California nut growers face significant challenges from a variety of pests, including rodents, insects, and other wildlife. These pests can damage crops, decrease yields, and reduce profits for growers. As a result, commercial pest control companies, like Sprague, play a critical role in helping nut growers to prevent and mitigate pest threats. Below are some strategies that Sprague uses to protect growers in the California area.
Conduct a Thorough Pest Inspection
Our first step in preventing pest threats is to conduct a thorough inspection of the orchard. We look for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, burrows, or changes to the nut crop. We also look for areas where larger pests are likely to enter the orchard, such as gaps in fences or buildings. By identifying potential pest entry points and hotspots, we can develop a targeted pest management plan.
Implement Preventative Measures
Prevention is key when it comes to pest management; by proactively preventing pests from entering the orchard, we can reduce the need for more aggressive pest management measures later. At Sprague, our integrated pest management (IPM) programs are science-based, decision-making processes that combine biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to identify, manage, and reduce the risk of pests.
Monitor Pest Activity
Regular monitoring of pest activity is essential for effective pest management. Our IPM programs heavily rely on monitoring pest activity by setting up traps and monitoring stations. By tracking pest activity over time, we can make evidence-backed decisions to adjust our pest management strategy to minimize your pest threats.
Bird Exclusion
Birds can cause significant damage to nut crops, leading to loss of yield and revenue for growers. Sprague is a leader in bird exclusion, working to help prevent bird damage by implementing bird control measures, such as bird netting, bird spikes, and bird deterrents. Our bird exclusion programs work by evaluating your site for conducive conditions and determining your level of bird pressure and creating a unique bird control plan to mitigate your risk.
Provide Ongoing Education and Support
Finally, Sprague can provide ongoing education and support to your team. This can include training on how to identify pests and signs of pest activity, as well as best practices for preventing and managing pest threats. We also provide ongoing support to growers, such as regular inspections and monitoring, to ensure that your orchard remains pest-free.
Sprague is the largest family-owned commercial only pest control company, that has been providing effective pest management solutions for over 97 years. We offer a range of pest control services for agricultural and commercial clients, including California nut growers. To learn more about our commercial pest control services contact us at 800.272.4988