5 Common Boat Pests to Look Out For

The five most common boat pests are roaches, bed bugs, termites, ants, and rodents. Boats give them what they need: food, water, warmth, and plenty of places to hide.

TL;DR: The five most common boat pests are roaches, bed bugs, termites, ants, and rodents, all drawn in by food, water, warmth, and hiding spots. Roaches thrive in warm, damp galleys and multiply fast, bed bugs hitchhike on luggage, and termites can damage wooden hull and deck parts for months before being noticed. Rodents tend to move in during the off-season and chew wiring and fuel lines, so regular inspections catch problems early.

Key Takeaways

• Termites can swarm and fly aboard a boat to establish new colonies, since many have wings.
• Carpenter ants, unlike most ant species on boats, tunnel through wood and use the excavated material to build their nests.
• Bed bugs feed on blood, and boats with frequent guest turnover give them a steady supply of hosts.
• Rodents often go undetected through the off-season and are only discovered once boating season resumes.
• Nextgen Pest Solutions offers same-day boat pest control service in West Palm Beach.

Whether during off-season or peak boating season, common boat pests can be a problem. These ongoing threats cause structural damage to marine vessels and threaten the health of guests and the crew aboard. As a boat owner, keeping pests at bay begins with staying vigilant. Here are five boat pest control tips to look out for:

1. Cockroaches: The Most Common Boat Pests

Perhaps the most common common boat pests boat owners come across are cockroaches. Not only are these incredibly resilient, disease-carrying insects known for being extremely difficult to eradicate, but they’re also drawn to warm, humid environments, making boats an ideal place to take up shelter. With plenty of warmth, moisture and hiding spots, galleys, engine rooms and areas below deck are generally where these pests are found.

Along with the damp environment, boats also have countless nooks and crannies that are largely inaccessible, which often provide cockroaches with breeding and nesting sites. Once cockroaches establish themselves, they quickly multiply, leading to infestations that grow out of control.

2. Bed Bugs: Hitchhikers That Board With Luggage

Bed bugs are attracted to people, and they can be found anywhere people sit or lie down for extended periods. This includes many areas of boats and ships. What makes boats particularly susceptible to bed bug infestations is the constant travel between ports and the boarding of people and luggage.

Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, clinging onto people’s clothing, luggage and other personal belongings, easily making their way onto the ship. Once they’ve come aboard, bed bugs hide in tiny crevices in storage compartments and upholstery seams. Many of the rooms on boats have guests coming and going, and this contributes to how an infestation is established and grows. Plus, bed bugs feed on the blood of a host, and boats tend to have plenty of people, meaning plenty of food sources.

3. Termites: Silent Damage to Wooden Boat Parts

Since wood is a major structural element of boats, termites are a common problem. They feed on cellulose found in wood, which can lead to significant damage to wooden structures. Certain areas of the hull, the trim, the deck and interior components of a boat are made from wood, making them especially attractive to termites. Along with being drawn to wood, termites can also travel long distances to establish new colonies, otherwise known as swarming. Since many swarming termites have wings, boarding a boat is no challenge.

Boats are often a target of termites because they offer a warm and moist environment, which is where termites thrive. Known as silent destroyers, termites can cause damage to boats for months or years while remaining undetected. Often, termite infestations go unnoticed until serious damage is done and the repair costs are great. That’s why regular termite inspections are essential.

“Termites are one of the most destructive boat pests we see in South Florida. By the time most owners notice the damage, the repair costs can run into the thousands. Early inspections are the only real defense.”

– Michael Holden, CEO, Nextgen Pest Solutions

4. Ants: Small Pests That Follow Food and Water

Ants are among the common boat pests because they are scavengers, often on the move in search of food, water, and shelter wherever they can find it. Since boats are usually damp and humid, they attract ants—where there’s moisture, there are water sources. Boats are also a great place for ants to find food. Food crumbs and sticky spills are ideal food sources for ants, making it important to keep your vessel clean.

Along with the plentiful food and water sources, boats also offer shelter for ants. With plenty of tiny cracks and crevices to hide in, boats provide a safe, protected area for ants to call home. While most ants don’t pose any serious risks, carpenter ants cause damage to wooden structures by tunnelling through them and using excavated material to build their nests.

5. Rodents: Stowaways That Chew Wires and Fuel Lines

Like other common boat pests, rodents are in search of food, water, and shelter. Boats often provide all three. The off-season, when boats are stored for long periods, is when rodents tend to be a problem, since they like quiet, undisturbed environments. When boat owners come back to their boats as boating season kicks back up during the warmer months, they may run into a rodent problem that has been there for months.

Boats have no shortage of food sources, usually stored in galleys or in the trash. Even leftovers and spills can become a meal for rodents. As excellent climbers, rodents easily access boats by climbing mooring lines or stowing away through various entry points. Once aboard, they can cause damage by chewing on wiring, fuel lines and other materials, as well as contaminate food and spread diseases.

If you’ve noticed any of these pests, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nextgen Pest Solutions in West Palm Beach, even if you need same-day services! As a veteran-owned and operated company with over 20 years of industry experience, we’re prepared to handle any pest control problem with precision and care. Call us through our contact page or contact us online for a free quote.

Sources

1. Charonnat, V. et al. (2008). “Surveillance study of vector species on board passenger ships, risk factors related to infestations.” BMC Public Health. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18371217
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Bed Bugs.” cdc.gov/bed-bugs/about/index.html
3. CDC & EPA. “Joint Statement on Bed Bug Control in the United States.” stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/21750
4. National Pest Management Association. “Formosan Termites – Damage, Treatment & Control.” pestworld.org/pest-guide/termites/formosan-termites
5. National Pest Management Association. “Spot and Stop Termites Early.” pestworld.org/multimedia-center/press-releases/how-to-spot-and-stop-termite-infestations