Bugs on a Boat

[Charlotte Radford]

Here I am...congratulating myself about my very "clever" alliterative blog titles lately...YAY ME!!

Out to the Owl this weekend.  Will be preparing for a short cruise in two weeks.  Excited about that...BUT...

 

I have roaches!  And I don't leave any food onboard most weeks.  However, the owner before me lived on her too, and I would guess they are into their 200th generation or something. 

 

Yes, I know this is Florida....but I am going to be living out there come the first of July and I am researching the possible options.

 

Number One:  I can pay a professional service $70.00 for a guaranteed year free from bugs...I think this may be the best solution.  Perhaps.

Number Two:  Mix honey or syrup with boric acid to make a putty consistency.  Then place small smears of it in strategic places on the boat.

Number Three:  Use a bug bomb.  I can do this if I prepare.  I don't know how really effective they are.

Number Four:  Use a type of insecticide suitable for houses, and spray everything.  Fifty times. 

 

So, does anyone have any input on any of these ideas?  I admit I am frugal, so Number Four is looking better and better since I already own some insecticide that will work.

 

Happy Sailing. 

 

Dreaming the life and living the dream.  Stay safe and dry!

 

 

[Charlotte Radford]

Peter, I think you are correct!  LOL  I still am hassling with them, despite repeatedly spraying and re-spraying.  They just go further down, but they are still present.  UGH!!! 

The professional is looking better and better! 

[Peter Kafer]

I don't think roaches need food!  They live on the thought of food.  Good luck!

[Charlotte Radford]

LOL, Steve.  Who knew there was a coffee table book ABOUT roaches!!!  I could use it to squash those roaches!  The ones in Florida are huge.  And as if a regular roach wasn't enough.....there are bugs called palmettos that can FLY!!!  UGH!!!  Haven't seen any of those on the Owl yet.  Thank goodness.  :) 

Lola suggested that I get rid of all the cardboard and put the garbage out in the cockpit.  This has worked amazingly well, along with Zeehag's suggestion to use a spray in the cabin.  I have not seen a cockroach since I have been out here this weekend..  YAY!!!

[Steve Knight]

How about a coffee table book, heh heh...  http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2011/05/31/an-illustrated-gu...  Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[Val]

We bombed the boat (catamaran) a few years back and they worked beautifully. We're extremely vigilant about these critters. Seems we have picked them up again while in St. Thomas. Bought more bombs and will do the job when we reach Guatemala. Best of luck.

[Charlotte Radford]

Thanks for the input.  Taking Lola's advice to heart via email, I have gotten rid of all the cardboard onboard, and put the garbage out in the cockpit.

I actually have the particular brand of roach spray you suggest.  I will give it a try.

 

[zeehag]

bug bombs dont work in boats .  i know.    i use a spray from home depot--the brown gallon  container with the  remote sprayer on it--works  great. borax doesnt work.  btdt.  also use, along with the spray, those  roach motels, but do NOT use raid.  if you have found their nest, spray the  dickens out of it.  

roaches eat  wiring and   candle wax and other yummies when there is no foodstuff to  munch -- go get em, gurl!!