Farmers have been urged to intensify their fight against rodents ahead of temperatures dropping.

Lodi UK's pest control technical adviser, Dave Reece, believes that recent downpours and flash floods, combined with the expected drop in temperatures, will drive rats and mice to farms in search of food and shelter.

Mr Reece said: "It's important to try and get ahead of any rodent problem early and get control protocols in place now.

"Rodents not only spread disease and contaminate feed, but they also cause damage to infrastructure and machinery by chewing through electric cables and weakening concrete floors and walls through their burrowing."

He advises farmers to focus on areas that have previously been problematic, taking steps to deter rodents and to place bait in these areas.

He identified potential rodent hotspots as areas with water since rats need to drink 12ml of liquid per 100g of body weight each day, as well as feed, grain, and hay stores.

Mr Reece said: "Maintaining a tidy farm is paramount, so farmers should clean up rubbish and feed spills, and ensure grain or hay is properly stored to make the environment less attractive to rodents.

"Additionally, sealing holes and repairing any structural damage, such as broken windows or gaps in walls, will help prevent rodents from entering buildings and nesting inside.

"Unnecessary water sources, such as disused water troughs, should also be addressed because removing them will force the rodents to move to find a new water source."

Feed, grain and hay stores as well as any places that can store water are potential hotspots for rodentsFeed, grain, and hay stores as well as any places that can store water are potential hotspots for rodents (Image: Supplied)

With regards to baiting, Mr Reece stressed the importance of choosing the right bait for the farming system.

He said: "Different products have different formulations and active ingredients, and it’s essential that you’re using a bait appropriate for your set-up.

"For example, grain bait cannot be placed inside the grain store, so blocks or paste would be better suited there.

"If you’re unsure of which bait you should be using, seeking the advice of an experienced pest controller is recommended."