What should you do with rats in a barn? - briefly
Use appropriate traps to remove the rodents, then clean and disinfect the barn thoroughly. Seal all gaps and store feed in rodent‑proof containers to prevent re‑infestation.
What should you do with rats in a barn? - in detail
Addressing a rodent infestation in a barn requires a systematic approach that combines sanitation, structural exclusion, population reduction, and ongoing monitoring.
Begin by eliminating food sources. Store grain, feed, and hay in sealed containers; clean spillage from the floor and feeding troughs daily. Remove standing water and fix leaks that provide drinking points.
Inspect the building envelope for entry points. Seal cracks, gaps around vents, pipe penetrations, and doors with steel wool, hardware cloth, or cement. Install self‑closing doors on all external accessways.
Implement a reduction program. Set up snap traps or live‑capture devices along walls, near nesting sites, and in dark corners. Use bait that matches the barn’s feed type to increase catch rates. If chemical control is appropriate, place anticoagulant bait stations in tamper‑resistant boxes, positioning them out of reach of livestock and children. Follow label instructions and rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance.
After each capture, record location, date, and number of rodents removed. Continue trapping and baiting until catches decline to zero for at least three consecutive weeks.
Maintain a regular inspection schedule. Conduct weekly visual checks for new droppings, gnaw marks, or signs of activity. Re‑seal any fresh openings promptly.
If the infestation persists despite these measures, engage a licensed pest‑management professional to assess the situation and apply advanced control techniques.
Document all actions, results, and adjustments. This record supports compliance with agricultural regulations and provides a reference for future prevention.