from October through March if artichoke bracts are not available. Place about 3 to 5 grams of bait (approximately 1 level teaspoon) per artichoke plant, on bare ground in infested areas. Apply bait near vole burrow openings or runways located between artichoke plants. Be careful to place bait so that it does not directly contact any part of the artichoke plant. If necessary, make second and third applications at 21 day intervals. Do not exceed three applications made at minimum 21 day intervals. Do not apply this product by any method not specified on this label. Do not broadcast bait.

See entire label. It is the responsibility of the user to read and follow all label directions.

Sources: Paraphrased from UC-Davis Pest Notes: Authors: T. P. Salmon, Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, UC Davis; and W. P. Gorenzel, Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, UC Davis. Editor: B. Ohlendorf.

Specimen Label / MSDS

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Mountain Beavers

Overview

Mountain Beavers, also known as “boomers” can be found in North America. The two main ranges of mountain beavers are from Merritt, British Columbia to Rio Dell, California and from Mt. Shasta, California to western Nevada. Presently, they may only be controlled using baits on the western portion of the Cascade Range in Oregon, Washington. There is only one known Genus, species in North America Aplodontia rufa, with two sub species.

Mountain beavers are primarily dark brown, and do not have the traditional flat beaver tail. They have strong incisors. Their head is flat and wide and their nose is slightly arched. The body is covered with coarse, dull fur. Underneath the fur is a sparse covering of guard hair, which is dark red of grayish brown in color. They have short limbs and their total length is 12 –19 inches (30 - 47 cm). For perspective, they are most similar to woodchucks and porcupines. (Carraway, 1993).

Mountain beavers are not as social as other rodent preferring to live in solitude. They vocalize in the form of whistles and “booming” sounds, hence the nickname. Young are active foraging within 6 – 8 weeks. Females do not typically breed until their second ovulation, with one gestation per year, and lifespan is typically 5-6 years.

Damage

Mountain beavers have damaged an estimated 300,000 acres (120,000 ha) of commercial coniferous tree species in western Washington and Oregon. Much of the affected land has the potential to produce timber values of over $10,000 an acre*. The damage period extends to about 20 years after planting. Mountain Beavers cause economic damage by clipping and topping off new seedlings, girdling trees & roots, leading to stunted growth and production losses in forestry plantations. This is of particular concern in areas undergoing reforestation, and also includes recreational land. In combination with “Special Local Needs” 24 (c) labels in Oregon & Washington, Rozol® Pellets may be used as part of a control program. Check with your local Department of Agricultural for the latest information, as labels change frequently.

Helpful Application Tips

Do not tear open the packets of bait. Place one unopened packet of bait inside two feeder holes or active runways of each active mountain beaver burrow system, (i.e., one packet per hole or runway; two packets per burrow system). Insert bait packets at least 12 inches into hole or runway.

Applications made between October and February have been found to be the most effective at reducing damage to tree seedlings planted in late winter or early spring. Baiting from mid-May to mid-September, when juveniles mountain beavers are present, is not permitted due to concerns with the secondary poisoning of non-target animals. See entire label.

*Source: Carraway, L.N.; Vects, B.J. (1993, April 23). "Aplodontia rufa." The American Society of
Mammaolgists, 431.

Rozol Mountain Beaver Technical Sheet

Rozol Pellets Specimen Label / MSDS

Rozol Mountain Beaver SLN 24(c) OR Label

Rozol Mountain Beaver SLN 24(c) WA Label

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