Your livestock relies on a steady supply of nutritious animal feed to thrive, which is why pest control is so crucial on farms. Rodents like mice and rats will go to great lengths to access food sources, which can cause illness in your animals and cost you money. Here are a few steps you can take to secure feed. 

How to Keep Your Livestock Feed Free of Rodents

1. Ensure Storage Areas Are Secure

Rodents are notorious for squeezing through even the tiniest gaps as they search for food. If you keep feed in a shed or some other freestanding structure, thoroughly inspect it to find possible routes inside. 

Along with holes and cracks, keep an eye out for gaps around windows, vents, or other fixtures. Make sure the door is flush with the ground and that there aren't any deficiencies in the roof. If you notice possible access points, seal them as soon as possible.

2. Deprive Pests of Hiding Places Outside 

While you're assessing the exterior of your shed, pay attention to any nearby trees and shrubs. Rodents can hide in bushes and run into the building through an open door, or they can access the roof using overhanging branches. When trimming shrubs, leave the bottom 18 inches bare to stop pests from hiding underneath. You should also prune any overhanging tree branches to eliminate access to the top of your shed. 

3. Keep Animal Feed in Sealed Containers 

Feed should be properly secured in case rodents are able to slip into your newly fortified structure. While you can keep feed in its original packaging, it must be stored in sealed containers that are impossible to chew through. Because rats and mice have strong teeth, plastic and wood are not usually recommended for feed storage. Instead, use a metal trashcan with a lid that can be tightly secured on top. 

Farmers in Dove Creek, CO, know where to find quality animal feed and other essential supplies. For more than 25 years, Carhart Feed & Seed Co. has provided great products and unbeatable service to local customers. The staff is always happy to discuss your needs and offer guidance, whether you have questions about farming, gardening, or lawn care. And if you can't find what you're looking for, they'll go the extra mile to help. Call (970) 677-2233 to learn more about their current inventory.