The primary goal of all pest control programs is the prevention and elimination of insects, rodents, free-flying birds, predators (i.e. raccoons and weasels) and other pests. Pests may introduce or maintain disease causing agents on a farm, kill or maim your birds and consume and contaminate animal feeds. Also many pests, like boring beetles and rodents, can destroy barn insulation, chew on electrical wiring and create serious fire hazards.

Good housekeeping and sanitation are central to pest control in all facilities. Chemical and physical pest control measures may be necessary in conjunction with proper sanitation, storage practices, insect and rodent proofing, and a regular maintenance program. An Integrated Pest Management program (IPM) is a requirement for a successful and productive operation. IPM is a system that makes use of several tools to manage pests and lessen their impact on your bird’s health. The first line of defense in an IPM program includes proper facility design and construction, regular facility maintenance, an organized and tidy environment and proper sanitation. Pesticides should be used only as a second line of defense. A facility that relies only on chemical control and does not focus on more basic preventive measures runs the risk of inadequate control, environmental damage, and non-target species effects.

A complete pest control program would have four key elements:

• A sound construction program for new or rebuilt structures creates a barrier that prevents pests from entering the facility. This includes, easily cleanable barn floors (such as concrete), proper sweeps on barn doors to keep out rodents and careful screening of soffit and fan openings to prevent wild bird entry.
• A sound maintenance program ensures that any breaks in these construction barriers are promptly repaired and sealed.
• A sound exclusion program prevents the entry of pests through windows, doors, vents, and on incoming goods.
• A sound sanitation program removes pest hiding places, and spilled feed or water on floors/around feed bins that could attract and support a pest population.

The following are recommended practices relating to pest control that enhance biosecurity on non-supply managed poultry operations:

Good Housekeeping

• Good housekeeping and sanitation are central to pest control in all facilities. Ideally, a 3 meter perimeter should be kept free of all debris and vegetation should be trimmed.
• A management program that prevents the contamination of feed and water sources should be in place.  It is critical to limit the potential for environmental contamination including, but not limited to the elimination of water leaks.

Feed should be stored in clean, closed bins that prevent access by pests and prevent water and debris from entering.

• Lowering suitable habitats like brush and long grass will reduce risks. It is ideal to have a concrete pad around storage bins and buildings and the area beyond should be kept free of debris. This is especially the case for spilled feed, which should be cleaned immediately. All foliage, including grass and weeds, in that area should be kept trimmed.

Rodent Control

• Rodents are major vectors and reservoirs of bacteria and viruses. A written rodent control plan should be maintained outlining your rodent control strategies.

Watch for droppings, rodent runs, burrows, gnawing marks, odours, and other signs of activity. Obtain baiting stations or traps and choose the bait that is applicable to your problem. Bait stations can be bought from feed supply stores, from rodent control companies, or they can be home-made. The most common one is a simple 18″” × 3″” diameter PVC pipe. Bait stations keep the rodenticides protected from the elements and away from non-target animals. These bait stations should be placed about 20‑60 feet apart (depending on severity of problem) around the perimeter of the building, in the attic, entry rooms, or even near fences. Bring the baits to the rodents! Baits should be monitored for activity and always kept available, dry, and fresh (no moulds, dust, stale bait). Wear gloves when handling them.

Pest control requires an integrated pest-management strategy involving many techniques. The producer’s first objective should be to prevent, or at least greatly reduce, rodent numbers through management programmes that eliminate entrance to the facility, nesting sites for the rodents, food supplies and water. Populations build when food, water and nesting sites are readily available.

Insect Control

• Your pest control program should also include the control of insects.

Darkling beetles (adults) and lesser mealworms (larvae) have been found to carry Salmonella and other organisms including some viruses. They shed them in their droppings for up to 28 days. Examine used bedding and floor wall junctions for larvae and adult beetles after a flock is removed or pens are being cleaned. If beetles are found, implement appropriate control measures.

Monitor the severity of the fly infestation using sticky tapes, speck fly counting, or baited jug traps. Flies are best controlled through:

a)Proper management of feed, manure, and facilities;

b)Use of beneficial insects (tiny wasps) that feed on immature fly eggs and larvae;

c)Use of chemicals including various fly baits and papers.

Several types of mites can occur in poultry and feed on blood and are found close to the skin. Due to the birds’ feathers, penetration of insecticide to the site of infestation is often difficult. Spraying or direct contact application with a rag is necessary. Chemicals like permethrin (Ectiban), carbaryl (Sevin), malathion (Malathion 50) and dichlorvos (Ravap) have been used successfully.

Control Other Birds

• All other birds, wild or domestic, should be kept out of your facilities. Predatory birds like members of the accipiter hawks (Sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk and Goshawk) are common predators in pigeon lofts and game bird operations. Proper fencing and netting, secure penning and screening of windows will help prevent these pests from entering. If these species become a problem contact a pest control professional.

For wild bird control, the following practices are recommended:

1. Screen all openings into the barn.
2. Do not put out wild bird feeders.
3. While trees may be used for dust control on the exhaust side of a barn, the number and type of trees used should be limited. Eliminate any unnecessary trees and shrubbery that is close to the barns.

No Access By Other Animals

• No dogs, cats, or wildlife should have access to the barn or feed storage areas. Mammal pests such as weasels, foxes, skunks, raccoons, moles, gophers, ground hogs and squirrels may damage facilities. The best defence against this is to minimize habitats which pests find comfortable for nesting and make certain they do not have access to feed. There should be no wood or garbage piles in the area. Small rodents and mammals can cause severe damage and are a disease risk.

Humane removal of pests is recommended. There are also some mechanical repellants available including irritants, water sprayer, and sound devices. Eraze, Mole and Gopher Bait, Ground Squirrel Bait, and Tomcat are some chemical preparations that can be used.