– There is a problem involving mice, but we are not competent to assess the size of their population. Based on reports from farmers, we can only conclude that there are more mice – says Rafał Plezia, head of the Legnickie Pole Commune. – The situation is difficult. We cannot leave farmers to fend for themselves. As representatives of the Commune, we are trying to prompt some kind of response from entities that may be able to help farmers.
The problem affects the entire Lower Silesia region, including the Bolesławiec area. Mice are eating gigantic quantities of barley, wheat and rapeseed, causing extensive damage to crops. – The losses are enormous – emphasizes Ryszard Frączek, a farmer from Mikołajowice and a delegate of the Lower Silesian Chamber of Agriculture, who reported the mouse problem as early as last year.
What can farmers do? For example, they can put up poles for wild birds that hunt rodents. They can also plant species that mice particularly dislike, such as wild garlic or mint.
But that is not enough. – Farmers certainly cannot deal with this issue on their own – stresses R. Frączek. – The price of rodent-control products is exorbitant, and we are expecting state assistance.
According to the farmer, getting rid of the pests would require spending PLN 500–600 per hectare on chemical products.