How do you control rats in a farm? 3 Steps to Banish Rats and Mice from Your Shed, Barn, and ... Part of an effective rodent control strategy involves preventing access to food and water and keeping your structures neat and clean to avoid providing easy shelter. Keep ALL food—especially horse, chicken, pet, and animal feed—in rat-proof buildings, rooms, or containers. We have been lucky for the last few years, haven't had many. They cause damage and destroy landscaping from nesting and feeding.