Nets cover beds of growing produce, showing one way farmers can prepare for pest infestations

As climate change progresses, abnormal weather patterns will result in larger pest populations across Canada. Pest infestations can reduce agricultural productivity and wreak havoc on farms. From invasive insects to plant diseases, pests can destroy property, disrupt ecosystems, and create economic losses. But, with careful preparation and proactive measures, you can reduce the risks associated with pest infestations and protect your farm.

What are pest infestations?

Pest infestations are a sudden and uncontrollable growth in the population of certain organisms that pose a threat to local plants, animals, buildings, and equipment. These pests include insects, rodents, fungi, bacteria, and weeds. Because of ongoing weather changes, they often multiply rapidly — overpowering local species, and causing serious damage in a short period.

How can pest infestations affect farmers?

For Canadian farmers, pest infestations can lead to:

  1. Financial losses: Equipment and property damage from pests can disrupt operations, affecting livelihoods and economic stability
  2. Increased input costs: Controlling pest infestations often requires investments in pesticides, labour, and preventive measures, which increases operational expenses
  3. Environmental impact: Some pest control methods may negatively affect the environment, disrupting local ecosystems and biodiversity

Climate change is increasing pest infestations across Canada. Farmers should adopt a variety of proactive measures to stop insects, rodents, fungi, bacteria, and weeds from harming their properties and operations.

How farmers can prepare for a pest infestation

Despite the challenges caused by pest infestations, consider adopting some of these proactive strategies to reduce your risk of damage:

  1. Monitor for early signs of an infestation: Regularly monitor your property to catch any early signs of pest infestations. You should also familiarize yourself with any emerging pests in your region and use scouting techniques to identify signs of infestation as quickly as possible.
  2. Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM systems use a holistic approach to pest control by combining preventive measures, cultural practices, biological controls, and some pesticide use. By diversifying your control methods, you can reduce reliance on just pesticides and minimize your environmental footprint.
  3. Focus on crop diversity: Monoculture farming increases your risk of pest infestations, since pests thrive in homogeneous environments. Use crop diversity and implement crop rotation practices to disrupt pest life cycles and reduce the pressure pests place on your local ecosystem.
  4. Invest in protective infrastructure: Physical barriers, such as fences, nets, and screens can deter pests from accessing different parts of your property. Additionally, using biosecurity measures on your farm can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
  5. Collaborate and stay informed: Get in touch with your local agricultural service providers, research institutions, and fellow farmers to stay up to date on potential pest infestations and learn about any new pest management strategies that have been tested in your region.

Worried about how possible pest infestations may harm your farm? Connect with other farmers in your area to learn about growing pest populations and share pest management strategies.

Pest infestations will continue to be a growing challenge for Canada’s agriculture industry, but by adopting proactive measures and pest management practices into your operation, you can effectively reduce risks and protect your farm.

Looking for other ways to reduce your risk of damage from climate change? Learn how you can adapt your farm’s operation and become more resilient to changing weather conditions.

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