Lodi UK is warning farmers that they will need to step up the fight against rodents ahead of an anticipated influx of rats and mice seeking shelter from the cold weather.
Pest control technical advisor, Dave Reece, notes that the recent downpours and flash flooding, coupled with dropping temperatures, will encourage rodents to seek shelter.
“The double whammy of the cold and wet weather is going to make rats move quickly and potentially create problems on many farms,” he says.
“It’s important to try and get ahead of any rodent problem early and get control protocols in place now.
“Rodents not only spread disease and contaminate feed, but they also cause damage to infrastructure and machinery by chewing through electric cables and weakening concrete floors and walls through their burrowing.”
Dave adds that areas, where rodents have been a problem in previous years, will be a good place to start and that farmers should take steps to deter them, as well as laying bait in problem areas.
“I’m not expecting farmers to check every square inch of their farms, but there will be known problem areas that they need to check as soon as possible.”
Hotspots can include areas with water, as rats need to drink 12ml of liquid per 100g of body weight per day, as well as feed, grain and hay stores.
“Maintaining a tidy farm is paramount, so farmers should clean up rubbish and feed spills, and ensure grain or hay is properly stored to make the environment less attractive to rodents,” he says.
“Additionally, sealing holes and repairing any structural damage, such as broken windows or gaps in walls, will help prevent rodents from entering buildings and nesting inside.
“Unnecessary water sources, such as disused water troughs, should also be addressed because removing them will force the rodents to move to find a new water source.”
Choosing the right bait to suit the farm will give the best possible outcome, he adds.
“For example, grain bait cannot be placed inside the grain store, so blocks or paste would be better suited there.
“If you’re unsure of which bait you should be using, seeking the advice of an experienced pest controller is recommended.”