Forest dormouse

The forest dormouse (Dryomys nitedula) is a small rodent belonging to the Gliridae family. While often considered a protected species in wild forests, in agricultural and gardening contexts, it can act as a persistent pest. It is known for its agility and ability to climb fruit trees to feed on crops, often leading to substantial losses for fruit growers.

Taxonomically, the forest dormouse is classified within the order Rodentia. As a nocturnal animal, it spends the daytime in nests built in tree hollows or crevices. This lifestyle makes it a challenging pest to monitor, as the damage is usually discovered only when the fruit starts to ripen and becomes accessible to the animal.

The damage caused by the forest dormouse is primarily focused on orchards. It feeds on various fruits, including apples, pears, plums, and peaches, often nibbling and spoiling them. Besides the fruit, it can chew on the bark and young shoots of trees, which compromises the vitality of the plant and creates entry points for various pathogens and fungi.

The biological cycle of the species is defined by long hibernation periods during the colder months. When active, they are prolific breeders, often producing multiple litters during the summer season. This rapid reproduction allows populations to establish themselves firmly in residential orchards if no preventive measures are taken by the gardener.

Controlling the forest dormouse requires a mix of habitat management and physical barriers:

• Installing metal collars on the trunks of fruit trees to prevent the rodents from climbing up.
• Removing piles of wood, debris, and excessive foliage that could serve as nesting sites near the orchard.
• Pruning trees to reduce canopy density, which limits the dormouse's movement between trees.
• Using non-lethal deterrents such as ultrasonic devices or strong-smelling repellents around the orchard perimeter.