muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

[canmaker]

hi everyone , we are having problems with muskrats chewing through our ropes at the marina , any ideas how to stop them from doing this ? we tried to trap them but they wont go in the live trap , I would like to bring my pellet rifle there and shoot them , but we have to many animal lovers there . any ideas ? thanks .

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

They are next to impossible to live trap is correct. When the season opens let a trapper know of your problem and he will be happy to help. Just don't tell the tree huggers. HHMmmm wonder what the pelts go for now. 54 years ago I was paid $0.50 or $0.75 each depending on condition. OH,,, and they multiply well so if you think the problem is bad now in a couple years .....

 

[nwcove]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

a well placed bird of prey decoy works wonders for keeping some critters away.

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

I would just take part of a day and kill one then smear some blood near your boat. It should scare they off or try exlax and sardines. Man they will remember that for life lol

 

[canmaker]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

thanks everyone .

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

I would just take part of a day and kill one then smear some blood near your boat. It should scare they off or try exlax and sardines. Man they will remember that for life lol

That may work,,, if you cannot use a 22 to put them to sleep I'd use poison-- but I did not say that.

 

[Tom Maslar]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

lol WELL PLACED PIN WHEELS from a dollar store. the wind will create vibratiions that will carry down to the ground or dock wood and reverberate. The muskrat will detect and interpret them as a predator threat. try it--works for moles in landscaping biz and people are shocked by its ease and efficiency

 

[Tom Maslar]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

urine in a spray bottle also may work

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

That may work,,, if you cannot use a 22 to put them to sleep I'd use poison-- but I did not say that.

22? lol I was thing like a 30-30 considering that is the smallest I have and the exlax and sardines will keep them away without killing them just gives them super bad ****s for a few days

 

[airshot]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

Get yourself some red hot pepper sauce and mix some with water in a spray bottle and soak your ropes good. After a couple chews they will leave them alone. Simple, cheap and easy to re-spray on occasion, or after a good rain.

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

airshot would it not stain the white ropes?

 

[airshot]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

In all probability yes it would, go to colored ropes or stain the ropes to match the pepper sauce. This will for sure stop the little critters
though.

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

I have no bet of that just figured I would check because I know some things that you would think would stain don't and vice versa.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

A 22 is quieter... but the 30 - 30 will work. If the exlax/sardines works quickly they may use your boat for a bathroom. Nothing says they will go away with the ****z. Seriously, they now see your dock lines as a dinner. They keep multiplying and your wires and upholstery is on the menu.

22? lol I was thing like a 30-30 considering that is the smallest I have and the exlax and sardines will keep them away without killing them just gives them super bad ****s for a few days

 

[JoshOnt]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

Yeah I guess, up to him as to what he does, will have to weight the pros and cons of each. I know it works will many animals of that size and nature.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

could always put the dock lines away and tie the boat to the dock with live extension cords...

Me personally, I'd sleep on the boat and shoot em regardless of what people thought... a quick pop of an air rifle at 3 am is REALLY hard to pinpoint....

 

[Tom Maslar]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

you could use a pumpkin cannon--that might work

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

How about adding some mines to the area? Make muskratburger...

 

[jigngrub]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

If you can find some 100% Deet insect repellant spray your ropes with it, animals and bugs hate deet because it's very bitter. It won't stain your ropes because it's clear... and it'll keep the bugs away from your boat!

 

[greenbush future]

Re: muskrats chewing ropes on boats ?

Get yourself some red hot pepper sauce and mix some with water in a spray bottle and soak your ropes good. After a couple chews they will leave them alone. Simple, cheap and easy to re-spray on occasion, or after a good rain.

I did this with my bird seed when squirrels and chipmunks would empty me out every morning. Dumped a small amount of hot pepper dust in the tub of seed, then mixed it up. I was comical watching the squirrels sneezing and trying to get the powder off their noses. Solved my problems very quick. Birds don't have saliva glands so no issues there. I like the spray bottle idea.