Farm pest control services are never simple.
You’re not just walking into a kitchen with a few crumbs.
You’re stepping into decades-old barns, active machinery sheds, feed storage zones and everything in between.
In Willmar, Minnesota, Luke Buggert from Complete Ground Control knows that better than anyone.
On this particular day, he wasn’t just dealing with bat exclusions he was working the frontlines of rural pest control on multiple farm sites where rats, mice, and bats are a constant threat.
But rodents weren’t the only thing that could bite.
So could the environment.
Why Farm Sites Are Complicated and Dangerous
Unlike a house or commercial property, farms are sprawling ecosystems full of uncontrollable variables.
You’re dealing with:
- Multiple food sources like grains, livestock feed, and waste
- Access points in nearly every wall, floor, and roof seam
- Animals on-site, including livestock, dogs, and wildlife
- Old buildings with fragile structures and sharp, rusty equipment
- Heavy machinery and low-clearance areas that pose serious risks
“Farm sites can obviously be complicated, due to multiple food sources that rodents can get into… and you have to be careful so you’re not hurting any farm animals or wildlife.”
One step in the wrong direction and you could be face-to-face with a bull—or impaled on a rusted auger arm.
Key Hazards Pest Control Pros Face on Farms:
- Unpredictable animal behavior (cows, bulls, dogs)
- Sharp, exposed equipment parts in barns and sheds
- Trip hazards from old tools, wires, or feed bags
- Structural weaknesses in aging buildings
- Close contact with contaminated spaces (droppings, nests, dander)
What It Takes to Handle Pests in Farm Environments
It’s not just about knowing how to bait a rat.
Farm pest control demands real strategy and often, fast thinking.
When food is everywhere, getting rodents to choose your bait is a challenge on its own.
Then there’s the issue of safety, not just for people, but for animals and the environment.
Complete Ground Control technicians follow strict guidelines to:
- Place traps and bait stations out of livestock reach
- Avoid cross-contamination with feed and food products
- Ensure wildlife and pets aren’t exposed to toxins
- Use non-lethal exclusion when appropriate (especially for bats)
- Document hazards and communicate with farmers directly
Pest Threats and Farm Control Strategies
| Pest Type | Challenge | Common Control Method |
|---|---|---|
| Rats/Mice | Competing food sources | Enclosed bait stations, traps |
| Bats | Entry in old structures | One-way exclusion devices |
| Squirrels | Nesting in equipment sheds | Sealing and relocation |
Farm Equipment Makes Control Harder And More Dangerous
Old barns are full of charm and hazards.
They hide nests, droppings, holes, and entry points.
Rodents love crawling behind or under idle machinery, especially if it hasn’t moved in years.
“You’re going into old barns and storage facilities with large equipment, sharp pieces… things you can hit your head on. So it’s potentially a dangerous, complicated place.”
In these spaces, pest control isn’t just about the pests it’s about not becoming a victim of the environment.
Technicians often need:
- Hard hats for low rafters
- Flashlights and headlamps for unlit crawlspaces
- Steel-toe boots for barnyard debris
- Full PPE when dealing with bat droppings or rodent nests
Don’t Wait Until It’s an Infestation
Most farmers are proactive but some wait until there’s visible evidence before calling in pest control.
That’s when problems have already escalated.
Here’s what you should be watching for:
- Trails of droppings near feed rooms or grain bins
- Gnaw marks on feed bags, wires, or insulation
- Rustling in the walls or attic spaces
- Unusual animal behavior dogs sniffing specific areas repeatedly
- Bats seen flying at dusk from barns or silos
Common Warning Signs by Pest Type
| Pest | Visible Signs | Sounds or Smells |
|---|---|---|
| Mice/Rats | Droppings, gnawed bags | Scratching in walls, musty odor |
| Bats | Staining near attic vents | High-pitched squeaking |
| Squirrels | Nesting debris in corners | Daytime thumping or chirping |
A farm is an ever-changing work zone.
That’s why Complete Ground Control takes every possible precaution when performing pest and wildlife work in these areas.
It’s about protecting:
- The technician
- The farmer
- The animals
- The property itself
Here’s How They Stay Safe and Effective:
- Pre-job safety checks for equipment hazards
- Clear communication with farm owners about where traps are placed
- Hazard marking where bait stations are not visible
- Cross-checking for livestock proximity
- Environmental-friendly product use where applicable
Safety Protocols for Farm Pest Work
| Safety Measure | Purpose | Applied For |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment checks | Avoid injury on sharp/old tools | Barns, sheds |
| Non-toxic bait areas | Protect livestock and pets | Feed storage, paddocks |
| PPE usage | Prevent exposure to contaminants | Bat and rodent cleanup |
Why We Think This is Important
Farmers are already dealing with enough from unpredictable weather to tight margins.
Pests only add more pressure.
Rodents eat feed, damage structures, and spread disease.
Bats, though protected, can also bring health risks and property damage when left unchecked.
That’s why Complete Ground Control puts everything into delivering safe, efficient, and thorough farm pest control services.
They’re not afraid of tight spaces, rusted rafters, or complex layouts.
They understand your farm isn’t just your business it’s your legacy.
If you’re dealing with even small signs of rodent or bat activity, now is the time to act.
Waiting only makes it worse and more expensive.
Trust the team that’s walked through every kind of barn, braved every kind of hazard, and still delivers results.
FAQs
Is pest control safe around livestock and feed?
Yes. Complete Ground Control uses livestock-safe bait stations and keeps all traps away from food, water, and animals. Safety is always the top priority.
What makes farm pest control more complicated?
Farms have multiple food sources, exposed access points, and active animals. Plus, the buildings are older and harder to seal, making exclusion work trickier and riskier.
Can I do farm pest control myself?
Some basic steps can help, but when infestations start or wildlife is involved, it’s always better to bring in professionals with the right tools and safety procedures.
How do I know if bats are in my barn?
Look for dark stains near vents or eaves, droppings on rafters, or bats flying at dusk. A technician can confirm activity during a proper inspection.
What’s the best time to do farm pest control?
Early spring and fall are best, but rodents and bats can enter year-round. Regular monitoring and preventive service are key for long-term control.
