Comparison of release devices for stoat (Mustela ermined) semiochemicals used as montane vole (Microtus montanus) repellents

Abstract

Fenced enclosures were used to simulate peak populations of montane voles (Microtus montanus) for field bioassays of a stoat (Mustela erminea) scent mixture in various controlled-release devices. A 1∶ 1 mixture of 2-propylthietane and 3-propyl-1,2-dithiolane was dispensed in capillary tubes, clay pellets (activated alumina), rubber septa, and plastic rope. Release devices were placed near, or attached to, young apple trees planted in blocks in two enclosures containing high populations of voles. The stoat scent mixture in rubber septa and plastic rope significantly reduced vole attack of trees compared with a control, pellets, and capillary tubes. In terms of complete girdling (tree mortality), this odor in septa and rope also significantly reduced feeding compared with the control, and the rubber septa formulation was more effective than either the pellets or capillary tubes. Fenced populations of voles may be used effectively to conduct field bioassays during low years in vole cycles. Variations of release devices (with this stoat scent mixture) based on rubber septa for broadcast application to depress vole population density and survival, and plastic rope attached to individual trees to generate an avoidance response, should be used for forest and agricultural crop protection.