March 14, 2024

How Metal Barns Keep Birds and Other Pests Away?

How Metal Barns Keep Birds and Other Pests Away?

Nothing comes close to the durability of a metal barn on an agricultural farmland in America. You can find the growing popularity of steel structures in rural areas. You must have heard on numerous occasions that a metal structure is reliable, resistant to external weather conditions, retains its structural integrity with time, and deters most pests. But how exactly do pests not get attracted to metal when they easily find housing in wooden barns? Let’s spill the beans.

How Metal Barns Keep Birds Away?

The answer to this question lies in the structural design of barns. Take, for example, a wooden barn. The trusses are open and webbed, creating a perfect place for resting and nesting.

Very soon, the nest will have eggs. These will hatch, and there will be more of them over your head. The only bad thing about that is you will have to clean bird droppings and features, which are quite frequent (28 to 48 droppings per day by a single bird). Not to mention, bird droppings can cause severe flu and other diseases. So, how is a metal barn any different?

Metal barns do not need trusses to be designed. Steel is stronger and can bear more load than wooden materials. Hence, they do not need cord-like connectors that run from end to end. In general, only two steel columns and rafters are needed to make a steel barn’s frame. This also gives you extra space in the loft area.

No trusses mean there is no place for birds to rest or nest. Therefore, there will be no pigeons or other birds dropping over your head, and less cleaning will be required.

How Steel Barns Helps Control Pests?

Wood is an organic substance that is a natural home to many animals and insects. Creatures like termites, roaches, carpenter ants, rats, mice, wasps, etc., are attracted to them naturally. That is not good news if you use a barn for storage or for sheltering your livestock. Most of these pests carry deadly viral, fungi, and bacterial diseases with them.

As a farmer, you would not want your crops to get infested with these, nor would you like to compromise your livestock’s health. Metal is an inorganic material that does not harbor a termite colony for munching on it. It is dense enough so that rodents can’t chew through it. When sealed properly, there is the least possibility of animals entering your barns. That’s how safe and healthy metal barns are.

Have A Look At Some Top Metal Barns’ Dimensions

Type Width x Length

(in ft.)

Height

(in ft.)

All vertical roof barn 40 x 25 12
Vertical roof commercial garage 30 x 40 10
Combo utility metal building 30 x 70 9
Lean to barn 52 x 40 12
Steel garage building 40 x 50 16

Things You Can Do To Keep Animals And Insects Away From Your Metal Barns

Seal Your Barn

Small creatures like ants and mice can enter through tiny cracks and holes. To prevent this, seal the entire structure with sealant meant for metal buildings. Some examples are:

  • Silicone
  • Butyl tape
  • Polyether
  • Liquid rubber metal safe sealant
  • Polyurethane sealant

These sealants will fill all the gaps and leakage. However, do not apply them in excess; they can pile over and come out.

Clean Your Barn

Animals are attracted to food sources. Birds might spot leftover food items left in open trash cans. Make sure your barn is clean and bins are covered. If you have livestock or grain storage containers in your barn, clean the nearby area as well.

Use Repellents | Insecticides

Your local garden centers and stores may have insecticide spray, which you can occasionally use on your metal shed. There is a range of products that work well on specific types of pests. You can also use repellent lining paper near windows and other entry points.

Alternatively, you can use DIY repellent (using chili pepper and peppermint) that is less toxic and affordable. High ultrasonic sound will scare them away.

Cover Food Sources

If you use metal barns as livestock shelter, cover feed and hay. This will keep the feeding spot visually away from birds. Don’t leave any seed bags open, as rodents might be attracted. Upon infestation, they will become unusable for human consumption.

You can provide alternative sources to feed birds away from your barn. This will divert birds from coming around your steel barn and get rid of them for open structures such as lean-tos.

Use Decoy | Reflector To Visually Scare

A scarecrow or hawk decoy outside the barn will temporarily keep birds away. Birds are intelligent and will eventually figure out this decoy, so a DIY repellent would work the best. Birds are not fond of reflectors and shiny surfaces. If you have old compact discs, you can hang them to deter birds. The point is you have to keep them moving, or else birds will figure out it is a decoy.

