Mice

TonyG13 · February 11

Got to the boat this morning after winter haitus. Had not been out to see it since November. It's indoor, heated. Started getting set up to do some putz work and just felt something wasn't right. Looked around and lo-and-behold -- the four or five granola bars that were in a bowl in the galley where gone and the wrappers were spread like confetti all over the counter. I then started noticing mouse droppings.

At this point I started a methodical teardown of every single compartment and opening looking for any more signs of life. Found some paper towels shredded up under the galley sink, then two mini nests made from some paper and cotton towels in the storage under the couch - and then hit what I believe to be the main nest, motherlode, in the storage area under the mid-ship berth. Looks like they set up shop inside the plastic bag containing an extra canvas connector using the munched paper towels. The bottom of the bag had a hole which I think is how they came and went.

I vacuumed, Clorox wiped, and then bagged any and all surfaces I though they came into contact with and trashed it all. Here's a few pics. So far, couldn't find any signs of any chewed wires or tubes - just towels.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020499/uploads/editor/91/xtywsrpd0e4o.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020499/uploads/editor/n7/bbk1frkz1lpc.jpg

Now I'm just wondering if they were/are still aboard this morning when I got there and went deeper into hiding - and what will they do when they come out and find their home gone? Will they jump ship onto another boat? Or just set up again? I plan on going out tomorrow with some traps -- and I sent the yard owner an email letting her know. Because when I was getting off my boat, I saw this on the wall of the boat next to mine...

So he's probably got them also.

Anything else I should do?

aero3113 · February 11

@TonyG13 , how are they getting up and into the boat? Hopefully they’re out now but try to prevent them from getting back in.

TonyG13 · February 11

That's a good question. The swim platform is backed up to, but about 6" way from, a horizontal support beam which is at about the same height. My power cord is draped along that to the outlet box. I'm guessing they are traveling along that beam from boat to boat and then either hopping on/off or using the power cord?. That's what the drill and charger are sitting on in my neighbor's spot (in the last pic) - where they also stopped for a snack.

I'll probably set the traps for the weekend and see what happens - and then load up the boat with dryer sheets, pepermint oil, and maybe lavender moth balls.

Any other home remedies to reccomend?

LaRea · February 12

Those #^@*$^ emm effers can swim. I chased one away at a marina in Lake Erie. Every time it surfaced, it would look up and see me, then dive and keep swimming. Since yours has learned a path onto your boat, trap and kill is probably the only solution. Sorry to hear it!

TonyG13 · February 12

Definitely will not be giving quarter to any interlopers found aboard.

I am freaking out a bit after reading about the potential dangers of mice turds. I guess they carry a fair amount of diseases which can get transmitted via airborne (droppings) or touch (urine) and you're not supposed to vacuum up droppings -- which is what I did.

I did wear gloves and did have a HEPA bag on the shop-vac, but I did not wear a mask.

Cleaning the hard surfaces is easy, but soft surfaces like the carpeting and cushions will take some thinking. And all the towels and linens they rummaged around will now either get dumped or put into the wash in the high heat disinfect mode.

captkevin · February 12

I hate the little buggers

Ian · February 12

The granola bars possible attracted them.

PickleRick · February 12

X2 getting rid of all food on board.

Put out some traps.

Hope you can get rid of your new unwanted crew before they do any more damage

Rich_ · February 12

Definitely trap them, the old time spring traps on a wood board. Do not put out poison, when they die in a hidden spot, it will stink.

PickleRick · February 12

I also prefer the spring traps, even the newer plastic ones. While I absolutely hate mice I don't think the sticky ones a very humane

TonyG13 · February 12

Went back to the boat this morning. No signs of any activity overnight. I set up spring traps in the various areas I found previous activity. Taking no prisoners.

I'm guessing this was their path to get aboard...

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020499/uploads/editor/zf/bgvahpj1cw07.jpg

I agree it was probably the food, but in 25+ years of indoor storage this is a first for me. I always have had a couple of power bars to snack on while working on the boat. Lesson learned.

I did go into the yard office and told the owner. She reacted immediately by calling in her guys to pull all the yard bait stations and traps to check them and refill them. And to also remind them that they also should only be eating in the breakroom and not on the storage floor.

I'll check my traps next week and see if I get anything.

Lake_Bum · February 12

Bounty dryer sheets is what I've used for years and years in my RV's, no Mice yet. When I am anchored at the beach, if there are signs of Mice, I will use plastic plates, cut a slit, and slide it over my ropes. It blocks them access from climbing up those ropes....

Willhound · February 13

Absolutely that's how they (it) got in. Easy for any mouse. I've seen them climb a concrete wall if not completely smooth. Can also jump astoundingly high for their size. Over many years of boats both large and small and now travel trailers we've learned that food in any form is a no-no. We even remove all spices. Missed a takeout ketchup packet one year.....mess in the spring. Also, any paper towel, toilet paper etc. Even with no food they love it as a nesting material. As noted, poison is a no go, never sure where they're going to hide and die. Spring traps work well, as long as you can check and clean it regularly. I'd also screw a piece of wire to it and attach it somewhere because I've seen them drag a trap a fair piece if it doesn't immediately kill them. My go to is a pail trap as shown. Use plumbing antifreeze since it won't freeze and the alcohol sort of preserves them so no smell.

PickleRick · February 13

Simple and effective....but it looks like something Tom would put out to catch Jerry!!! Lol

captkevin · February 13

Thats awesome

Lake_Bum · February 13

A friend of mine makes mousetraps with a 3d printer. It's a modified bucket, with a trap door on the top. One night he setup a security camera, and caught EIGHTEEN Mice!!!! Total ICK feeling, knowing there were that many in his garage!!!!! Hahaha

YYZRC · February 13

@Willhound will a regular Gatorade bottle work? I don’t like the zero sugar

Willhound · February 14

YYZRC said:

@Willhound will a regular Gatorade bottle work? I don’t like the zero sugar

Yep! As will a beer can, water bottle or what have you..😆

LaRea · February 14

@Willhound - I hope you don't mind but I cross-posted your photo to the Great Loop forum. It's a clever solution, especially filling with antifreeze.

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