Vermin and pests are a constant concern for anyone managing rural properties, whether it’s a working farm or a residential space in a rural area. Rodents, flies, and other unwanted guests can cause significant damage, spread disease, and compromise the health of both humans and animals.
Common Types of Vermin & Typical Behaviour
Vermin can be a problem year-round, particularly in areas with easy access to food, water, and shelter. The most common intruders typically include:
- Mice and Rats | These rodents are notorious for chewing through packaging, wiring, insulation, and crops. Mice and rats are typically nocturnal and seek dark, hidden areas to nest, like sheds, barns, attics, inside wall spaces, and even in vehicles/machinery.
- Flies | Flies are a major concern for livestock owners, particularly in warm weather. Flies are attracted to organic matter like manure and decaying food, making them a common problem on properties with livestock. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also spread harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
Signs of Unwanted Visitors on Your Farm
Knowing the signs of vermin infestation is crucial to catching the problem early and minimising damage. Some common signs may include:
- Droppings | Rodent droppings are one of the clearest signs of an infestation. They are typically found near food sources, nesting areas, and along common travel paths.
- Gnaw Marks and Chewed Materials | Mice and rats tend to chew on everything from wooden beams to plastic, wires, and even insulation. If you spot unusual wear on equipment, structures, or packaging, it’s a sure sign of rodents.
- Footprints and Smudge Marks | Vermin like to travel along walls or beams, leaving behind marks from their fur or the oils on their bodies.
- Unusual Noises | Scratching or scurrying sounds coming from walls, ceilings, or farm sheds will typically be a sign that vermin are moving around in hidden spaces.
- Nesting Materials | Rodents typically create nests using shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter. These nests are commonly found in dark, secluded places, such as under/behind equipment or in cupboards and areas less used day-to-day.
The Risks of Vermin Infestation
The risks posed by vermin are not just about the physical damage which they can so easily cause, but they may also jeopardise the health of your livestock and your family. Preventing vermin infestation is vital for maintaining the health of your farm and protecting both your livestock and your livelihood. Rodents and flies can:
- Transmit Diseases | Rodents and flies are known carriers of several harmful diseases, including salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. These can spread to humans and animals through direct contact, droppings, or contaminated food and water.
- Damage Livestock Feed | Mice and rats will contaminate feed with droppings and urine, which not only wastes valuable resources but can also lead to the spread of illness in livestock.
- Spread Parasite Infestations | Rodents and flies are also known to harbour parasites, including fleas, worms, ticks, and mites, which can infect animals and lead to further health complications.
Effective Pest Control Solutions
At FarmCo, we offer a wide range of pest control solutions designed to help you keep your farm safe from unwanted visitors. Here are some of our most popular and effective products:
- Racumin (Non-Secondary Kill)
Racumin is a rodent bait designed with minimal risk of secondary poisoning, making it safe to use around pets, livestock, and wildlife. It targets rodents quickly and effectively without posing a significant risk to non-target species.
Shop Racumin Paste
- Bainbridge Rodent Bait Blocks
These bait blocks are highly effective for rodent control and can be used in a variety of environments. They are ideal for eliminating rodents in storage sheds, barns, and even homes.
Shop Bainbridge Rodent Bait Blocks
- Bayer Coopex Residual Insecticide
Coopex is a versatile insecticide that provides residual protection against a wide range of flying and crawling insects, including flies. It is ideal for treating areas with high insect activity.
Shop Bayer Coopex Insecticide
- Bainbridge Bait Stations
For safe and controlled bait placement, Bainbridge Bait Stations are a great option. They ensure that rodent bait is securely distributed, minimising the risk of it being accessed by pets and children.
Shop Bainbridge Bait Stations
- Bainbridge Fly Traps
Flies are not only a nuisance but also a health hazard. Bainbridge Fly Traps use a specially designed attractant to draw flies in and trap them, providing relief from these pests around your farm.
Shop Bainbridge Fly Traps
- Bainbridge Glue Traps/Boards
These easy-to-use traps are perfect for capturing rodents. Simply place them in areas where vermin are active, and the strong adhesive will securely trap mice and rats. Perfect for high-traffic areas like storage spaces and sheds.
Shop Bainbridge Glue Traps/Boards
Protect Your Farm with FarmCo
Preventing and controlling vermin infestations is critical to the health and productivity of your farm. At FarmCo, we understand the challenges farmers face and offer expert advice along with the highest-quality pest control products. Whether you’re dealing with rodents, flies, or other pests, we’ve got the solutions you need to protect your farm, livestock, and family.
Visit the Insect and Vermin Control page on our website to find the right products for your needs, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team for expert advice. Stay safe, and keep your farm thriving with FarmCo’s pest control solutions.
If you’d like to read more about flies, head over and explore our blog ‘The 5 Biggest Mistakes Farmers Make When Tackling Buffalo Fly in Cattle’ OR ‘Controlling Blowfly Strike in Sheep’