NOTE: Some birds and native species are protected under federal laws. Killing them or destroying their nests may result in penalty or punishment.

Keep Outdoor Clean As Well

Tall, dense grasses and water puddles near your metal barn can attract insects. Maintaining a proper landscape gives an aesthetic look and keeps your barn away from animals. Prefer planting natural pest-repellent plants, such as basil, bay leaves, chives, chrysanthemums, dill, etc., that will deter pests naturally.

Avoid water accumulation at all costs. If you have water stored for livestock, keep them covered when not in use.

Who Let The Pests Out – Steel! Steel! Steel!

Fortunately, steel barns are not the only structures resistant to pests and external weather conditions. Its applications are in other steel buildings such as carports, garages, Barndo, warehouses, etc. Find out all the details on them at Viking Barns.

Birds and other insects are lovely creations of nature. If you find any dwelling on your property, you can use harmless techniques to deter them. This will protect your possessions and keep them at bay. You can contact customer support at (704) 579-6966 & book your new farm metal barn today.

Related Blogs

The Role Of Metal Barns In Advancing Sustainable Farming Practices
July 28, 2025

The Role Of Metal Barns In Advancing Sustainable Farming Practices

Metal barns offer durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance, making them essential in modern sustainable farming practices focused on environmental impact and long-term cost savings.
How To Maintain A Steel Barn For Long-Term Strength And Durability
July 22, 2025

How To Maintain A Steel Barn For Long-Term Strength And Durability

Learn how to maintain your steel barn for maximum strength and longevity. From rust prevention to structural checks, these expert tips will keep your barn in top condition year-round.
7 Essential Tips to Keep Your Steel Barn in Excellent Condition
July 15, 2025

7 Essential Tips to Keep Your Steel Barn in Excellent Condition

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your steel barn. These 7 essential tips will help you protect your investment and keep your structure in top condition.
Are Steel Buildings Limited to Commercial Use?
July 9, 2025

Are Steel Buildings Limited to Commercial Use?

Are steel buildings only meant for commercial use? Explore their growing popularity in residential, agricultural, and recreational applications, proving they’re a versatile and cost-effective solution for many needs.
Beyond Farming: 5 Smart Ideas For Repurposing Metal Barns
July 4, 2025

Beyond Farming: 5 Smart Ideas For Repurposing Metal Barns

Metal barns aren't just for farming anymore. From stylish workshops to cozy commercial strorage, explore five innovative ways to repurpose your metal barn into something truly functional and unique.
Why Metal Farm Buildings Trends Rising In Kansas City
June 25, 2025

Why Metal Farm Buildings Trends Rising In Kansas City

Metal farm buildings are rapidly becoming the top choice in Kansas City due to their durability, cost-efficiency, and low maintenance, making them ideal for modern agricultural needs.
How Livestock Barns Contribute to the Health and Well-being of Farm Animals?
June 20, 2025

How Livestock Barns Contribute to the Health and Well-being of Farm Animals?

Well-designed livestock barns enhance animal health, comfort, and productivity by providing shelter, proper ventilation, and stress-free living conditions.
7 Essential Tips to Keep Your Horses Safe This Summer
June 11, 2025

7 Essential Tips to Keep Your Horses Safe This Summer

Explore 6 essential tips to keep your horses safe this summer, from heat protection to hydration. Ensure your horse stays healthy, cool, and comfortable during hot weather.
How To Maintain The Temperature Of Metal Barn In Summer Season
June 3, 2025

How To Maintain The Temperature Of Metal Barn In Summer Season

Struggling with heat inside your metal barn during summer? Learn effective tips like proper insulation, ventilation, and reflective materials to keep temperatures cool and comfortable.
A Guide To Farm Metal Structures - Know Which Suits You Better
May 20, 2025

A Guide To Farm Metal Structures - Know Which Suits You Better

Every farm and ranch owner is aware of the challenges they have to face while protecting their equipment, farm tools and machinery, tractors and their attachments, and livestock.