Rodents coming in from the cold

As farms diversify into holiday lets, farm shops, and renewable energy projects, one challenge remains constant: rodent infestations.
With natural food supplies running low this autumn, rats and mice will soon be on the move, seeking food sources around farmyards and rural enterprises.

Spot the early signs

• Rodents are most active at night. Walk your farm at dawn or dusk and look for:
• Scurrying rodents, fresh burrows, or footprints in damp ground
• Chewed door frames or gnawed feed bags
• Squeaks and other subtle signs of activity

Monitoring & control

• Use feed in bait stations to test for activity before switching to rodenticide
• Keep accurate records of bait type, placement, and dates
• Always follow best practice to protect non-target species
• Stay vigilant

Rodent populations can quickly return even after control is achieved. Keeping bait stations in place and monitoring regularly is the best way to protect your farm, livestock, and diversification projects.