A farmer’s existence can be extremely gratifying. Without the hard labor of livestock and agricultural producers, U.S. food production would come to a screeching halt.
Nevertheless, many farmers often find it as if they are in a perpetual struggle with nature. Surviving a planting season without losing a substantial amount of your crop to weather-related events can seem like a feat.
However, while you have little influence over the weather, you can safeguard your crops from another significant threat: pests. Learn more about how rodents tend to target many common crops and How To Prevent Damages Caused by Rodents to Crops and Farms.
DANGEROUSNESS OF RODENT INFESTATIONS
Rodent damage to storage facilities and planting and harvesting machinery costs American farmers millions of dollars annually.
Rats, fleas, and other parasites can bring unpleasant and even lethal diseases, so keeping your crops rodent-free may be key to selling them.
WHAT RODENTS SEEK FOR SHELTER
Crop farms are inhabited by mice, rats, and voles because they provide a good environment. High-calorie crops like maize, soybeans, peanuts, or cereals and predator-free barns, silos, and grain cellars may attract rats.
You may wonder if it’s best to raise your product rather than protect it. Even mice well-fed on your maize, soybeans, and other crops might find devastation elsewhere on your farm, making complacency perilous.
Current engines cover many electrical components with soy-based plastic instead of petroleum-based plastic. Soy-based plastic is cheaper and better for the environment, but it attracts rodents that can destroy cables for thousands.
Rodents can damage storage buildings’ structures. Mice and rats can fit through openings much smaller than they appear, so sealed silos that you thought were rodent-proof may not be.
Rat excrement and urine can corrode concrete and undermine agricultural facilities.
PROTECTING AGAINST RODENT DAMAGE
Pesticides and traps may temporarily lower rodent populations, but they won’t modify their behavior or surroundings.
Affecting the mice’s reproductive cycle and then employing targeted poisons or traps to kill any survivors can lower your farm’s rodent population.
First, investigate your property to find rodent resources. Then, you can work with black-owned exterminators near me to threaten these resources at crucial times.
Reducing rodents’ main food source during mating season can result in smaller litters, slowing their exponential growth rate. Impeding rats’ ability to save food for winter may lower their population when winter approaches.
Eliminate hiding or nesting spots. If a corner of your barn is cluttered with old equipment, feed bags, and other debris, clear it before starting.
The more exposed rodents feel on your property, the more probable they will find.
After making your farm less rat-friendly, use traps and pesticides.
Traps placed in “travel corridors” or regular rat access locations can safeguard crops day and night.
Rats die from toxins. Rats and mice are hard to poison because they eat so little.
However, tasteless and odorless anticoagulant medications such as warfarin can be useful because of their fast-acting properties.
By applying these steps, you can reduce your stress and increase your crop productivity and income.
Contact weed and pest control near me or Deanya Pest Control at (773)692-3615 for info on How Year-Round Pest Control Can Help You.
