Growers rapturous over rodent control

摘要

Efforts in the last few years to bring raptors into Oregon tree fruit orchards are paying off. Growers using perches and nesting boxes are reporting better control of their rodent populations, fewer damaged trees, and less need to use other tactics, like trapping. Gabe Dahle of Dahle Orchards, who grows cherries with his father, Tim, in The Dalles, Oregon, said that years ago, they were losing so many young cherry trees to gophers that they began a very strict scouting and control program. "We'd scout for gophers several times a year, and if we found any evidence of activity, we'd go in the area in full force, using bait, the Rodenator blasting device, and other means. We were spending at least $50 an acre on rodent control."