We have just discovered that we apprently have rats on board, or very big mice. The boat (O'Day 37) is in winter wet storage and has been for a month or so. We went to the boat today to remove the sails (been too windy) and other items from the boat and found lots of evidence of rodent actvity. Droppings. Things torn up. Damage to the stored spinnaker and sock. Damage to upholstery. One wire chewed through but no evidence of other damage to wiring. Unbelievable carnage to anything that might have looked edible to the animals such as emergency light (the kind you bend to make light), hand warmers, tinned cocoa, bottled olive oil. They chewed the cap off the oil but could not get into it. Money wise the damage isn't great but it sure is disheartening. We have sprinkled the boat throughout with moth balls which have always done an excellent job of keeping varmints out. We have sealed all openings no matter how small, but worry we have sealed some animals inside. Anybody have any ideas on how we can solve this problem. Not the only ones at our marina having it, by the way.
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We have just discovered that we apprently have rats on board, or very big mice. The boat (O'Day 37) is in winter wet storage and has been for a month or so. We went to the boat today to remove the sails (been too windy) and other items from the boat and found lots of evidence of rodent actvity. Droppings. Things torn up. Damage to the stored spinnaker and sock. Damage to upholstery. One wire chewed through but no evidence of other damage to wiring. Unbelievable carnage to anything that might have looked edible to the animals such as emergency light (the kind you bend to make light), hand warmers, tinned cocoa, bottled olive oil. They chewed the cap off the oil but could not get into it. Money wise the damage isn't great but it sure is disheartening. We have sprinkled the boat throughout with moth balls which have always done an excellent job of keeping varmints out. We have sealed all openings no matter how small, but worry we have sealed some animals inside. Anybody have any ideas on how we can solve this problem. Not the only ones at our marina having it, by the way.
Rat poison
Hey peter I had this problem 20 yrs ago with my Chris Craft during the winter while still in the water, I put rat poison and fresh water in the bilge,salon,aft deck and sealed up my air vents at the cowls caught 2 in traps and found 1 dead, never had any problems after that.although my neighbor went to Fl. for the winter and found the rest of the family living it up. what a mess. BTW I own a 32 ODay centercockpit (the little sister to your 37)
Hey peter I had this problem 20 yrs ago with my Chris Craft during the winter while still in the water, I put rat poison and fresh water in the bilge,salon,aft deck and sealed up my air vents at the cowls caught 2 in traps and found 1 dead, never had any problems after that.although my neighbor went to Fl. for the winter and found the rest of the family living it up. what a mess. BTW I own a 32 ODay centercockpit (the little sister to your 37)
Rat poison
Hey peter I had this problem 20 yrs ago with my Chris Craft during the winter while still in the water, I put rat poison and fresh water in the bilge,salon,aft deck and sealed up my air vents at the cowls caught 2 in traps and found 1 dead, never had any problems after that.although my neighbor went to Fl. for the winter and found the rest of the family living it up. what a mess. BTW I own a 32 ODay centercockpit (the little sister to your 37)
Hey peter I had this problem 20 yrs ago with my Chris Craft during the winter while still in the water, I put rat poison and fresh water in the bilge,salon,aft deck and sealed up my air vents at the cowls caught 2 in traps and found 1 dead, never had any problems after that.although my neighbor went to Fl. for the winter and found the rest of the family living it up. what a mess. BTW I own a 32 ODay centercockpit (the little sister to your 37)
I feel your pain.
Peter: I feel your pain. We had an infestation of mice a few years ago. If you have ANYTHING edible aboard, there is a reason for them to board the boat. I really doubt that you can keep them out regardless of how much your may try. I suggest that you never have anything that is edible aboard. I would think that you either had a critter aboard when you moved the boat to storage or you have a power cord or something that allowed them to board now. I doubt that ANYTHING will really keep them from boarding. The real task is to keep them from having an access path. If you have a power cord for them to climb, I suggest that you place some type of a cone over the cord so that they cannot get there. As far as any of them aboard, you may want to set a couple of traps. Peanut butter really works well.
Peter: I feel your pain. We had an infestation of mice a few years ago. If you have ANYTHING edible aboard, there is a reason for them to board the boat. I really doubt that you can keep them out regardless of how much your may try. I suggest that you never have anything that is edible aboard. I would think that you either had a critter aboard when you moved the boat to storage or you have a power cord or something that allowed them to board now. I doubt that ANYTHING will really keep them from boarding. The real task is to keep them from having an access path. If you have a power cord for them to climb, I suggest that you place some type of a cone over the cord so that they cannot get there. As far as any of them aboard, you may want to set a couple of traps. Peanut butter really works well.
I feel your pain.
Peter: I feel your pain. We had an infestation of mice a few years ago. If you have ANYTHING edible aboard, there is a reason for them to board the boat. I really doubt that you can keep them out regardless of how much your may try. I suggest that you never have anything that is edible aboard. I would think that you either had a critter aboard when you moved the boat to storage or you have a power cord or something that allowed them to board now. I doubt that ANYTHING will really keep them from boarding. The real task is to keep them from having an access path. If you have a power cord for them to climb, I suggest that you place some type of a cone over the cord so that they cannot get there. As far as any of them aboard, you may want to set a couple of traps. Peanut butter really works well.
