Rodent problems on private forest lands in northwestern California

The principal forest rodent control efforts, which attempt to reduce or prevent rodent damage to reforestation efforts, are described in terms of historical development and current practice. Following logging, the open canopy phase of forest rotation often creates environmental conditions that lead to dramatic increases in rodent damage. Investigations have helped develop information concern tree seed losses to rodents. Through field trials, a better understanding of the use of endrin as a seed repellent was obtained, including observations that mice “learned” to avoid endrin-treated seeds. Studies have also revealed more details about population levels and encroachment by seed-eating rodents such as Peromyscus maniculatus, Clethrionomys californicus, and Reithrodontomys. Future research needs regarding rodent control in forest habitats are discussed. Literature citations are provided