Don't Let Rodents Take Your Tractors for a Ride

Let’s face it, storing farm equipment for the winter can be a pain. You clean it up, park it, possibly throw a tarp over it and hope for the best, but just because your machinery isn’t running doesn’t mean it’s out of danger. For rodents, a parked tractor in a barn — or worse, uncovered or under a tarp — is the ultimate winter hideaway. 

Farmers Hot Line spoke with Ken Huening, CEO of CoverSeal and an expert on vehicle rodent damage, to learn why and how rodents cause equipment damage and what farmers can do to prevent it. 

Why Rodents Target Tractors

“When tractors sit unprotected, they’re prime hotel locations for critters that seek safety from predators to eat, breed and nest,” explained Huening. “The problem is that they love to nibble on wires, engine controls, stability control systems, even inside panels.”

It’s not that tractors are particularly tasty. Rodents and small animals avoid predators by hiding under vehicles and machinery. But while they’re there, they discover nooks and crannies where they can store food, make nests and have babies. All the while, their ever-growing teeth drive them to gnaw on whatever they can find.

Huening explained that rodents don’t stop at wires. “Once they’re in, they’ll chew anything they can reach — plastic, rubber, upholstery, you name it,” he said. “It can be hard to find the damage, so repair costs can be high.”

Modern tractors are especially appealing to gnawing critters. Manufacturers are increasingly making wire coverings and harnesses from soy- and nut-based compounds. While these are more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based plastics, they’re also a tastier snack for rodents. By spring, you can have more than a dirty tractor. You could be looking at a rodent infestation and thousands of dollars in repairs.

The Financial Fallout

The consequences of rodent damage can be catastrophic, especially for modern, electronically sophisticated tractors. A single chewed wire can disable critical components like emission control systems, and the cost of finding and repairing the damage can be astronomical.

Huening noted, “The average repair cost for rodent damage in vehicles is around $2,500, and it’s often higher for farm machinery.” 

If rodents cause widespread damage, you can spend thousands — not to mention the time and stress of dealing with repairs. A damaged tractor can potentially put you behind schedule all year and affect your entire operation.

The Growing Risk of Rodent Damage

As tractors, equipment and other vehicles become more advanced, they also become more vulnerable to damage and more costly to repair. Compared to older models, today’s machinery is packed with electric components, from emission systems to stability controls. 

Huening notes that repair costs for rodent-damaged equipment have increased by 70% since 2014, largely due to the growing complexity of these machines.

“Additional electronics and battles on right to repair have made it even more important for farmers to protect their equipment,” he emphasized. “If a rodent nibbles a wiring harness and a farmer doesn’t have the diagnostic equipment to trace the problem, the tractor can’t run. Nibble one little sensor wire for the emissions system, and the tractor won’t fire up. There’s no bypass, so you can’t start it until you get someone out to fix it. Meanwhile, the harvest is just sitting there because there aren’t enough technicians who can get out fast enough.”

How to Protect Your Machinery

The good news is that you don’t have to simply cross your fingers and hope for the best. You can take practical steps to keep rodents from turning your expensive equipment into their winter getaway.

Block them. Start with physical barriers, but tarps aren’t enough. Rodents can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime, so inspect storage areas and covers for openings. “A tight-fitting cover can make all the difference,” Huening said. “It’s all about being proactive rather than reactive. If you’re reactive, rodents get in and keep coming back. But by proactively using an active barrier with a flexible, evenly weighted apron, you’ll block out rodents so they keep moving and leave your vehicles and equipment alone.”

Keep things clean. Clean equipment inside and out before storing; rodents are drawn to food residues and nesting materials. Don’t give them a reason to hang around the area, either. If they find what they need near equipment and vehicles, they’re likely to set up shop. So clean up possible sources of food and bedding. 

Inspect regularly. Don’t wait for spring to check on stored equipment. Make it a habit to inspect tractors and other machinery throughout winter. Look for nests, droppings and chewed materials. Catching a problem early can save a lot of hassle when the weather warms.

Deterrents only deter sometimes. There are all kinds of rodent deterrents: ultrasonic devices, sprays, moth balls, dryer sheets, soap, peppermint oil. Huening warns they’re not foolproof. “Even if deterrents work — and they usually don’t — they can’t protect wiring and inside parts,” he said. “What you really want is an active barrier to prevent rodents from getting into vehicles in the first place.”

Trap strategically. Set traps to control the rodent population, but understand they’re not a complete solution. “Traps cut down the number of critters, but they don’t keep rodents from causing problems before they get trapped,” Huening said.

Planning Ahead Pays Off

The earlier you start rodent-prevention efforts, the better. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your investment and your productivity.

If you wait until you see a problem, you’re already behind. Huening recommends treating it like any other maintenance task. “Think of rodent prevention as part of your offseason prep,” he said. “It’s just as important as cleaning and storing your equipment properly.”

By combining smart storage practices, regular inspections, and effective barriers, you can protect your machinery and save yourself frustration and unwanted downtime. Come spring, your tractor will be ready to roll  without any surprise passengers.

Signs of Rodent Activity

• Droppings: Look for small, dark, rice-shaped pellets near food sources, along walls and in corners. Fresh droppings are moist and shiny; older ones are dry and crumbly.
• Gnaw marks: Rodents leave telltale teeth marks on wires, wood, plastic and metal edges as they gnaw to wear down growing teeth. Fresh marks are lighter in color and darken over time.
• Footprints and tail marks: Small tracks and tail drag lines are easier to spot in dusty areas and fresh snow.
• Nests: Watch for balls of shredded paper, hay, straw, fabric and insulation in hidden places.
• Grease marks: As rodents travel the same paths, their fur leaves oily smudges along walls, beams and entry points.
• Unusual noises: Listen for scratching, squeaking and scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, hidden spaces and machinery. Rodents are most active at night.
• Damaged food supplies: Visibly torn bags, gnawed containers, nibbles on food and missing food indicate feeding activity.
• Unpleasant odors: Rodents leave urine trails to mark spots they want to return to. This can smell like musky ammonia.
• Burrows and holes: Look for holes and burrows near and in walls and floors; these entry points get wider and more obvious with use.
• Dead or live rodents: If you see one rodent, many more are often lurking.