Field mice (Microtus arvalis), wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and root voles (Arvicola
terrestis) constitute a big threat to the organic apple orchards in South Tyrol. The use of
rodenticides on the fields is not allowed in organic farming. The fruit growers rely on the
help of different natural predators. If populations increase, the possibility of trapping and
gasifying with equipment which produces carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide remain.
Both methods are problematic. Trapping requires skill and time. Gasifying is not
unproblematic to the health of the user. Recently a device has been imported which is
used successfully in the United States to control different soil-dwelling rodents. In the
orchards of South Tyrol, various field trials were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of the
‘Rodenator’ in controlling field mice