Ah, the open water; a place of relaxation, adventure, and serenity. But unwanted pests can quickly turn your idyllic boat trip into a frustrating battle against creepy crawlies and critters. From pesky flies to destructive rodents, a variety of uninvited guests can make themselves at home on your vessel.  The good news is, with a proactive approach, you can create a less welcoming environment for these unwelcome visitors. Here's a helpful guide to keeping pests off your Polycraft boat and ensuring a peaceful voyage:

Maintaining a Clean and Orderly Vessel

Food Storage: Crumbs and leftover food scraps are a major attractant for pests. Store all food in airtight containers and avoid leaving dirty dishes lying around. Clean up spills and messes immediately.

Trash Management: Don't let your boat become a floating garbage can. Dispose of trash properly in designated bins on shore or use a sealed trash can with a tight-fitting lid on your boat.

Regular Cleaning: Routinely clean your boat’s interior and exterior. Pay attention to areas where food debris or crumbs might accumulate, such as cabinets, coolers, and underfloor compartments. Vacuum or sweep up any crumbs or debris.

Blocking Entry Points

Seal Up the Cracks: Small cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and hatches can be entry points for pests. Inspect your boat regularly and seal any gaps with caulk or appropriate sealant.

Mesh Screens: Install mesh screens on vents, hatches, and other openings to prevent insects from flying in.

Door Sweeps: Consider adding door sweeps to the bottom of cabin doors to further deter crawling pests.

Natural Repellents

Certain oils such as peppermint, citronella, and clove, have natural insect repellent properties. Place cotton balls soaked in these oils around areas where pests are likely to enter or use a diffuser to disperse the scent in your boat. Be sure to dilute essential oils properly to avoid damaging surfaces or harming pets. You can also use bay leaves or cloves and place them in bowls or sachets around the boat.

Addressing Specific Pests

Spiders: Regularly vacuum webs and spider eggs. Sticky traps can also be used to catch them.

Mosquitoes: Eliminate any standing water on your boat, as this is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Consider using mosquito nets around sleeping areas if necessary.

Rodents: These unwelcome guests can cause significant damage by chewing on wires and upholstery. Set traps baited with peanut butter or cheese in strategic locations. Seal up any potential entry points all around your aluminium boat to prevent them from entering in the first place.

Long Term Strategies

Boat Cover: When your boat is not in use, keep it covered to prevent pests from entering and making themselves at home.

Winterization (if applicable): If you need to store your boat for the winter season, take extra steps to deter pests. Leave cabin doors and hatches slightly open to allow for ventilation and prevent moisture build-up, which can attract pests. You can also place dryer sheets or mothballs in strategic locations around the boat.