Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of protecting your flock from pests and predators.
Building your chicken coop on a concrete base provides a strong, durable foundation while also creating a barrier against burrowing pests.
However, a concrete floor alone does not guarantee full protection. You still need to take additional precautions and be vigilant in monitoring for signs of infestation.
This article explores pest control strategies and maintenance tips for keeping your concrete-based coop pest-free.
Contents
Preventing Burrowing Pests
A major advantage of a concrete floor is preventing digging pests like rats, mice, moles, groundhogs, and foxes from tunneling into the coop.
These creatures can harm your chickens, damage nest boxes, contaminate food and water sources, and undermine the structural integrity of the coop.
- Pour a thick 4-6 inch concrete slab stabilized with rebar or wire mesh to resist cracking or shifting. This leaves no thin areas for teeth or claws to penetrate.
- Check for any cracks, holes, or gaps around the edges or in the slab itself. Use concrete patch mix to fill any openings promptly.
- Build the coop walls directly on top of the slab to close off any potential entry points.
- Bury hardware cloth or galvanized steel mesh at least 12 inches deep around the perimeter before pouring concrete to create an underground barrier.
- Extend the hardware cloth at least 12 inches above ground level as well. Attach it securely to the exterior coop walls.
- Clear away any brush, overgrown vegetation, or piles of debris around the outside of the coop that could shelter burrowers.
To understand why a concrete base is beneficial in preventing burrowing pests, explore the advantages of a concrete chicken coop.
Discouraging Termites
Subterranean termites live in soil and need access to wood through mud tunnels to infest a structure.
A concrete slab forms an impenetrable barrier that keeps termites contained in the ground and away from the coop walls and framing.
- Make sure the concrete foundation extends at least 6 inches beyond the outer perimeter of the coop. This creates a protective border around the entire structure.
- Seal any cracks or openings in the concrete with caulk or expanding foam. This eliminates potential entry points for termite tubes.
- Remove any wood debris or leftover form boards from the soil before backfilling around the slab. Wood scraps attract termites.
- Treat the soil beneath the slab with termite-specific insecticides before pouring the concrete. Products containing fipronil or imidacloprid provide residual protection.
- Monitor regularly for signs of termite activity such as mud tunnels on the slab or foundation walls. Spot treat with insecticides if needed.
Concrete coops can deter termites and last longer, as discussed in our article on the lifespan of a concrete base coop.
Applying Pest Repellents
Certain pest repellents made from natural ingredients can be applied directly to a concrete slab to discourage rodents, ants, roaches, and other pests without harming chickens.
However, these products must be reapplied frequently for continued effectiveness.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of the coop and entry areas to deter crawling insects. Wear a mask when applying to avoid breathing in dust.
- Spray essential oil solutions containing peppermint, lemongrass, or citronella around the outside base of walls as a repellent. Avoid areas where chickens will come into direct contact.
- Mix granulated products containing garlic, dried peppermint, or predator urine into concrete or patch mixes to deter pests as the chemicals leach out.
- Scatter the botanical rodent repellent Stay Awayยฎ on the slab monthly according to package directions. The main active ingredient is powdered garlic.
- Refresh weathered repellents after cleaning the slab or heavy rains to maintain potency. Do not use any pest control products inside the coop itself.
To learn more about applying pest repellents, designing a pest-free coop, and managing the temperature control in your coop, refer to our design guide.
Inspecting for Cracks and Gaps
It is important to inspect the concrete slab periodically for any cracks, breaks, or gaps that could compromise the pest-proof barrier.
Sealing defects promptly prevents costly damage from moisture infiltration or infestation.
- Check for slab cracks after extreme freeze/thaw cycles or earth movements that may cause shifting. Spiderweb cracking usually does not penetrate fully.
- Inspect areas near doors, pop holes, and corners for gaps opening up between slab sections. Chickens can pick at concrete and enlarge holes over time.
- Mark any problem areas and use concrete repair compounds to fill cracks and gaps. Clean thoroughly before sealing and allow proper cure time.
- Monitor areas sealed for further cracking which may indicate shifting soil or other underlying issues.
- Check where floor and wall slabs meet for gaps, especially if secured forms loosen over time. Use expanding foam or concrete to patch.
- Fill pop holes with concrete plugs at night. Use removable inserts lined with galvanized sheeting during the daytime to prevent chewing or erosion.
Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial; learn more from our maintenance guide.
Installing Protective Fencing
While the concrete slab keeps burrowing predators out from below, installing secure fencing around the perimeter of the coop prevents climbing predators and rodents from finding ways in above ground.
- Anchor galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire fencing to the base of walls using J-clips and bolts with washers to prevent detachment. Use 1โ2 inch mesh or smaller.
- Bury fencing at least 12 inches below the soil level. Fold the bottom edge outward to prevent pests from digging underneath.
- Ensure fencing extends at least 5-6 feet high around the coop. Use multiple rolls with overlapped seams if needed to reach full coverage.
- Check for and seal off any gaps where fencing meets the concrete base with metal flashing or silicon caulk. Do not leave openings.
- Install a dig guard of smaller 1โ4 inch galvanized mesh around the exterior base if rodents persist in trying to dig beneath the coop walls.
- Prune back any overhanging tree branches or vegetation touching the coop that could allow pests to bypass the fence line.
- Set up electric net fencing as a temporary secondary barrier for extra protection if a predator attempts to breach the perimeter.
Before you start, consider the costs of a concrete chicken coop.
Strategic Coop Placement
When establishing the coop site, consider its proximity to features that could attract pests like insects, rodents, or predators.
The more isolated from food sources and shelter, the less opportunity pests have to become a nuisance.
- Position the coop at least 20-30 feet from any compost piles, manure stacks, or outdoor garbage receptacles.
- Avoid areas bordering dense brush, tall grasses, weed patches, or decrepit buildings that provide cover for rodents.
- Locate the coop away from structures where rodents may already be residing and seeking new shelter.
- Do not place the coop downwind from pest attractants like gardens, grain fields, orchards, or chicken Runs where waste accumulates.
- Situation the entrance and pop holes away from heavy vegetation, brush piles, or other potential pest harborage.
- Clear a gravel perimeter of at least 3-4 feet around the coop to discourage weeds, maintain visibility, and deter burrowing.
Consider the effect of location on a concrete coop for optimal placement and effective pest control.
Deterring Insects
Insects like flies, mosquitoes, mites, and ants are drawn to the dust, feathers, moisture, and manure found in a coop environment.
They not only spread diseases but also damage the coop itself over time. Preventing insects from taking up residence in the coop is key.
- Remove accumulated manure around the outside perimeter where flies and mosquitoes may be breeding.
- Seal any gaps where ants or other insects may find entry points into the coop walls or concrete.
- Check bedding for signs of bugs and replace immediately if found. Clean the slab thoroughly before adding fresh bedding.
- Hang fly tape near pop holes and vents where insects tend to congregate but out of reach of chickens.
- Spray a permetherin based insecticide on the outside of foundation walls to deter ants, roaches, and other crawling pests from inhabiting the coop.
- Monitor for signs of termites, carpenter ants, or wood boring beetles which damage structural elements. Use targeted pest control if discovered.
Implementing effective drainage for a concrete chicken coop and ensuring proper ventilation can help deter insects.
Monitoring for Pest Activity
Regular inspection and monitoring are key to identifying pest problems before they escalate. Early intervention with targeted control measures can eliminate issues and prevent damage.
- Check areas around pop holes, vents, and wall penetrations for insect evidence like cobwebs, nests, or chewed openings. Seal any found entry points.
- Inspect bedding materials frequently for signs of mice, lice, mites, or beetles which may transfer to chickens.
- Look for ant trails or rodent runways around the exterior that may lead back to the coop. Remove vegetation that allows concealed access.
- Monitor the perimeter fence for any holes, dug areas, or breaches that could allow predators entry. Make repairs immediately.
- Install surveillance cameras to monitor for nocturnal pest activity if standard inspections are not identifying the source of infestations.
- Keep records of pest sightings, treatments, and activity to identify seasonal patterns or environmental conditions affecting the coop.
If your coop is in a colder region, maintaining a comfortable temperature by insulating a concrete chicken coop can help discourage pests.
With vigilance and proper preventive care, a concrete-based coop can remain pest-free, protecting your chickensโ health and safety.
Follow these guidelines for burrowing and climbing pest control, sanitation practices, exclusion tactics, and regular monitoring to outsmart any coop intruders.
Your flock will remain secure to live their best chicken life.