When it comes to rodent control, exclusion often gets overlooked. Yet, it should be the first line of defense in any comprehensive rodent management program. Keeping rodents out of your barns from the start is not only more effective but also more sustainable in the long run when you factor in building damage and the cost of feed consumption and contamination.
Tips for Rodent-Proofing Your Barn:
- Seal Gaps and Cracks
Older barns often have gaps from lumber shrinking overtime. Fill holes with stainless steel Fill Fabric from Xcluder® and seal with BASF MasterSeal® NP 1™ for a complete seal – rodents won’t chew through it.
- Check Outer Tin Walls
Rodents can sneak in through untrimmed edges or corners of wall and roof tin. Seal these spots where possible while still allowing attic spaces to breathe. Common items used to fix this issue are Xcluder stainless steel wool Fill Fabric and sheet metal or steel siding.
- Secure Door Thresholds
Uneven concrete can leave gaps under doors. Install Xcluder® Versa-Line Rodent Proof Door Sweeps to block entry, these are available in 36″ and 48″ widths and can be cut to size for an exact fit. These products use industrial-grade rubber exterior with Xcluder® Fill Fabric core seals under-door gaps up to 1 ¾ inches. Xcluder products have been proven effective by the USDA/APHIS laboratory.
- Protect Cool Cell Areas
These spots are tough to seal and may be the hardest place to exclude rodents from getting into your barns. Some farms have success with using electric fencing 4 to 6 inches off the ground – double layers work well to help prevent rodents from jumping over the wire.
- Eliminate Wall Voids
Avoid hollow walls that give rodents a place to hide. Solid lumber walls are a great option where insulation isn’t needed.
- Use Exterior Bait Stations
For continuous infestations, keep bait stations outside with fresh rodenticide as your first defense for eliminating rodents:
- Mice: 8 to 12 feet apart
- Rats: 15 to 30 feet apart
Final Thoughts
Rodent exclusion should be your top priority in any barn management strategy. By identifying and sealing structural vulnerabilities, reinforcing weak points, and combining physical exclusion with smart baiting practices, you can significantly reduce rodent pressure and protect your long-term farm investment.
Reach out to our team – we’re here to help guide you in building a strong defense against rodents from the ground up. You can also sign up or request a free farm inspection to get started with a tailored plan.
