MSU Extension Pork

Pests can have many impacts on your daily operations. Examples of these are the rodent consumption of feed which does add up to feed losses and potentially contaminated feed, the potential for spreading disease to or within a facility, and issues with building maintenance as rodents tend to undermine building foundations, concrete slabs, electrical wiring, and infiltration openings throughout the facility. These factors, along with others, affect the economic viability of any swine operation and if a rodent control program is not implemented the facility is at risk for a major infestation. Signs of active rodent sites include: Vocalization or squeaking. Gnawing on wires and fabrics. Droppings around walls, behind walls, and near food supply. Burrow patterns around 
the outside of the facility. Smudge marks in the dust on pipes and rafters. Exceptional care should be taken when making observations in usual places where evidence of rodents is typically seen: Doorways Feed bins or loose feed Near walls and or cracks around the facility Windows or ledges Areas of vegetation adjacent to or around facility The problem is rats and mice are not just annoying, they can be extremely dangerous. Rodents are the number 1 vector 
for disease transmission. Farms should consider developing 
Standard Operating Procedures for the sites which will help bring consistency as the steps of the plan are completed and will meet the requirements of various assessment programs. There are various building design suggestions and operational recommendations that will help control the rodent population at a facility. Some of these include: Maintain a 19-inch barrier of stone or crushed concrete surrounding the site. Complete routine inspections for signs of rodent infestations. Keep trash and feed cleaned up Complete regular outdoor maintenance before and after extreme weather. Place flaps or crushed wire mesh on inlets. If using bait stations, check them daily and replace bait until consumption of bait lessens, then check weekly. Rotate types of rodent baits to maintain efficacy. Contrary to popular belief, cats do not make good rodent control. Not only do they have the potential to eat the pig's feed, but they can bring in their own diseases as well, such as toxoplasmosis. The best way to prevent pest and rodent problems is proper biosecurity and routine maintenance in the outdoor environment.