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Hungry rodents

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 5:18 pm
by Tarzanus
They say Arundo donax has a lot of cyanide in it's rhizomes and some other ingredients, among which there's also psychoactive substance. Well, because of it's natural defense, it's been said that Arundo donax is safe from most insects, rodents and larger animals that could (would) want to eat it. Until today, I believed that...

I have Arundo donax and it's variegated sibling and they both got rodent company. I could not believe my eyes, when I saw completely eaten shoot bud on first plant, then I went to the next, even more damage, third - variegated Arundo had whole cave system around and I noticed it was once part of the plant's rhizome system. I now know they come out of the soil and search for fresh shoots, then they start digging inside, all the way to the not so tasty rhizome, at that point, they search for another shoot. I'll check for poisons next time I go shopping...

Re: Hungry rodents

Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2015 7:59 pm
by Tarzanus
It's official, voles are to blame.
Image

Today I've eliminated two (plain old mouse trap) and I'm sure I'll get more when weather gets just a bit colder again.