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Dirt Dauber Hotel

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Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/06/2005 : 20:45:47

I had the boom off the boat today getting ready to do a little work to it when I noticed a some dirt fall out the end.

I tapped the end of the boom and more dirt fell out, and more dirt and more dirt. I took the end cap off and inside was a dirt dauber hotel

Them boogers had built their nest all around the out haul (I was wondering why it was so hard to pull) The dark spots in the dirt are a few of the guest.

1997 250 TR WK (sold)
1984 O'Day 28 (sold)
1979 SISU 22
Bath, NC.

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2005 : 11:43:38

I started putting a golf tee in the cooling outlet on the honda, while some cooling water comes out with the exhaust a lot comes out that little tube and I constantly had daubers building their cocoons in there. As for masts and booms, in the fall I put baggies over the ends. It not only keeps out the daubers, but the wrens love to build in the mast, so they are kept out also.
you are right Tom, it can get really messy. Even when I have the hatches closed up tight I sometimes have daubers building inside the
cabin.

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1772 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2005 : 13:45:42

... Even when I have the hatches closed up tight I sometimes have daubers building inside the
cabin. - John

Me too! I'm beginning to wish those nasty little critters were extinct!

I'm going to look for something like the Shell "No-Pest Strips" to hang in the boat. When this topic has come up before, someone (Derek?) also suggested installing cat flea collars in the louvers of the top hatchboard ... I might try that, too.

Does anyone have anything else that has worked for keeping out mud daubers?

Thanks!

Edited by - Buzz Maring on 05/07/2005 13:48:09

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5913 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2005 : 15:24:13

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Does anyone have anything else that has worked for keeping out mud daubers?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I made a sunbrella cover for the hatchboards that snaps to the same snaps that are used for the pop top cover. The top of the hatchboard cover is extra long, and I flip it over the top hatchboard. It covers the vents, and the top flap closes the space between the sliding hatch and the top hatch board, which are the two places where mud daubers are most likely to get in. I haven't had a mud dauber nest in the boat since making it.

Edited by - on

John J.
Navigator

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USA
157 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2005 : 16:18:34

I, too, deal with the same invasion whenever I'm away from the boat for more than a few days. At least they have a redeeming value. They feed on spiders, which are an even worse inconvenience as far as I'm concerned. However, I think a cover like Steve's is in order. That way they can raise there families on someone elses boat. I also understand that they do not sting like wasps, but can't state that for certain.

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Dick Johnson
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 05/07/2005 : 21:50:17

I recently received an email stating that Bounce fabric softner sheets are good for keeping insects away. It advises people to wear them.... not rub it on them. It seems to work. I have been getting mud daubers in the mast and behind the curtains in the cabin.

No, I do not work for bounce or have stock in the company.

Langiappe Cat 25 SK 5512

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/08/2005 : 08:34:22

Here in the country we go to a ranch supply and get the pest strips for horse barns. They seem to work well. I use a boom tent as a cover and have added snaps to it so it is tight over the crib boards. It covers my entire coach house and protect the teak, lines, and windows. I have not had a bug inside in the time I have had the boa, (nor any leaks from storms). I think my cover is on my website somewhere. Very generic! 4 bungies and some snaps.

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1772 Posts

Response Posted - 05/08/2005 : 10:11:00

... I have not had a bug inside in the time I have had the boa - Frank

Can't you just picture Frank wearing a boa?

Hey Arlyn ... what do you think ... is it worthy of your Forum bloopers?

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 05/08/2005 : 19:22:23

We haven't had much problem with daubers at Folsom Lake - our pestilence is birds building nests in the folds and hollow spaces of the mainsail cover. I've already had to clean out one this year - had 5 tiny blue eggs in it. There will probably be another the next time I go out to the boat in two weeks.

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At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 05/08/2005 : 19:45:25

I put a piece of screen on the inside of the hatch board with the vent in it. Keeps the critters out and lets the breeze in.

Edited by - on

Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2005 : 13:21:10

Like Larry, I've had problems with birds. This year, I've put up a couple of red and silver mylar strips on the shrouds, backstay, and front of the mast. Not only have the birds stayed away, but the mylar streamers are nice telltales!

http://www.humeseeds.com/brdscr.htm

Cheers,

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2005 : 17:17:12

I see rubber snakes on some boats, bird repellant I assume.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2005 : 20:46:25

>"I see rubber snakes on some boats, bird repellant I assume."

Here in California, that could mean something COMPLETELY different. ;>)

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2005 : 21:29:52

Whoa! I am the hippiest dude on the planet and I don't get it. And being a California allusion I can't even narrow it down

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