Tomato farmers know all too well the frustration of gopher damage. These relentless rodents wreak havoc on sub-surface drip irrigation systems, leading to costly repairs, wasted time, and reduced crop productivity. Here’s a closer look at the challenges and how sustainable solutions can help.

How Gophers Damage Sub-Surface Drip Tape

Gophers have a knack for finding and destroying sub-surface drip tape, which is vital for delivering precise amounts of water to tomato plants. Here’s how they do it:

• Chewing Through Tape: Gophers gnaw on the irrigation lines, creating leaks (under pressure).
• Hidden Destruction: The damage often goes unnoticed until water begins pooling in unexpected areas, creating mud-pits for equipment.
• Compounded Issues: Each leak reduces irrigation efficiency, leading to uneven watering and stressed plants.

 

The Backbreaking Work of Repairs

Repairing damaged sub-surface drip tape is labor-intensive and frustrating:

1. Mud: Wet, clay-like mud makes it difficult to access the damaged Mud sticks to shovels, adding weight and effort to every movement.
2. Locating the Leak: Identifying the exact location of a leak requires careful inspection and often results in digging up large sections of the irrigation line to find.
3. Repair Challenges: Fixing the tape requires a crew of two or three people to cut and reconnect the hose,—all while maneuvering around mature tomato plants and mud.
4. Burying the Tape Again: Once repaired, the tape must be carefully
   
   

This process takes awhile and detracts from other critical farming tasks, costing both time and money.

The Cost of Gopher Infestations

Gopher damage doesn’t just affect irrigation systems; it impacts overall farm operations:

• Labor Costs: The manpower required for repairs increases operational
• Crop Stress: Leaking irrigation disrupts water delivery, which can stunt plant growth and reduce yields. We all know how important it is to not stunt our tomatoes, keep them
• Interrupted Field Work: If leaks aren’t caught and repaired early, large muddy areas in the field will keep equipment from working until the area dries-up.

 

Effective and Sustainable Solution for Tomato Farmers

1. Install Barn Owl Boxes
   • Natural Predation: Barn Owls are expert rodent A single family of Barn Owls can consume 60 pounds of rodents (gophers, rats, mice, voles) annually.
   • Eco-Friendly: Using Barn Owls minimizes the need for rodenticides. Our State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation keep removing chemistries that help us manage our rodents on the farm. Chemicals out, Barn Owls in.

 

Long-Term Benefits of Barn Owl Boxes

Barn Owl boxes offer a reliable, low-maintenance solution:

• Reduced Labor: Fewer gophers mean fewer irrigation repairs, saving time and
• Healthier Plants: Consistent irrigation ensures tomato plants receive the water they need to thrive. Minimize plant stress, maximize productivity.
• Cost Savings: Over time, the investment in Barn Owl boxes pays off through reduced labor and material expenses.

 

Protect Your Tomato Fields Today

Gopher damage doesn’t have to control your farm. By integrating sustainable solutions like Barn Owls and proactive field management, you can reclaim your time and protect your crops.

Contact us today to learn more about installing Barn Owl boxes and reducing gopher damage in your tomato fields.

Learn more, call Nick at 559-352-8067. Email TheOwlBoxCompany@gmail.com or visit www.OwlBoxCompany.com