Pole buildings provide storage space for farmers and homeowners at an affordable price. Protect the longevity of your equipment and other stored items by ensuring your pole barn is uncontaminated by pests.
An obvious method for pest removal is to purchase traps. Not all traps work are the same, however, so do some research to find the trap that is best for the needs of the building. When setting traps, pay careful attention to the instructions. Walk around the building to determine the best place to set a trap. Look for areas with large amounts of droppings. The traps should be checked daily and reset or replaced if needed.
Look for “bedding” areas where rodents have set up camp. These bedding areas are usually made up of items found around the area, such as lint or cotton. Food will also be stored in these areas. Be sure to clean up the bedding and the food storage. Vacuum areas with rodent evidence, including droppings. Disinfect and wipe up urine spots.
Rats and mice cause different amounts of damage. In addition to causing unsightly urine stains and smells, rodents can cause damage to the structure itself. If proper pest control is not taken, getting rid of these animals may prove to be difficult and will be more costly than the initial pest removal.
A way to block rodents and prevent inadvertent mouse doors is to use z-shaped flashing to block access ports. They can be purchased from a home improvement store and they are cheap, around $60 is enough to cover a 40×56-foot building and they come in 10-foot lengths. They are easy to install as well, by loosening the bottom row of screws holding skin to the baseboard, slipping until it is snug, and screwing it in place.
Consider flashing when constructing the pole building if possible, which may prevent problems later. After installing flashing, consider installing motion activated cameras, such as barn owl cameras. They make noise or flash when a rodent crosses their path and will be useful to place in areas of suspected rodent activity or potential openings where they can enter.
A popular recommendation to keep mice at bay is one of the most simple: consider getting a cat or two. Female cats are preferred, as they are less likely to mark territory all over the barn. Another way to kill rodents is to use a five gallon bucket to drown them. Google and YouTube both contain videos of how to set up this trap.
Perhaps another way to deal with pests is to use natural repellents. Some surprising items are often extremely effective, things like fabric softener sheets have been known to discourage rodents. Pests are also deterred by certain scents like cloves, mothballs, and peppermint.
Questions about building a pole barn? Contact us at MilMar Post Buildings.