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Ding Dang Mice

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iwillnotsubmit
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/28/2012 : 06:46:24

I went out for a sail last Sunday and when I took off the mainsail cover I found a small pile of threads balled up. Ding Dang Mice!! I also found that the mice had chewed a dime sized hole in my mainsail. I didn't notice any other signs of mice activity until after the sail. A few mouse droppings here and there. I also looked down into the cabin when I was putting the mainsail cover back on and saw one of the little buggers. I don't have any experience with with keeping a boat mouse free. I don't keep any food on board and keep the boat very clean. Does anyone have any advise for keeping the little critters from making a winter home in my boat?

1980 Catalina 25 TR, FK, Traditional. Sailing on the Mississippi River, Portage Des Souix, MO.

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2012 : 09:13:46

Rat/Mice poison!

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2012 : 10:28:19

How would you speculate they got aboard and into the cabin?

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Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2012 : 11:14:35

I would guess the same way birds got into mine last year: Passive air vents on the stern?
Since the gas can is now off the boat, I stuffed rags in the vents. I've heard steel wool is a better deterrant when filling in holes.

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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2012 : 14:41:32

Hand grenade, Gatling gun? Might try moth balls.

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glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2012 : 16:13:32

If they want in they are hard to keep out....that said I've read that Rosemary sprigs placed around the cabin where mice might hide will work although I've never seen it tested.

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panhead1948
Captain

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345 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2012 : 21:02:00

I was told once that moth balls would keep critters out during the winter lay up. Never had mice during the summer. One winter mice climbed inside the engine cover of my outboard and built a nest. Now when I store the motor I take the cover.

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DanM
Captain

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USA
256 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2012 : 06:55:16

When I had my tractor serviced, the first thing they did was remove a mouse nest from behind the instrument cover. The mechanic advised to hang a small mesh bag containing mothballs in there.

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iwillnotsubmit
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2012 : 07:16:54

Thanks for the advice. I should have mentioned that I already set traps, but was looking for ways to keep them off in the first place. I will try the mothballs when I go back to the boat this weekend. Hopefully the traps worked. Its going to be a great weekend of sailing around here, 60's and 10-12 mph winds out of the south. Haul out time is coming soon.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2012 : 08:53:05

I'd try the peppermint oil and/or rosemary. Have you ever smelled a mothball. They'd keep me off the boat!

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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2012 : 12:33:36

Have you considered placing screens in the vents?

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CarbonSink62
Navigator

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USA
208 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2012 : 11:52:52

The PO of our pop-up camper mothballed it for mice. I don't recommend it.

We've had it for 5 or 6 years and I still smell them when I open the lockers.

I've had good luck with the peppermint oil.

You could also trap and kill a few, then mount their little heads on spikes where you think they are coming in. It might keep others out; it's theraputic either way.

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putzmeister
Navigator

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100 Posts

Response Posted - 12/01/2012 : 18:05:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by CarbonSink62
 You could also trap and kill a few, then mount their little heads on spikes where you think they are coming in . . .
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.