Rat Infestation Impact & Resources – Protecting Crops and Infrastructure with Strategic Solutions
Key Resources (on this page):
- CDFA OPCA updated economic assessment for impacted almond and pistachio acres
- New video resources by CDFA and UC – follow the links below
- Revised CDFA Label for Zinc Phosphide Treated Grain (2.0%)
- CDFA OPCA Infographic: Chemical Rat Management in Agricultural Settings
- Memo: Crop insurance reporting and eligibility guidance
- Rat Infestation Management: A Checklist
Rat Infestation Management: A Checklist
Essential Steps for Detection, Monitoring, and Control
CAPCA has been compiling resources and developing baseline monitoring for rat infestations. As these initiatives wrap up, the responsibility is moving to grower groups to tackle the challenge of abandoned acres.
With the recent spike in hot weather and early irrigation, we’ve heard about an increase in rat activity. It is crucial that Pest Control Advisers and growers—both those new to the issue and those continuing to manage high populations—have access to the latest information and effective strategies.
This checklist is designed by Advisers like you to help quickly identify signs of rat problems and implement proven management strategies, keeping your acres productive and protected.
Claim Your Free Bait Stations:
Check out the industry-funded bait stations on topic 11 of the new CDFA and UC video resources! If you haven’t already, request your two free bait stations by scanning the QR Code. You can add to your order and purchase additional stations on the same form. Free bait stations are available while supplies last.
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New video resources by CDFA and UC:
Blog post with video links:
Video Playlist link:
Rat Management Training – YouTube
Program webpage with video links:
Rat infestations have caused significant damage to irrigation systems, trees, field equipment, wiring, and critical infrastructure across agricultural operations. In response, since the fall of 2024, CAPCA has been actively engaged in working to identify solutions and support for the rat infestations scattered across the Central Valley.
The Vertebrate Pest Control Research Program has revised the CDFA label, Zinc Phosphide Treated Grain (2.0%). Refer to the updated label below on this page.
Additionally, the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis has created an infographic to show which chemical options are allowed for rat control in various orchard and agricultural settings. See that infographic below.
For guidance on reporting procedures and insurance coverage eligibility, refer to the memo from Jack Roudebush, Advisor – Captive Strategist at HUB International Limited, available on this page.
CAPCA remains committed to bridging the gap between growers and industry leaders by disseminating vital knowledge and fostering collaborative solutions.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Given that this infestation has reached a level beyond maintenance and requires an area wide coordinated approach to address the issue, we have worked with UC along with various commodity groups to provide the most up-to-date information for PCAs to access.
- See multiple CAPCA Adviser Articles, including the resources on this page, starting on p. 51
- See additional CAPCA Adviser Article on p. 66
- CAPCA worked with growers to provide OPCA vital details to deliver an economic impact memo on this evolving issue: CDFA Memo: Rat Damage in Almond Orchards
- Fresh Bait Available in key Counties – Visit CAC Fresh Bait summary
- Prior guidance from UC: Managing Roof Rats and Deer Mice in Nut and Fruit Orchards can be found here.
Do you want to sign up to be part of the solution and be on a list of applicators available for Counties to reference when growers are in need of application services? Click here to join the list.