December

15

2011

 
mouse eating seeds and grain

Mice are major problems for farmers, food storage facilities, and many other industries
Mice and rats are some of the most common and troublesome pests, and some of their favorite foods include seeds and grain.  This spells big trouble for farmers, food processing plants, food storage facilities, and many other industriesin Idaho, Oregon, and throughout the Pacific Northwest.  Not only can they eat significant amounts of produce, they will also contaminate any foods that they come into contact with, causing massive amounts of product to go to waste.  Proper storage of grain and good sanitation practices can go a long way towards keeping your product pest free:

  • Seal entry points – Repair any holes or cracks in the wall, doors, and foundation of your storage facility.  Also, remove any overhanging branches; rodents are excellent climbers and can use branches to gain access to your roof.  Clear any shrubs and weeds from the edge of the building; rodents don’t like open spaces.

  • Clean often – Rodents love clutter; remove any empty sacks or garbage.  This will eliminate many possible nesting sites for mice and rats.

  • Remove food sources – Do not leave any grain lying on the ground; immediately clean up any spills.  Make sure all grain is stored in tightly sealed containers or sacks, and store them high enough off of the ground that the rodents cannot jump up to reach them.  This includes feed for other animals, such as chickens.

If your farm is having rodent control problems, or problems with any other pest, Sprague Pest Solutions can help.  Sprague offers commercial pest control in Utah, Washington, and throughout the Northwest.  Contact us today to exterminate your pests.