Peter: I feel your pain. We had an infestation of mice a few years ago. If you have ANYTHING edible aboard, there is a reason for them to board the boat. I really doubt that you can keep them out regardless of how much your may try. I suggest that you never have anything that is edible aboard. I would think that you either had a critter aboard when you moved the boat to storage or you have a power cord or something that allowed them to board now. I doubt that ANYTHING will really keep them from boarding. The real task is to keep them from having an access path. If you have a power cord for them to climb, I suggest that you place some type of a cone over the cord so that they cannot get there. As far as any of them aboard, you may want to set a couple of traps. Peanut butter really works well.
other things that work
Poison water was the most effective thing in buildings because rats often have a much harder time finding a good source of water. It was illegal in our health department district, but not private property. Harder to keep liquid out of trouble though. Both food and water may lead to the critter crawling off into a hidden place, dying and stinking. Glue boards are less effective but keep it there.
Poison water was the most effective thing in buildings because rats often have a much harder time finding a good source of water. It was illegal in our health department district, but not private property. Harder to keep liquid out of trouble though. Both food and water may lead to the critter crawling off into a hidden place, dying and stinking. Glue boards are less effective but keep it there.
other things that work
Poison water was the most effective thing in buildings because rats often have a much harder time finding a good source of water. It was illegal in our health department district, but not private property. Harder to keep liquid out of trouble though. Both food and water may lead to the critter crawling off into a hidden place, dying and stinking. Glue boards are less effective but keep it there.
Poison water was the most effective thing in buildings because rats often have a much harder time finding a good source of water. It was illegal in our health department district, but not private property. Harder to keep liquid out of trouble though. Both food and water may lead to the critter crawling off into a hidden place, dying and stinking. Glue boards are less effective but keep it there.
Sticky pads
Use those sticky pads, the problem with poisons is that the mice or rats can die anyplace in the boat., rot and stink worse than a leaky head. Always remove cushions, blankets, and clothes because thats where they can make a home. Leave a red sox cap on the navigation table, repels all vermin, reverses curses, and makes you feel all fuzzy inside.
Use those sticky pads, the problem with poisons is that the mice or rats can die anyplace in the boat., rot and stink worse than a leaky head. Always remove cushions, blankets, and clothes because thats where they can make a home. Leave a red sox cap on the navigation table, repels all vermin, reverses curses, and makes you feel all fuzzy inside.
Sticky pads
Use those sticky pads, the problem with poisons is that the mice or rats can die anyplace in the boat., rot and stink worse than a leaky head. Always remove cushions, blankets, and clothes because thats where they can make a home. Leave a red sox cap on the navigation table, repels all vermin, reverses curses, and makes you feel all fuzzy inside.
Use those sticky pads, the problem with poisons is that the mice or rats can die anyplace in the boat., rot and stink worse than a leaky head. Always remove cushions, blankets, and clothes because thats where they can make a home. Leave a red sox cap on the navigation table, repels all vermin, reverses curses, and makes you feel all fuzzy inside.
Nice Boat
Thanks for the response. Strange, but it mnakes me feel better to know that this infestation is not unique. When we bought the 37 we were actually looking at 32s. Two of them got sold out from under us. Then I decided the 37 better fitted our desires (note: not "needs." Nobody "needs" a boat.) We met a young woman recently who sailed a 32 from City Island to the Caribbean and back. Two people. No autopilot. Says a lot for both boat and crew.
Thanks for the response. Strange, but it mnakes me feel better to know that this infestation is not unique. When we bought the 37 we were actually looking at 32s. Two of them got sold out from under us. Then I decided the 37 better fitted our desires (note: not "needs." Nobody "needs" a boat.) We met a young woman recently who sailed a 32 from City Island to the Caribbean and back. Two people. No autopilot. Says a lot for both boat and crew.
Nice Boat
Thanks for the response. Strange, but it mnakes me feel better to know that this infestation is not unique. When we bought the 37 we were actually looking at 32s. Two of them got sold out from under us. Then I decided the 37 better fitted our desires (note: not "needs." Nobody "needs" a boat.) We met a young woman recently who sailed a 32 from City Island to the Caribbean and back. Two people. No autopilot. Says a lot for both boat and crew.
Thanks for the response. Strange, but it mnakes me feel better to know that this infestation is not unique. When we bought the 37 we were actually looking at 32s. Two of them got sold out from under us. Then I decided the 37 better fitted our desires (note: not "needs." Nobody "needs" a boat.) We met a young woman recently who sailed a 32 from City Island to the Caribbean and back. Two people. No autopilot. Says a lot for both boat and crew.
Forthwith!
Our slip neighbor today (no rodents on his boat) told us about sticky pads. Forthwith! Yeah Red Sox! My late ex mother in law (in Marblehead) at last rests in peace. And I am not too displeased, despite our neighboring Shea Stadium and the Mets. If it ever came to Mets vs. Red Sox I think I would recuse. But I don't think the rodents are paying attention.
