One of the toughest challenges in a home irrigation system is preventing damage from gnawing and nesting critters such as chipmunks, rats, squirrels, and gophers. Those irrigation control boxes are a perfect piece of turnkey real estate for rodents.
Keep reading for some tips for keeping your irrigation system safe from rodents.
Rodent-Proofing an Irrigation Valve Control Box
The solution is deceptively simple – you have to protect the irrigation valve control box so that the rodents can’t get in, but that’s easier said than done.
To rodent-proof your irrigation valve box, you’ll need to investigate to see if you can determine how they’re getting in. Let’s look at the most common entry points and how to make them more secure.
Control Box Openings
Inspect all plumbing openings thoroughly and seal up any possible entry points, no matter how small. Rodents can squeeze into incredibly tight spots. Make sure all openings in your valve control box are screened or tightly packed with coarse steel wool or copper mesh such as Stuf-Fit.
If you have to cut the box to accommodate pipes or wires, take care to cut the hole exactly the right size, with no room for a rodent to squeeze through around the pipes.
Control Box Lid
The lid of your box must be firmly sealed to keep out both animals and debris. Weigh down the lid, or wire it shut, to keep clever rodents from lifting it and scampering through.
Consider adding a sturdy latch or other locking mechanism that requires human hands to open. This will prevent rodents from figuring out how to lift the lid.
Control Box Bottom
A lot of prefabricated plastic valve boxes don’t have bottoms, because rainwater needs to drain straight out. To keep rodents out, you’ll have to create a bottom they can’t dig through.
Try settling your valve box on a 4″ thick layer of sharp gravel or PermaTill Vole Bloc, and backfilling around the box with the same material. This gravel deters burrowing.
For added protection, you can line the bottom and sides of the box with 1/4″ hardware cloth mesh, to create a permeable floor that animals can’t get through. The sturdy mesh prevents chewing.
Control Box Sides
Most irrigation valve boxes are made of strong but lightweight plastic that withstands the stress of underground use.
However, if animals are chewing through the plastic, you may want to opt for a stronger material such as concrete or cast iron. Plastic is no match for determined rodent teeth. Alternatively, you can reinforce plastic boxes by lining them with metal mesh.
Unfortunately, some rodents seem to devote their lives to outsmarting even the best-laid plans, and you’ll need to make sure your measures are working.
Keep an eye on your valve box, remove any nesting material you see, and immediately seal off any openings or evidence of chewing. Persistence is key when trying to outwit these clever critters.
So, Is Rodent-Proofing Your Irrigation Control Box Worth It?
Rodent-proofing your irrigation control box takes some effort, but is absolutely worth it in the long run. The alternative is repeated damage to your system, leading to wasted water and costly repairs.
A rodent-resistant box will save you time, money, and frustration over the years.
And you’ll have the satisfaction of outsmarting those pesky critters who want to invade your irrigation system. With some strategic sealing and reinforcement, you can gain the upper hand and send them packing.
Further Information
- Valve Filter and Regulator Detail (irrigationtutorial.com)
- How to Deal with Moles in Your Yard (article)
- How to Deal with Voles (Field Mice) in Your Yard (article)
- How to Keep Squirrels Away from Your Bird Feeder (article)
FAQs About Rodent-Proofing Irrigation Control Boxes
How often should I check my irrigation control box for damage?
Inspect your irrigation control box at least twice per year, in the spring and fall, for any signs of chewing or nesting material. Checking more frequently during peak rodent seasons can help you stay ahead of the game.
What are the best materials for sealing openings?
Steel wool, copper mesh, metal screening, and metal hardware cloth all resist rodent chewing and create a tight seal. Avoid loose fillers like foam, which rodents can easily tear through.
Should I set traps around my irrigation control box?
Trapping around the control box is unlikely to solve the problem long-term, since new rodents will keep moving into the area. Focus instead on exclusion and making the box itself less inviting for rodents. Removing exterior harborage like woodpiles can also help reduce traffic.
What if rodents keep getting into my valve box despite my best efforts?
Some rodents are extremely determined. As a last resort, you may need to fully replace your valve box with a chew-proof, reinforced material like concrete or cast iron. Though expensive, this may be the only way to fully protect your system from relentless rodent intruders.
