Western Growers Science has released two new, quick-reference resources designed to support practical, risk-based decision-making in produce operations. These tools focus on managing bird activity and rodent pressure, translating current science into clear, actionable practices that can be applied in the field.
Bird Activity Mitigation (Access Here)
This resource provides a science-based overview of the role birds may play in produce safety. It emphasizes that while birds can carry human pathogens, the overall risk to unharvested crops is generally low and highly dependent on specific conditions.
Key takeaways include:
- Risk increases when birds interact with livestock or directly contaminate crops
- Not all bird activity represents the same level of concern
- Management should focus on preventing fecal contamination rather than eliminating birds and their habitat
- Use a combination of deterrent strategies (visual, auditory, physical barriers)
- Tailor approaches based on species, environment, and field conditions
Best Practices for Managing Rodents (Access Here)
This resource outlines a comprehensive approach to rodent management based on monitoring, action thresholds, and integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
Highlights include:
- Conduct routine monitoring to detect activity early and track trends over time
- Identify and manage conditions that attract rodents (e.g., vegetation, water, debris)
- Use defined action thresholds to guide when to escalate control measures
- Apply multiple control strategies (habitat management, trapping, biological controls)
- Continuously evaluate and adjust programs based on observed pressure
Both resources reinforce a key principle: presence does not equal risk. Effective management requires understanding the conditions that drive risk and applying targeted, science-based interventions. By focusing on monitoring, context, and proportional response, operations can improve both food safety outcomes and overall pest management effectiveness.