Farm sheds & workshops: pest-proofing for stored gear, seed, and feed

McMillan Industries
Feb 16
2 min read

Farm sheds and workshops are essential working spaces—but they’re also prime real estate for pests. With shelter, warmth, and easy access to food, sheds can quickly attract rodents, insects, and birds that damage equipment, contaminate feed, and create costly clean-ups. The good news? A few smart prevention steps can make a big difference.

Here’s how to pest-proof your farm sheds and workshops and protect what’s stored inside.

The most frequent problems in rural sheds include:

Rodents (mice and rats) chewing wiring, insulation, and stored items
Grain insects infesting seed and feed bags
Cockroaches and ants attracted to moisture and spills
Birds nesting in rafters and contaminating surfaces
Spiders (including redbacks) favouring undisturbed corners

Left unchecked, these pests can damage machinery, contaminate livestock feed, and pose health and safety risks.

1. Control access points

Pest-proofing starts with stopping entry:

Repair gaps around roller doors, wall joins, and roofing sheets
Install door seals and brush strips where light is visible under doors
Use mesh on vents and openings to keep birds and rodents out

If a mouse can fit its head through a gap, the rest of it will follow.

2. Store seed and feed properly

Loose bags and open containers are an open invitation to pests.

Store seed and feed in sealed, rodent-proof containers
Keep products off the floor on pallets or shelving
Clean up spills immediately—small amounts of grain can support large infestations

Rotating stock and avoiding long-term storage also reduces pest pressure.

3. Reduce nesting and hiding areas

Pests love clutter and quiet corners.

Keep floors clear and reduce unused materials
Stack timber and materials away from walls
Remove old cardboard, which is attractive to insects and rodents

Regularly disturbing storage areas makes them less appealing to nesting pests.

4. Manage moisture and drainage

Leaks, condensation, and poor drainage attract insects and rodents.

Fix leaking taps, roofs, and pipes
Improve airflow to reduce damp conditions
Ensure external drainage moves water away from shed foundations

Dry sheds are far less attractive to pests.

5. Use professional pest management

DIY baits and traps can help, but rural sheds often need strategic, ongoing pest control. A professional can:

Identify pest species and entry points
Install tamper-resistant baiting and monitoring systems
Reduce risk to livestock, pets, and wildlife

Sheds and workshops don’t have to be pest magnets. With good storage, basic maintenance, and professional support, you can protect your gear, seed, and feed—and avoid expensive damage and contamination.

Midwest Pest Management provides tailored pest solutions for farms and rural properties across the Central West, keeping working spaces safe, clean, and productive.