A major part of rodent control is eliminating the rodents' supply of food, water and harborage. Take away these essential elements and rats and mice will either move on or be so stressed they'll slow down their reproduction.

Sanitation and rodent-proofing measures will go a long way in keeping rodent populations down in your facilities. Difficult as it may seem in an agricultural setting, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize infestations.

SANITATION
Identify where sanitation measures are needed. For example, clean up spilled grain wherever possible. Reducing a rodent's food and water supply keeps populations down and increases bait acceptance.
 
 
 
 
Remove rodent harborage, such as trash, discarded wood and boards, pipes, old equipment and other debris that rodents can use for nesting or hiding.
 
 
 
 
  Cut down overgrown vegetation and set up a 3-foot wide "sterile" zone, preferably covered with gravel, on the exterior perimeter of buildings.

RODENT-PROOFING
Rodent-proof buildings by fixing gaps in doors or holes in curtains, for example, to keep rodents out.
 
 
 
 
  Seal potential entry points for rodents, if possible, such as outside vents, unsealed utility lines or openings for feed lines going into the building.