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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FARMERS' BULLETIN

WASHINGTON, D. C. 670 JUNE 3, 1915.

Contribution from the Bureau of Biological Survey, Henry W. Henshaw,
Chief.




FIELD MICE AS FARM AND ORCHARD PESTS.

By D. E. LANTZ, _Assistant Biologist_.


    NOTE.--This bulletin describes the habits, geographic
    distribution, and methods of destroying meadow mice and pine mice,
    and discusses the value of protecting their natural enemies among
    mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is for general distribution.




INTRODUCTION.


The ravages of short-tailed field mice in many parts of the United
States result in serious losses to farmers, orchardists, and those
concerned with the conservation of our forests, and the problem of
controlling the animals is one of considerable importance.

Short-tailed field mice are commonly known as meadow mice, pine mice,
and voles; locally as bear mice, buck-tailed mice, or black mice.
The term includes a large number of closely related species widely
distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Over 50 species and races occur
within the United States and nearly 40 other forms have been described
from North America. Old World forms are fully as numerous. For the
purposes of this paper no attempt at classification is required, but
two general groups will be considered under the names meadow mice and
pine mice. These two groups