Our slip neighbor today (no rodents on his boat) told us about sticky pads. Forthwith! Yeah Red Sox! My late ex mother in law (in Marblehead) at last rests in peace. And I am not too displeased, despite our neighboring Shea Stadium and the Mets. If it ever came to Mets vs. Red Sox I think I would recuse. But I don't think the rodents are paying attention.
Forthwith!
Our slip neighbor today (no rodents on his boat) told us about sticky pads. Forthwith! Yeah Red Sox! My late ex mother in law (in Marblehead) at last rests in peace. And I am not too displeased, despite our neighboring Shea Stadium and the Mets. If it ever came to Mets vs. Red Sox I think I would recuse. But I don't think the rodents are paying attention.
Our slip neighbor today (no rodents on his boat) told us about sticky pads. Forthwith! Yeah Red Sox! My late ex mother in law (in Marblehead) at last rests in peace. And I am not too displeased, despite our neighboring Shea Stadium and the Mets. If it ever came to Mets vs. Red Sox I think I would recuse. But I don't think the rodents are paying attention.
All sealed.
Many points of entry I had not thought about. Engine room vents. Ventilators. All sealed now with rags stuffed in, also the end of the boom to keep the birds out. Yes, food must not be left aboard. It's astonishing what they can do to packaging that you and I cannot open. They took the top off a can of Coleman's English Mustard and ate it! They neatly scissored the tops off oil bottles. You have to admire the little bastards. But I would rather they strut their stuff somewhere else. Well therte is nothing left on the boat now, it's full of moth balls and son it will also have sticky pads.
Many points of entry I had not thought about. Engine room vents. Ventilators. All sealed now with rags stuffed in, also the end of the boom to keep the birds out. Yes, food must not be left aboard. It's astonishing what they can do to packaging that you and I cannot open. They took the top off a can of Coleman's English Mustard and ate it! They neatly scissored the tops off oil bottles. You have to admire the little bastards. But I would rather they strut their stuff somewhere else. Well therte is nothing left on the boat now, it's full of moth balls and son it will also have sticky pads.
All sealed.
Many points of entry I had not thought about. Engine room vents. Ventilators. All sealed now with rags stuffed in, also the end of the boom to keep the birds out. Yes, food must not be left aboard. It's astonishing what they can do to packaging that you and I cannot open. They took the top off a can of Coleman's English Mustard and ate it! They neatly scissored the tops off oil bottles. You have to admire the little bastards. But I would rather they strut their stuff somewhere else. Well therte is nothing left on the boat now, it's full of moth balls and son it will also have sticky pads.
Many points of entry I had not thought about. Engine room vents. Ventilators. All sealed now with rags stuffed in, also the end of the boom to keep the birds out. Yes, food must not be left aboard. It's astonishing what they can do to packaging that you and I cannot open. They took the top off a can of Coleman's English Mustard and ate it! They neatly scissored the tops off oil bottles. You have to admire the little bastards. But I would rather they strut their stuff somewhere else. Well therte is nothing left on the boat now, it's full of moth balls and son it will also have sticky pads.
Access path
When the wind is right the boat is pressed up against the slip. We used to put cut-off bottles on the lines. But it's waste of effort. No way to keep them off the boat. They just jump from slip to deck.
When the wind is right the boat is pressed up against the slip. We used to put cut-off bottles on the lines. But it's waste of effort. No way to keep them off the boat. They just jump from slip to deck.
Access path
When the wind is right the boat is pressed up against the slip. We used to put cut-off bottles on the lines. But it's waste of effort. No way to keep them off the boat. They just jump from slip to deck.
When the wind is right the boat is pressed up against the slip. We used to put cut-off bottles on the lines. But it's waste of effort. No way to keep them off the boat. They just jump from slip to deck.
Sticky pads are marginal at best!
Peter: Sticky pads are marginal except for the little guys. The big ones drag the damn things off and somehow they escape. Mind you, I cannot escape from them but they can. We have not had any problems since we put funnels on our lines, but they are devious little bastards to say the least. I have also steel wool (probably brass wool) is good to keep them from some smaller openings. Remember they tear up rags and make nests out of them!
Peter: Sticky pads are marginal except for the little guys. The big ones drag the damn things off and somehow they escape. Mind you, I cannot escape from them but they can. We have not had any problems since we put funnels on our lines, but they are devious little bastards to say the least. I have also steel wool (probably brass wool) is good to keep them from some smaller openings. Remember they tear up rags and make nests out of them!
Sticky pads are marginal at best!
Peter: Sticky pads are marginal except for the little guys. The big ones drag the damn things off and somehow they escape. Mind you, I cannot escape from them but they can. We have not had any problems since we put funnels on our lines, but they are devious little bastards to say the least. I have also steel wool (probably brass wool) is good to keep them from some smaller openings. Remember they tear up rags and make nests out of them!
Peter: Sticky pads are marginal except for the little guys. The big ones drag the damn things off and somehow they escape. Mind you, I cannot escape from them but they can. We have not had any problems since we put funnels on our lines, but they are devious little bastards to say the least. I have also steel wool (probably brass wool) is good to keep them from some smaller openings. Remember they tear up rags and make nests out of them!
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