Yellow-necked mouse

The yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) is a prominent rodent species belonging to the Muridae family. Known for its distinct yellow patch across the chest, it is primarily a forest-dwelling creature that frequently ventures into adjacent agricultural fields. It is recognized as a serious agricultural pest, capable of causing substantial damage to both open-field crops and stored products.

This pest affects a wide range of crops, including cereals, sunflowers, corn, and legumes. Its impact is particularly devastating in orchards and nurseries, where the rodents target the bark and roots of young trees. By stripping the bark, they disrupt the transport of nutrients, which often leads to the death of the affected plant.

Regarding their biology, yellow-necked mice are highly prolific breeders with a high metabolism. During favorable conditions, they can produce multiple litters per year, with each litter consisting of five to seven pups. They are nocturnal by nature, creating complex subterranean tunnel systems where they reside and store significant amounts of food for colder periods.

The damage caused by these mice is multifaceted. They consume seeds during sowing and maturity, cut down green stems, and contaminate stored grain with excrement and urine. In agricultural environments, their habit of hoarding food makes them particularly effective at depleting resources, necessitating strict management strategies to prevent population explosions.

• Application of specialized rodenticides in affected areas.
• Implementation of deep fall plowing to destroy nesting sites.
• Regular sanitation of storage facilities to prevent infestation.
• Mechanical protection of tree trunks with physical barriers.
• Promotion of natural predators such as owls and small carnivores.