Five quick tips for mouse control
Apply broad scale zinc phosphide bait: According to the label, at the prescribed rate of 1kg/ha.
- Apply bait at seeding or within 24 hours: While seed is still covered by soil increasing the likelihood of mice taking the bait, prior to finding the seed. Rebait through the season as needed.
- Timing is critical: Delays of 4-5 days in baiting after seeding can give mice time to find crop seed. High populations can cause up to 5% damage each night.
- Monitor paddocks: Check paddocks regularly and update local data using the MouseAlert website.
- After harvest and prior to sowing – minimise sources of food and shelter: Control weeds and volunteer crops along fence lines, clean up residual grain by grazing or rolling stubbles.
Useful Resources
Practical tips on baiting set-up
YouTube video: GRDC Mouse Control webinar
Q&A from webinar on 28th of March
GRDC Tips and Tactics: Better Mouse Management
GRDC Update Paper: Monitoring Mice in Australia
YouTube video: Mice Control - a challenge for conservation farming
GRDC Mouse Chew Card (PDF 2.8 mb) or GRDC Mouse Chew Card (JPG 0.6 mb)
YouTube Series playlist: Mouse Control: Practical tips on baiting set-up, 5 part series
GRDC Podcast: Mouse management pre-sowing
For more information please refer to the Grains Research Development Corporation website.
