Weather experts across several regions are predicting a long, cold winter with below-average temperatures for much of Ontario.  Last winter we saw an unprecedented level of rodent and deer feeding on nursery crops.  Many of us noticed large populations of voles, moles and mice (feel free to add your own nickname here) throughout much of the growing season.

Just like Travis Tritt, I smell T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

We’ve got some “mild” days coming up starting on Friday.  This might be a good opportunity to refresh rodent bait, check bait stations for functionality and reinforce any herbivore protection measures (e.g. wrapping) that you have in place.  Antifeedant (e.g. thiram) or repellents (e.g. bloodmeal) may also be applied a little more comfortably at this time.  You can do a much better job when you can feel your fingers.