Believe it or not, it’s about time to winterize your boat and store it for the off-season. However, that also means it’s time to start thinking about how to keep mice off boats while they’re in storage.
When winterizing your boat, keeping it clean and secure is essential to ward off rodents like mice. These pests are known to chew through wiring and upholstery, which can lead to costly repairs. By following the tips in this article, you can protect your boat and keep it safe throughout the off-season.
How to Get Rid of Mice on a Boat: Prevention is Key
During the winter, mice seek out warm, dry places to nest, and boats can be a tempting option. Keeping your boat clean and secure can help ensure it doesn’t become their winter home.
The best way to get rid of mice on a boat is to prevent them from getting on board in the first place. Here’s how we recommend rodent-proofing your rig:
1. Thoroughly Clean Your Boat
Before storing your boat for the winter, make sure it’s free from any food, crumbs, or trash that might affect rodents. Then, give it a good wipe-down.
Read Next: How to Clean a Boat
2. Seal All Entry Points
After thoroughly cleaning your vessel, take some time to seal all entry points. Use steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk to patch up any holes, and pay special attention to the areas around the engine, electrical wiring, and vents. Also, make sure to check beneath the seats and in the bilge.
Read Next: How to Seal Your Boat Deck in 6 Simple Steps
3. Use Rodent Repellants
There are a variety of natural and chemical repellants that can deter mice from boarding your vessel. If you want to go the natural route, soak some cotton balls in peppermint essential oil and place them under seats, in storage compartments, and near entry points. Alternatively, various chemical rodent repellents are available on the market. You could also try electronic repellants that emit ultrasonic sounds to drive rodents away.
4. Set Mouse Traps
If you suspect critters have already made their way onto your boat, you can set traps around the engine compartment and near food storage. Just make sure to check them regularly!
5. Use Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are an age-old method for deterring mice. We recommend placing them in compartments or areas where mice are likely to bed (soft materials, the engine compartment, near food storage, etc.).
Boat Storage Tips for Winter
Aside from taking the above preventative measures, properly storing your boat can help keep rodents at bay. Here are some boat storage tips for winter:
Store Your Vessel in a Secure Location
Storing your vessel in a secure location during the offseason is essential. Indoor storage is ideal, as it offers protection from both pests and the elements. But if you must store your boat in a marina or garage, ensure it’s rodent-proof (see above). You’ll also want to invest in a high-quality boat cover.
Elevate Your Boat
Because rodents live primarily on the ground, elevating your boat can further deter them from climbing aboard.
Remove the Upholstery
We recommend removing cushions or upholstery from your boat and storing them separately. If you want to store your cushions with your rig, invest in rodent-proof containers. Or, you could always store them indoors.
Protect the Electrical Wiring
Rodents are notorious for chewing through electrical wiring. Therefore, you’ll want to protect your wiring with rodent-repellant tape or spray designed for electrical components.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
You must ensure proper ventilation when sealing your boat for the off-season. Doing so prevents excess moisture from building up, which could lead to mold and mildew. We recommend using dehumidifiers or vented boat covers – just make sure the vents aren’t large enough for mice to squeeze through.
How to Keep Mice Off Boats During the Offseason
As you now know, prevention is critical to keeping mice off boats during the offseason. As long as you follow the above boat storage tips for winter, we’re confident you won’t find any rodents on your vessel come springtime!
