Hey folks!
I’m at my wit’s end dealing with a rat infestation on my 10-acre crop and livestock farm. These pests are destroying stored grain, contaminating animal feed, and even chewing through irrigation lines! I’ve tried bait stations and traps, but the population seems endless. Rats are smart, they avoid my efforts and keep multiplying.
Here’s my situation:
- Hotspots: Grain silos, chicken coops, and compost piles are their favorite hangouts.
- Damage: Lost $1,200 worth of corn last month alone. My chickens are stressed, and I’m worried about disease spread.
- Attempted Solutions: Snap traps, zinc phosphide bait, and clearing vegetation near barns, still no long-term fix.
Rats wiped out my soybean seeds last year! Two game-changers: barn owls and terrier dogs. My Jack Russell killed 30 rats in a week. Also, keep grass mowed, rats hate open spaces.
@OldMacDonald Barn owls sound awesome! Do they stick around, or do I need to attract them yearly?
For silos, wrap the base with metal sheeting (rats can’t climb smooth surfaces). Use concrete bins for grain, they’re chew-proof. Also, elevate storage pallets to reduce hiding spots.
Skip poison, it kills predators that eat rats. Bucket traps are cheap and deadly. Half-fill with water, add floating bait (peanut butter), and they drown trying to reach it.
@EcoFarmGal Bucket traps work! I caught 50+ rats in a month. Pro tip: Add a spin wheel with ramps, rats fall in and can’t escape.
Rats breed fastest in fall when food is plentiful. Before harvest, deploy snap traps (heavy-duty for big Norway rats). Bait with bacon grease, they can’t resist!
Contaminated feed = disaster. Mix food-grade diatomaceous earth into grain, it dehydrates rats but safe for livestock. Also, seal coop vents with 1/4-inch hardware cloth.
I use solar-powered ultrasonic repellents around my compost. They emit high-frequency waves, rats hate it! Not 100% effective alone, but great with other methods.
Rats thrive in monoculture farms. Plant diverse crops and create habitats for snakes (non-venomous ones!). Garter snakes eat baby rats and eggs.
Zinc phosphide works but USE CAUTION. Rotate poisons to avoid resistance. Always remove carcasses, dead rats = fleas + stink.
In dairy barns, mint oil sprayed on hay keeps rats away. They hate the smell. Also, motion-activated lights scare them off at night.
Game plan so far: Owl boxes + bucket traps + metal silo guards. Anyone combine floodlights with traps? Do rats avoid bright areas?
For large farms, invest in automated bait stations. They track rodent activity and dispense bait only when needed. Pricey but cuts labor by 80%.