By proadAccountId-15759
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April 10, 2020
If you own a farm with a barn or have a barn on your residential property, you understand the importance of keeping it free of ro dents. Whether it be to prevent disease, keep the structural integrity of your barn sound, or anything in between, there are several measures that can be taken to prevent these rodents from wreaking havoc on your property. Below are a few indicators and preventative measures that we suggest for pest control. Signs of A Rat Infestation Should you begin to notice unusual droppings (a half an inch or larger), a strong musty urine-like odor, chew marks on wood (about the size of a quarter with rough edges), or electrical wiring, you most likely have a rat problem in your barn. It is important to take care of these issues immediately, as rodents contaminate water and feed sources with their waste, can transmit disease and carry organisms and parasites, such as fleas. They also have the ability to create fire hazards by gnawing on wiring and creating nests in appliances. Preventative Measures Although it is many times too late to stop the spread of a rat infestation yourself, there are several preventative measures that can be taken to keep your barn rodent free. We suggest keeping grain and feed products safe by placing them in metal bins with tight-fitting lids (paper and plastic can easily be chewed through). If you do have these bins, it is equally important to make sure you do not spill the grain or feed or leave it on the barn floor where rats can easily get to it. Another preventative measure is keeping your barn clean. Rats love dark, damp areas, so it’s important to have a dry, clean, well-lighted place. We also suggest making sure there are no holes or openings in the barn where rats can sneak in. They can fit through incredibly small areas that you would not normally expect. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.