As a long time sailor and Florida resident, I enjoy spending a lot of my free time out on the water. When I’m on the dock, by the very nature of my profession I am often asked about Marine Pest Control.
How can I prevent pests on my boat?
As we always say, the best offense is a good defense.
- Clean up food and drink spills promptly, especially sugary sodas and crumbs that will tempt ants
- Eliminate cardboard boxes and bags as much as possible
- Store all opened food items in airtight plastic containers. (You might even consider double-bagging before placing into the container!)
- Thoroughly inspect and wash all produce purchased on land before bringing it aboard, especially those from farmer’s markets and roadside stands.
What kinds of bugs can I get on my boat?
Whether you have a trailer boat or liveaboard, roaches, palmetto bugs, ants, and termites are all possible roommates. Roaches thrive on cardboard, and termites will love to nosh on your stunning wood paneling and accents. Palmetto bugs aren’t harmful but certainly are a nuisance, and ants are common on boats that are stored on trailers.
What are the treatment options for marine pest control?
Boats are a particularly unique environment for bugs, combining moisture and remote hiding places. Knowing how to reach these areas is the key to ridding your boat of bugs.
The answer is not as easy as it sounds. Not all products used in the home are appropriate for a marine environment. Some products can be harmful to both the ecosystem and its human visitors if used in the small confines of a boat.
While many minor pest problems can be tackled with DIY home methods, marine pest control presents a unique challenge. The most effective products are expensive and may not work at all if mistakenly used in combination with certain others. In this case, truly the wisest choice is to call a professional.
With my boating knowledge and our team’s years of experience, we know exactly where to look to find the critters that are ruining your fun time. Our uniquely developed treatments will rid your boat of pests while still respecting the surrounding environment. Give us a call to see how we can help.
Visit us online at BugAndTermiteControl.com or call (386) 673-1557. We’ll see you on the water!
Todd Stebleton is the owner and operator of Universal Pest Control, a family-owned business for over 25 years in Ormond Beach, Florida. He and his wife Natalie are proud to have built a company focused on conducting business with honesty and integrity: keeping customers first, protecting the environment, and providing trustworthy, personal service.
Universal: Honest, Environmentally Friendly Pest Control