As the colder months approach, rodents are often driven indoors in search of warmth and food, making farms, barns, storage facilities, and construction sites particularly vulnerable. These pests pose various risks, such as damage to stored goods, contamination of crops, and health hazards to workers.
In this post, we will provide tips on preparing for potential rodent infestations, with a focus on the farming and construction industries. Using our over 40 years of experience, we’ve compiled the most effective strategies to help keep your property rodent-free this winter.
Why rodents are a problem in cold weather
During colder months, rodents, such as rats, mice and squirrels, not only seek shelter and warmth indoors. But as food sources become scarce and vegetation dies off, this drives them into barns, storage units, and even construction sites. Mice, in particular, tend to increase their reproductive activity during this time, making them more aggressive in seeking shelter.
These pests can carry parasites and diseases, damage infrastructure, and contaminate food sources, making it essential to prevent them from entering your premises.
Common entry points for rodents
Rodents are highly adept at finding entry points into buildings. Key areas to monitor include:
- Gaps around doors and windows: Ill-fitted or damaged doors and windows provide easy access for rodents. Make sure to repair these where you can or cover them up with materials such as rubber seals, filler or sealant containing metal fibres, or steel plates so they cannot chew through.
- Cracks in walls and foundations: Even the smallest crack can allow mice and rats to squeeze through. Fill these with silicone as again this is hard for them to chew through.
- Openings around utility lines: Gaps surrounding pipes, wiring, and drains offer convenient entry points.
- Unsealed vents and large doorways: Unscreened vents and open doors, especially in barns and construction sites, make easy access points.
Though not an entry point, it’s also essential to remove any pools of water. While mice don’t need a water supply, rats do, so they will be attracted to puddles and leaks. It’s good practice to ensure no water is pooling anywhere and to repair or replace anything leading to puddles.
Sealing these gaps, fixing any broken seals, and ensuring proper insulation around utility lines can significantly reduce the risk of infestation. Things like closing doors after entering and exiting are good practice and an easy first step to blocking out rodents.
Signs of a rodent infestation
Sometimes, no matter how much you prepare your building, rats, mice and squirrels may still find a way through. Early detection is key to preventing a full-blown rodent infestation. Signs to look out for include:
- Droppings: Fresh or old droppings can indicate the presence of rodents. The quantity and state of the droppings can give you an idea of how long the infestation has been there. Rodent droppings are dark, and rat droppings are slightly larger than a grain of rice.
- Dark marks on walls: Look for dark marks on walls close to the floor. Rodent tails collect dust and dirt from the ground, so when they run alongside walls, their tails can leave marks.
- Scratching noises: Rodents often scurry around at night, so listen for scratching sounds in walls or floors.
- Chew marks and nests: Rodents gnaw on various materials, leaving telltale signs. Look for chewed cardboard, insulation, or piles of sawdust, which can indicate nesting sites.
Rodent control methods
There are various methods available to control and eliminate rodents, but safety precautions should always be followed:
Rodenticides (Poison): These can be effective but must be used cautiously. Some are restricted to professional pest controllers, while others are available for general use. Always keep them out of reach of children and pets, ideally in a locked or secure space. Use bait boxes to contain the poison and protect non-target species.
In certain areas, it is legally required to use tamper-proof bait stations, especially in public spaces and protected zones. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and dispose of dead rodents promptly to avoid any contamination in public environments.
Traps: Mechanical traps, such as Snap-E traps, are an effective way to catch rodents. Place them along walls where rodents typically run, as they tend to stay close to the edges of rooms. This model is also available in a smaller size for a mouse trap.
Pest control help at AFS Supplies
As winter approaches, agricultural spaces, storage facilities, and construction sites become more susceptible to rodent infestations. Implementing preventative measures like sealing entry points, monitoring for signs of infestation, and using safe and effective control methods can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your property.
For more information on our pest control products or to speak to a member of our team, give us a call on 01842 765 634. We’re here to help you find the best solutions for your situation.
