RATS!

[SgtAlf]

Since I moved to Georgia I have discovered a nest of baby Rats in the port cockpit storage, and evidence she was inside. I put out some traps, and no more Rat. Now I have evidence another one is in there. Just put out more traps. I think I found how they might be getting in. In the cockpit, right near the step to go to the foredeck, where the coaming pad ends, I can reach under and above the step. Going into the cave, there's a hole that looks like it belongs there leading from the same area, ie not a chewed hole.
Not the hard part, how to block off this access... I'm sure I'll have to do both sides.
The Rats populate the marsh grass that runs along the river.

 

[Phil Nersessian]

Sometimes Moth balls can help...

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Depending on the size of the opening you might consider a piece of starboard secured by 5200 or screws. Good luck.

Jim

 

[bill46]

We spray dock with Ammonia, have not had rats for last 4 years. Works. Rats think it is cat urine and stay away. We had 2 that I caught on dock, had 4 traps set on boat. none since ammonia!

 

[scross]

Our Journey is stored off season in our driveway. It’s an area where it’s next to our firewood and there used to be rats on a regular basis. So, we got two cats! We “share” them with our next door neighbor. No more rats anywhere near the boat or the house! I love my cats, Shadow and Bernie!

 

[SgtAlf]

We spray dock with Ammonia, have not had rats for last 4 years. Works. Rats think it is cat urine and stay away. We had 2 that I caught on dock, had 4 traps set on boat. none since ammonia!

Thanks for the tip, I'll try the Ammonia!

 

[Joan and Jim]

Some time ago we had the same problem with a mink inside our boat. We also had otters which, while not coming aboard, would poop all over our dock. I got a small device which emits a high frequency sound which is inaudible to human ears but hurts theirs. It is plugged into a 110V outlet on my battery charger/inverter. These creatures now stay away.

 

[baz]

I've had great luck in keeping critters of all types away from my car that is parked outside, and for several years having my R21 EC on trailer also parked outside, by using a tied up bunch of Clothe Dryer scented/softner papers in the engine bay. I opted for this technique after a critter ate/chewed through my car's engine coolant hose one day. I suspect the critter died a nasty death as well since coolant is a deadly poison.