A recent survey of 2,179 greenhouses in Crete reveals that rodent infestations have been a significant challenge, with 40.9% of greenhouse managers reporting issues in the past 3 years. Despite common reliance on chemical rodenticides, 71.1% now prefer a combination of chemical and non-chemical control, like traps and predators.
Interestingly, 91.1% of farmers expressed satisfaction with their current pest control methods. However, there’s a growing interest (78.4%) in non-chemical solutions such as Ecologically Based Rodent Management (EBRM), which shows promise in reducing crop losses and cutting down on chemical use.
The study underscores the need for greater awareness and adoption of EBRM to support sustainable farming practices in Crete’s greenhouses.
