As warmer temperatures set in, some of the most dangerous outdoor pests are showing up around the farm. Farm safety extends to the “micro-environment,” including outdoor pest management to prevent disease to pigs and people.
“During the warmer months, producers may be working outdoors more, so be aware of external pests like ticks, mosquitoes, bees and wasps that can cause disease or illness,” says Heather Fowler, VMD and director of producer and public health at the National Pork Board.
Here are five pests to look out for:
Ticks
Thriving in tall grass and wooded field margins, ticks (like the Blacklegged tick) transmit severe illnesses such as Lyme disease, Babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While easy to overlook, tick bites can have lasting impacts. In some cases, the lone star tick has been linked to Alpha-gal syndrome, which can trigger an allergy to mammalian meat and complicate both diet and livestock exposure—making prevention especially important for livestock producers.
Mosquitoes
Often found near irrigation ditches and standing water, mosquitoes are notorious vectors for dangerous viruses. They can be a source of disease for people and animals.
Venomous Spiders
Species like the Black Widow and Brown Recluse often hide in quiet, dark farm structures like barns, woodpiles and tractors. These spider bites can cause severe neurotoxic or necrotic symptoms requiring medical attention immediately.
Stinging Insects
Wasps, hornets and yellowjackets like to build nests on farm machinery, eaves and trees. Farmers are highly susceptible to multiple, life-threatening stings while operating heavy equipment or clearing fields.
Rodents
Rats and mice can destroy massive amounts of stored feed and crops. More importantly, they pose severe public health risks by shedding pathogens in their urine and feces, directly transmitting diseases like Hantavirus and Leptospirosis. They can also be a source of disease to production animals.
Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk, Fowler says.
- Take “5” for safety before starting a task.
For example, inspect the work area for wasps. Look in hidden, difficult-to-see places, pause a little bit and watch for wasp activity. They will “show” you where they harbor. Always carry inspect spray with you to eradicate wasps. - Wear long sleeves and pants when possible.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Keep fields, fence lines and barn perimeters clear of tall grass, brush, and debris to reduce harborage for ticks and rodents.
- Secure all livestock feed in airtight, metal containers and minimize standing water to naturally deter rodents and mosquitoes from congregating.
- At the end of the day, check your body, clothing and gear for ticks and shower as soon as possible to help remove any that haven’t attached.
By staying vigilant and maintaining a clean farm environment, you can protect both your livelihood and your health this season.
Access the full Pork Industry Safety & Health Resources here.
