All boat owners should know how to keep mice out of a stored boat if they want to protect their investment. Unfortunately, boats make prime places for rodents to nest. Because it is hard to get rid of a full-blown infestation, your best bet is to prevent rodents from taking up residence in the first place. Implementing a few practical strategies can deter mice.
Keep Mice Out of Your Boat by Using a Dedicated Storage Facility
The most effective way to keep mice out of a boat is to store it indoors when you aren’t using it. Find a storage facility like Boat Stop Storage in your area. These dedicated storage pods protect your boat from the elements and make it harder for mice to access it when they are searching for shelter.
Use Mouse Repellants
Longtime boaters often swear by mouse repellents. You can find mouse-repellant spray at many stores and apply it around your boat to keep rodents away. If you prefer a more natural approach that doesn’t involve chemicals, try:
- Mothballs
- Dryer sheets
- Peppermint essential oil
All of these substances effectively deter mice without posing a risk to any humans on board.
Block Entry Points
Blocking potential entry points is one of the most humane ways to keep mice out of a stored boat. However, mice are small enough to fit through tiny cracks that measure as little as a quarter of an inch in width. Inspecting your boat regularly and patching any cracks or crevices you find is important.
Install Water Sprayers
While no concrete proof exists that mice dislike water, studies show that rodents can recognize water depth. Combining water with sudden movement is often enough to remind mice of their instinctive avoidance of deep water.
Install motion-activated sprinklers near your boat. When they sense movement, the sprayers release streams of water that drench rodents and other animals that pass by. The water won’t harm them, but the sudden shower is usually enough to keep mice out of a stored boat.
Adopt a Cat
Having a cat live in your boat isn’t always a foolproof way to keep mice away, but it can help. Adopt an outdoor feline for a boat companion. The scent of a cat is often enough to deter rodents, but even if they decide to brave the danger and take up residence, many felines are excellent hunters and can catch the mice when they venture out into the open.
However, mice reproduce rapidly. A single cat can’t handle a full-blown infestation, but it can make your boat a less appealing environment for rodents, making them less likely to stick around.
Keep Mice Out of a Stored Boat To Avoid Damage
Boats are significant investments, so you must keep mice out. Storing a boat inside is the best first step to keep mice out of a stored boat. Boat Stop Storage can provide a storage facility that protects your investment from rodent infestations. Contact us today to learn more about your storage options.