See full version: 5 Clever Tips to Keep Mice Out of a Boat Motor
Making sure that the cowling is secured properly before storing your boat is a simple step that will act as your first line of defense against mice. Take the time - 30 seconds max - to make sure it has been replaced properly. more
These simple solutions can be carried out quickly. It’s a few small steps that will save you a lot of time in the long run. Behind every one of these mice-repelling tips, there are some extra ideas that can add another layer of protection too. Read on for some top tips on maintaining the ultimate mice proof motor.
If you’ve had problems with mice before, or you know other boat-owners who’ve had problems, you’ll want to take as many precautions as possible. Mice are persistent and there’s always a chance they might find a way around your defenses. Vigilance is key to avoid any mouse-related issues.
If you have an outboard motor, it is essential that the cover or cowling is fitted. Though the cowling should fit snugly day-to-day, if you have been winterizing your boat you may have removed it and not replaced it correctly. Any gaps left between the top and the base can be a welcome mat for mice looking for a temporary home.
If you notice mice droppings or any other indications that you are getting mice in the building you can also set traps on the ground near the trailer. [links]
To catch the pest quicker, secure all other food and garbage and make sure the only food available for it is the one on the trap. If you notice the mouse or rat has been near a certain type of food that might be your best bait option. Peanut butter is almost always effective.
Make sure, if you plan on having pets on your boat, you make sure to check that the device you purchase does not bother them.
If you can deter mice from bothering your boat’s trailer, you might be able to stop them from attempting to climb up on the boat entirely. [links]
One of the best ways to make sure there is nothing on the deck of the boat that you missed, it to pressure wash the carpet or vinyl flooring. more
This year, I heard a new one: Rubber Snake. I haven't seen it proven or even implemented, though. I guess it will work like a scare crow.
Steel wool in all the exposed holes (bilge, drain, etc) will stop the mice.
They chew it, and it cuts up their mouths and they bleed to death.
Heard a lot of good and bad about dryer sheets. Show me the proof that they work. Put a mouse in a closed container with a mothball. Put a mouse in a closed container with a dryer sheet. The mouse in the container with the dryer sheet will be much less pissed off. He'll have a comfortable bed, until he starves to death. Oh, yeah - remove your food and vacuum crumbs off the floor and out from between your seats. They're after something when they get in.
We also use dryer sheets. I don't even know how long now.
I heard about it at the race campground once when we were discussing mice and campers.
We tried it. I could not believe, not a single calling card the next spring.
So, we started using them in our boat as well. Never a mouse to be had.
Bounce was what we were told to use. But a couple of years ago, my wife picked up some cheapos' from Wallyworld. They also worked.
Re: rodent deterrent during storage. more
Stainless steel wool in all the drain holes and 3 or 4 good old snap traps.
Rob
Mice can climb walls with little trouble. They can squeeze through gaps as narrow as 1/4".
Moth balls seem to work sometimes as well to discourage them from entering an area.
I used them in my car for awhile and it did work for me. Just do not mind the smell. here
I have a good fitting mooring cover that is really tight, but you know how it is, they can squeeze into just about anyplace. and a covered boat makes a nice dry nesting place.
I know that cats don't like moth balls. my mom uses them to keep cats out of her garden. [links]