Rodent Control

The risks and costs of rodent infestation

Rats and mice are abundant on animal farming operations. In some areas, more than 90% of the farms are infested with rats and/or mice. On farms, which provide shelter and plenty of food, infestations establish rapidly and have a very negative economic impact.

 

 

Feed loss and contamination

In pig production units, pest populations numbering up to 15,000 rats have been assessed. In 24 hours, such a population eats 300 kg of food (equivalent to 110 tons of feed/year). Additionally these rats can contaminate up to 10 times more feed than they eat excreting around 300,000 droppings and 150 litres of urine every day.

[Source:  Sorex International]

 

 

Disease transmission

Rats and mice are carriers of some 45 diseases and are capable of contaminating farm feed and water supplies helping to spread disease from contaminated to uncontaminated areas and from animal to animal.

Although droppings are the most common method of disease transmission, diseases can also be spread via their fur, urine, saliva, and blood.

Many of these diseases are harmful to livestock and humans. They also have a negative impact on production.

[Source: Source Sorex International]

 

Major pathogens transmitted by rodents

 

 

Damage to buildings and equipment

Rats and mice cause major structural damage to farm buildings and equipment.

They spend around half an hour a day gnawing which, when multiplied by a population of hundreds or thousands, can equate to significant damage in a very short time.

Wires on electrical equipment, such as fans and conveyors, hold a special appeal for rodents. Gnawed wiring can lead to expensive repair bills and, even worse, fires. It is estimated that up to 50% of farm fires are related to the presence of rodents.

Mice like to live in cracks and crevices within farm buildings. They damage and destroy the integrity of insulation materials resulting in increased energy costs and expensive repair or replacement bills.

Rats also burrow around the outside of farm buildings which can cause major damage to foundations, walkways, driveways and drainage systems.