Rodent Fruit Tree Damage in Winter

During the winter months in Massachusetts, particularly in areas of Essex County, including Amesbury, Newburyport, Ipswich, Cape Ann, and Andover, mice can cause significant damage to fruit trees. Snow cover often shields their activities, allowing them to gnaw on tree bark undetected, which disrupts the flow of nutrients from leaves to roots. This is especially dangerous for young trees with soft bark, as mice may cause girdling, a fatal condition where the bark is entirely removed around the trunk. In some cases, mice also attack tree roots, destabilizing the tree and harming its nutrient absorption.

To prevent mice from damaging fruit trees, especially in vulnerable regions like those near wooded areas, it’s essential to take proactive measures. Wrapping tree trunks with screen wire or hardware cloth can effectively block mice from accessing the bark. This barrier should extend above the snow line and be buried underground to prevent rodents from burrowing under it. Additionally, reducing the environmental factors that attract mice, such as keeping grass low, clearing fallen fruit, and eliminating piles of leaves or compost, can help protect trees during the winter.

In more rural area’s of the Northshore like North Andover, West Newbury, Topsfield, Georgetown, where field mice populations may be higher, additional strategies can be useful. Creating a vegetation-free zone around trees, planting mouse-repellent plants, and encouraging natural predators like owls by installing owl boxes are all sustainable options. Regular inspections throughout winter can help identify early signs of rodent activity. In cases of severe infestation, it may be necessary to contact Nature’s Defense pest control professional for more targeted solutions.