The Central Valley almond farming industry is experiencing severe damage from a significant rodent infestation. Roof rats are destroying almond trees and irrigation equipment across over 100,000 acres in several counties. The financial loss from this damage is estimated to reach up to $310 million. Costs for replacing damaged drip lines alone range from $56 million to $168 million. The Almond Board of California suggests employing various extermination methods, as the rats exploit irrigation systems to move quickly between orchards, complicating containment efforts.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture estimates the financial toll from the rodent infestation to be as high as $310 million, affecting over 100,000 acres.
Drip line replacement costs farmers between $56 million and $168 million due to damages caused by the roof rats that are gnawing on trees and irrigation systems.
Field observations indicate that rats are using irrigation canals as corridors, enabling rapid spread and complicating containment efforts for farmers.
The Almond Board has recommended extermination tactics, including fresh bait stations and snap traps, to control the widespread rodent infestation affecting almond groves.
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