Controlling Pests on your Boat

Keeping pests like spiders, rats, mice, birds, insects, and raccoons out of your boat can be difficult. These animals often view your watercraft as a safe, warm home. At best they’ll merely be annoying, but at worst these pests may actually damage your boat. These strategies from Poplar Point Marine can help you keep pests from taking up residence in your boat.

Keep It Clean

One of the best ways to prevent pest infestations is by simply keeping your vessel clean. Many animals view loose debris such as trash and leaves as nesting materials, so removing them will make your boat less appealing for these animals. Cleaning your boat will also ensure that your boat doesn’t smell like food. Many animals have a much keener sense of smell than humans, so even if a spill or crumb doesn’t seem to leave a detectable smell, it might make your vessel more attractive to pests. You should also be aware of how certain activities, such as fishing or grilling on your boat, can make your boat smell like a food source to pest animals. 

Use Scented Deterrents

Scent can attract pests to your boat, but it can also be used to keep them away. If you want to deter insects, mix cayenne pepper with ammonia and rub/spray it on the edges. This solution can be harmful to humans, so wear protective gear while handling it. The mixture should be reapplied at least once a month. 

If you don’t tend to keep ammonia or cayenne pepper handy, you can instead place mothballs around your boat. You can stow them away in your boat’s compartments, put them in sheets of fabric near your vessel’s edges, or hang them in tubes. For larger animals like otters and racoons, place dry sheets and heavily scented soaps at strategic points around your vessel. 

Ultrasonic Sound Devices

If you’re looking for a more high-tech method of keeping pests away from your boat, you can purchase an ultrasonic device. These devices emit ultrasonic frequencies that are inaudible to humans but help keep pests away from your vessel. 

 Covers

Pests often like to take up residence in boats that are being stored long-term. The best way to keep these pests out is by investing in a good cover. Pest are very good at squeezing into tight spaces, so this cover should envelope your entire boat. You may need to occasionally inspect your boat’s cover to ensure that it is still intact. 

Shop boats at Poplar Pointe Marine in Bracey, Virginia. We’re proud to serve communities like Raleigh, North Carolina and Richmond, Virginia. We also offer service, parts, and financing. We hope you’ll come visit us soon!