Barndominiums—those stylish, metal-framed hybrids of barn and home—are becoming increasingly popular for their affordability, durability, and unique charm. But just like any structure, barndominiums are not immune to pest problems. From rodents nesting in insulation to insects invading wooden beams, pest infestations can compromise your comfort, health, and even the integrity of your home.
Fortunately, with the right preventive measures and maintenance strategies, you can keep your barndominium pest-free year-round. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about protecting your barndominium from pests—including common culprits, signs of infestation, and long-term solutions.
Why Barndominiums Can Be Attractive to Pests
While barndominiums are known for their low maintenance, they do come with a unique mix of materials—metal siding and roofing combined with wood framing and open interior layouts—that can appeal to a variety of pests. Here’s why pests might target your barndominium:
- Open rural settings: Barndos are often built in rural or semi-rural areas, where wildlife and insects are abundant.
- Gaps in construction: Improper sealing around doors, windows, vents, and the foundation can leave entry points.
- Insulation and warmth: Rodents and insects love cozy, hidden areas like insulation and crawlspaces.
- Stored food or animal feed: Some barndominiums are used partially for storage or livestock, attracting pests with easy access to food.
Understanding the weak spots in your home’s design can help you develop a targeted pest control plan.
Common Pests That Invade Barndominiums
Knowing your enemy is half the battle. These are the most common pests found in and around barndominiums:
- Rodents (mice, rats, squirrels)
- Termites
- Ants (especially carpenter ants)
- Cockroaches
- Spiders
- Wasps and bees
- Bats
- Snakes (particularly in crawl spaces)
- Birds (nesting in eaves or rafters)
Each of these pests brings its own set of risks, from structural damage to potential disease transmission.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pest-Proofing Your Barndominium
- Seal Entry Points
Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, and insects can crawl through even tinier gaps.
- Inspect your doors and windows for gaps or cracks. Install weather stripping and use silicone caulk around frames.
- Cover vents, chimneys, and exhaust outlets with fine mesh screens.
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors, especially in garages or shop areas.
- Check for cracks in your foundation or around utility lines, and seal them with expanding foam or caulk.
💡 Pro Tip: Do a nighttime inspection with a flashlight. If you can see light coming through any part of your exterior, it’s likely an entry point.
- Keep the Perimeter Clean
Pests often use overgrown landscaping, piles of wood, or compost to nest and reproduce.
- Keep grass and weeds trimmed back from the sides of your home.
- Move woodpiles or firewood at least 30 feet away from the structure.
- Don’t allow leaves, mulch, or other organic debris to build up against the foundation.
- If you have livestock nearby, ensure feed is stored in sealed metal containers to deter rodents and insects.
- Control Moisture
Damp environments attract termites, ants, cockroaches, and more.
- Inspect gutters and downspouts to ensure water is diverted away from the foundation.
- Check for leaks in plumbing and under sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Use dehumidifiers in basements, crawlspaces, or poorly ventilated areas.
- Grade the soil around your barndominium to slope away from the building.
- Choose the Right Building Materials
Barndominiums offer some natural protection against pests—especially those made with steel framing. However, wood elements, such as porches, beams, or interior walls, can still be vulnerable.
- Use pressure-treated wood in areas with ground contact to resist termites.
- Consider borate treatments or insect-resistant coatings on wooden framing and siding.
- Opt for metal or composite siding rather than traditional wood cladding to reduce insect attraction.
- Install Proper Lighting
Insects like moths, beetles, and mosquitoes are attracted to light sources.
- Use yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs for outdoor lighting; these are less attractive to bugs.
- Position lights away from doors and windows, and aim them downward to reduce attraction.
- Schedule Regular Inspections
Routine inspections will help you catch infestations before they become serious.
- Walk the perimeter and check for droppings, nests, or gnawed wires every month.
- Look for mud tubes along the foundation (a sign of termites) or piles of wood shavings (carpenter ants).
- If you suspect a problem, hire a licensed pest control professional to do a full inspection.
- Use Pest Barriers and Repellents
There are several natural and chemical tools that can bolster your pest defense:
- Apply diatomaceous earth around baseboards and outside entry points to deter crawling insects.
- Use ultrasonic repellents in attics or garages for rodents and bats.
- Plant natural deterrents like mint, lavender, or citronella around the perimeter.
- For more serious threats like termites, consider a professional bait station system or soil treatments.
- Keep the Interior Clean and Organized
An organized, clean interior makes your home less inviting to pests.
- Store dry goods in airtight containers.
- Sweep and vacuum regularly, especially under furniture and appliances.
- Avoid leaving pet food or water out overnight.
- Declutter storage areas—boxes and paper are attractive nesting materials for mice and insects.
- Pest-Proof Your Attic and Crawlspaces
These hidden areas are often hotspots for rodents, bats, and insects.
- Seal access points with hardware cloth.
- Keep insulation intact and dry.
- Use motion-activated lights or ultrasonic repellents to discourage nesting.
- Consider spraying foam insulation to seal gaps while also deterring rodents.
- Work With a Pest Control Professional
For ongoing peace of mind, especially in pest-prone regions, it’s worth investing in a seasonal pest control plan. A professional can:
- Identify species and vulnerabilities specific to your area.
- Apply safe, targeted treatments.
- Set up ongoing deterrents and follow-up inspections.
Final Thoughts
Your barndominium is more than just a home—it’s a reflection of your lifestyle, your creativity, and your investment in long-term comfort. Protecting it from pests is not only essential for your health and safety, but it also preserves the integrity and longevity of your space.
By taking proactive measures—sealing entry points, managing moisture, inspecting regularly, and staying tidy—you can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted critters calling your barndo home.
Whether you live in the countryside or on the outskirts of a town, pests will always be part of the environment. But with the right strategy, they don’t have to be part of your barndominium.