Circular guards must extend out 18 inches all around the lines they guard. Cone-shaped circular guards prevent rats from climbing vertical pipes, pilings and trees. Footings or foundations for grain bins should extend into the ground to prevent rat burrowing. Rats cannot live under or around feed bunks that do not provide shelter. Feed and Refuse Storage Proper storage and disposal of household garbage and dead animals is a very important part of rat control.
Good sanitation limits rodents' sources of food and shelter.
Use metal containers with tight-fitting lids to store household garbage. Racks prevent their being tipped over by roaming dogs or other animals. Store livestock and pet feed in rodent-proof containers and promptly dispose of refuse to prevent use by rodents. Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.