by Louise Mayfield
Love it or hate it, winter is here and it brings a whole new aspect to farm life. The cold weather makes not only us, but many of the woodland creatures long for a warm spot. Sure, the critters are made for weather changes and do quite well in their natural habitat but if they can find a cozy, warm spot near an unlimited food source they are all in … literally. For this reason, rats and mice tend to be the arch enemy of many rural families during the winter months.
Keeping rodents out of barns and feed rooms during the winter months is a trying task for farmers, horse owners, and anyone with livestock. As the weather cools, these rodents seek warmth and food, making barns and feed storage areas prime targets for infestation. Rodents can cause significant damage, from contaminating feed supplies to chewing through insulation and electrical wiring, posing both health risks and fire hazards. Preventing their entry and reducing their population requires a combination of strategies that focus on exclusion, sanitation, and targeted control methods.
One of the primary reasons rodents invade barns and feed rooms during the winter months is the abundance of food and shelter. Feed stored in barns, especially grains and pellets, offers a tempting and easily accessible food source. Barns, with their warm, protected environments, also provide ideal nesting places. Once inside, rodents can reproduce quickly, leading to a full-blown infestation in just a matter of weeks. The first step in controlling rats and mice is to understand their behavior and preferences. Rodents are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, and they are excellent climbers and burrowers. This makes it essential to eliminate any gaps or openings in your barn that could provide entry points.
To effectively keep rodents out of barns and feed rooms, the first strategy is to seal any potential entry points. Rodents can squeeze through incredibly small spaces, with mice able to fit through openings as small as a dime. Inspect the barn thoroughly, focusing on cracks in the foundation, holes in walls, and gaps around doors and windows. Pay particular attention to areas where pipes, cables, or other utilities enter the barn, as these are common entry points. Use steel wool, metal sheeting, or other durable materials to block these gaps, as rodents can easily chew through softer materials like wood, plastic, or foam. Weatherstripping on doors can also help to keep rodents from slipping through under doorways. In addition to sealing up your barn, it is essential to eliminate any hiding places where rodents might nest. Rodents are drawn to clutter, as it provides them with materials for building nests and places to hide. Keep the barn and feed rooms clean and organized. Store tools, equipment, and unused items off the ground and away from walls, ideally on shelves or in cabinets. If possible, rotate feed storage regularly so that old bags are used up before new ones are added. This prevents feed from becoming stale and attracting rodents. Feed should always be stored in airtight, rodent-proof containers made of metal or heavy plastic. Rodents can chew through thin plastic and even some types of wood, so sturdy containers are key to keeping them out. Make sure the lids fit tightly to prevent rodents from accessing the food.
Another important measure to take is maintaining cleanliness in and around the barn. Spilled feed and other debris are a ‘dinner bell’ for rodents, so it’s essential to clean up any food scraps, hay, or straw that may accumulate around feed storage areas. Sweeping up after each feeding and keeping the floors free of food particles will make the area less attractive to rodents. Rodents also need water, so it is important to fix any leaks and make sure that water sources are not readily available. This includes not only repairing any leaky faucets or pipes but also making sure that buckets, troughs, and other water containers are emptied or covered when not in use.
Keeping the outside perimeter of the barn clean and free of debris is just as important as maintaining the interior. Rodents are more likely to enter the barn if there are areas outside that provide shelter and hiding places. Clear away tall grass, weeds, brush, and piles of wood or other materials from around the building’s foundation. These areas give rodents a place to hide and nest close to the barn. Gravel or rock barriers around the foundation can also help discourage burrowing rodents. Additionally, keeping firewood, lumber, and other materials stored well away from the barn will reduce the chances of rodents setting up home near the structure.
While exclusion and sanitation are the first lines of defense, sometimes it may be necessary to use traps or other control methods to reduce rodent populations, particularly if they have already entered the barn. Traps are a humane and effective method of catching rodents without the need for poison. Snap traps, live traps, and electronic traps can all be useful, depending on your preferences. Place traps along walls and in areas where you have seen rodent activity, as rodents tend to travel along the edges of rooms. Using bait that is attractive to rodents, such as peanut butter or grains, can increase the effectiveness of the traps. However, it is important to check the traps regularly to remove any captured rodents and reset the traps.
If you do decide to use poison or rodenticides, it’s critical to be extremely cautious. While these products can be effective, they pose significant risks to pets, livestock, and even humans if not used properly. Rodenticides should only be used in areas where children, animals, and non-target wildlife cannot access them. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and consider placing poison baits in tamper-proof bait stations to minimize the risk of accidental ingestion. Be aware that poisoned rodents may die in inaccessible areas, leading to unpleasant odors and the potential for secondary poisoning if scavenging animals consume the carcasses.
Natural predators can also play a role in rodent control. Barn cats, owls, and other predators can help to keep the rodent population in check, though they should not be relied upon as the sole method of control. A good barn cat can be a deterrent to rodents, but it may not be enough to eliminate an infestation on its own. Encouraging owls and other birds of prey to nest near the barn can be beneficial, but these predators will typically only help manage the population, not eradicate it entirely. If you have free ranging chickens or other fowl, you probably don’t want to encourage birds of prey to spend their time at your barnyard.
In addition to traditional methods, some farmers and barn owners have begun to explore electronic rodent repellents as a means of keeping rodents at bay. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans and most animals but are uncomfortable or disturbing to rodents. While some people report success with these devices, they are not always effective on their own and should be used in conjunction with other control measures. The effectiveness of these repellents may also diminish over time, as rodents can become accustomed to the sound.
Keeping rodents out of barns and feed rooms during the winter requires a multi-layered approach that focuses on exclusion, sanitation, and control. By sealing up entry points, keeping the barn clean and organized, storing feed in rodent-proof containers, and using traps or other control methods when necessary, you can significantly reduce the risk of rodent infestations. It’s also important to remember that rodent control is an ongoing process. Regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance are necessary to ensure that your barn remains rodent-free throughout the winter and beyond. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your livestock, preserve your feed, and prevent the damage and health risks associated with rodent infestations.
