North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[DocKW@aol.com]

I find that the mice borrow down underground right at the base of a tree and 
chew the roots to ribbons and I have not been able to stop this.  I can have 
a 
nice tree guard in place, but it can't protect the roots.  
We have LOTS of hawks and owls and cats etc...but the voles are winning.
Mouse bait is a sometimes answer and have not noticed that it helps much.
My apples are especially at risk..though they seem to graze on plum and peach 
bark often enough as well..
I guess since it helps keep the age of my orchard on the younger side I 
should be glad as i use less of my ladders for trimming. :(
Karl Olson,  Zone 5 sw Connecticut