Critter prevention?

[Larry&Leisa]

Since we're talking about winterization now and not wanting to hijack the 'cover' thread, I'm a little concerned about not providing a winter home for any critters. Anyone have any good hints on keeping the lil varmits out? I'll have the mooring covers on, plus a full cover that will go over the swim platform and down to the rubrails.

 

[Alex D]

If you're on jackstands, put rodent collars on them. They have those in many Southern marinas on the cordage where rodents actually board the vessels via the lines.

 

[widowmaker]

Pull the drain plug but stuff a piece of screen wire in the hole to keep out the mice. I'm also going to set a couple of mouse traps or glue pads in the boat as well.

 

[JeffM]

Pull the drain plug but stuff a piece of screen wire in the hole to keep out the mice. I'm also going to set a couple of mouse traps or glue pads in the boat as well.

Unless you're checking the boat frequently, you might want to pass on the traps lest you find a very smelly mess when you do :smt009 . Better to keep them out in the first place. FWIW, we've stored our boat shrinkwrapped and have found no evidence of critters. We've only had her two winters, tho.

Jeff

 

[widowmaker]

Frozen mouse don't smell :wink: . I will be checking them though.

 

[sbw1]

The mice are not the only critters. I spray for spiders in all the lockers, under the gunnels, and around the perimeter of the cockpit. Then I hang a Shell Pest Strip on the helm wheel and put one down below. The oder it gives off kills bugs. The problem with spiders is they reproduce and then eat their young. You don't want to find "young dung" or even old dung on your seats and fabrics as it can stain. :smt089

 

[sbw1]

Frozen mouse don't smell :wink: . I will be checking them though.

Actually they can be quite tastey with chocolate. :grin: I apologize for that but could not resist!! Say good nite Gracie.

 

[Larry&Leisa]

Frozen mouse don't smell :wink: . I will be checking them though.

Actually they can be quite tastey with chocolate. :grin: I apologize for that but could not resist!! Say good nite Gracie.

ok..I think I just threw up alil bit in my mouth. Good nite Gracie!!!


But really...thanks for the ideas!

Seems that poison bait might be better as they would go out in search for water after ingesting. And I like the idea of hanging the pest strips.

 

[knuckle-nurse]

I use IRISH SPRING soap ....buy the 12 pacs from Costco and place the soap bars in interior bow to stern including some in the storage compartments, bilge and engine compartments.For some reason mice hate the smell of this soap....I've used it for 3 seasons now and no mice(had problems before).In the spring..... give the soap to your inlaws and use fresh bars in the fall.I kid you not...... IT WORKS !!!!!!

 

[wish2fish]

I use IRISH SPRING soap ....buy the 12 pacs from Costco and place the soap bars in interior bow to stern including some in the storage compartments, bilge and engine compartments.For some reason mice hate the smell of this soap....I've used it for 3 seasons now and no mice(had problems before).In the spring..... give the soap to your inlaws and use fresh bars in the fall.I kid you not...... IT WORKS !!!!!!

Its not the soap they don't like. Its the thought that an irishman might be on the boat that they don't like!

In the trailer I use bounce fabric softener sheets. It does seem to work and the trailer smells good. some people use mothballs but they leave a strong smell.

 

[sbw1]

I've tried soap and moth balls. Beleive it or not, some of those have been eaten in a car I used to store in a barn. Pay attention to what is above your boat. Open rafters allow entry points by dropping down onto a cover where they can chew an opening. Obviously no food should be left on the boat.