It is definitely not a pleasant experience to have some uninvited guests on your boat while you’re relaxing. Those uninvited guests also leave droppings and dirt on your deck, which could be hours of cleaning.
Luckily, there are some methods you can try to keep seagulls, spiders, and mice off your boat. By following the simple tips we’ve outlined in this post, you can rest assured that your vessel will be pest-free for the seasons to come.
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How to Keep Seagulls off your Boat
There’s nothing worse than being out on the open water and having seagulls constantly dive-bombing you and your boat. While they may seem harmless, these birds can create a lot of mess and mayhem.
There’s no need to call the bird control experts when seagulls are causing problems on your boat. Here’re some tips to keep these pesky birds at bay and enjoy your time on the water.
1. Clear your Boat of Obejcts that Attract them
Seagulls love shiny objects, so make sure any jewelry or other valuables are stowed away safely.
One of the best ways to keep seagulls away from your boat is to make sure there’s nothing on board that they find appealing. This means keeping all food and garbage locked away in containers.
If you have a pet onboard, be sure to keep their food and water dishes out of reach of the birds.
2. Using a Motion-Activated Sprinkler
If you’re looking for a high-tech solution to your seagull problem, consider investing in a motion-activated sprinkler. These devices are designed to deter birds and other pests from entering an area by spraying them with water when they get too close.
Motion-activated sprinklers can be found at most home improvement stores and are relatively easy to set up.
3. Hanging CDs or DVDs
Another simple way to keep seagulls away from your boat is to hang up some shiny objects that will reflect light and scare the birds off.
CDs or DVDs hung around the perimeter of your boat should do the trick. You can also try hanging Mylar balloons or streamers from the mast or other high points on your vessel.
4. Making Loud Noises
If all else fails, you can try to scare off seagulls with loud noises. This can be done by banging pots and pans together, using an air horn or flare gun, or even firing a shotgun into the air.
Just be sure to exercise caution when using any of these methods, as they may also scare away other marine life.
How to keep Spiders off your Boat
There are a variety of ways to keep spiders off your boat.
1. Use a Spider Repellent
This is the best way to keep spiders off your boat.
- There are a few different types of spider repellents that you can use, including essential oils, aerosols, and granules
- You can also use natural deterrents like vinegar or citrus peels
- If you’re using a repellent spray, make sure to coat all surfaces of your boat, including the eaves, railings, and deck. You can also spread a layer of granules around the perimeter of your boat to create a barrier
Be sure to reapply the repellent every few weeks or after a rainstorm.
2. Make the Boat Uninviting
Another way to keep spiders off your boat is to make it an uninviting place for them to live.
- Remove any sources of food and water
- Seals up any cracks or openings that spiders could use to get inside. You should also keep your boat free of clutter, as spiders love to hide in nooks and crannies
- Spiders are attracted to dirt and debris, so keeping your boat clean will help discourage them from setting up shop. Regular vacuuming and dusting will help immensely
3. Use a Spider Trap
Finally, you can try using a spider trap. These devices lure spiders in with a pheromone attractant and capture them on a sticky surface. This is an effective way to remove spiders from your boat and keep them from coming back.
How to Keep Mice out of Boats
Mice are a common problem on boats, as they can easily enter through small openings and chew through wiring and other materials. There are several things you can do to help keep mice away from your boat:
- Install wire mesh over all openings that lead to the inside of the boat. Make sure the mesh is small enough that mice cannot fit through but large enough so that air can still circulate
- Seal any cracks or openings in the boat with caulk or another sealant
- Place mouse traps around the boat, especially around areas where mice are likely to enter
- Keep food and garbage stored in sealed containers, and dispose of garbage regularly
- If you live on your boat, keep it clean and free of clutter. Mice like to nest in warm, dark places, so eliminating these conditions will help discourage them from staying on your boat
Conclusion
By following the tips above, you can keep seagulls, spiders, and mice off your boat. Seagulls can be scared away with loud noises, spiders can be repelled with various methods, and mice can be kept away with traps and deterrents.
Most importantly, you should take good care of your boat, like cleaning it often and sealing all the holes and cracks on it, then you can enjoy a pest-free boating experience.