If you have a powerboat in South Africa, it will likely experience pest invasion at some point. If unattended, Pests can significantly damage one of the most expensive investments (if not the most expensive) of your life. South Africa has a thriving environment for pests. In this article, let’s identify the most common pests that are found on powerboats in South Africa.
The Most Common Pests Found on Powerboats in South Africa
Cockroaches and Ants
You saw this one coming from miles away, did you not?
Of course! Cockroaches and Ants are the Mr. Worldwide of the insect world. They can easily find their way onto your powerboat, especially if your boat’s marina/garage is dirty or infested. Sometimes, they can find their way via your luggage, cargo boxes, and other items.
All they require is food, water, and a shelter that is dark and damp. A powerboat provides the perfect environment for them to live and thrive.
While they pose no direct threat to your boat’s outer structure, they can certainly make your life on the boat hell.
Rats and Mice
Yet another commonly found pests, Rats and Mice pose a critical threat to your vessels.
And these little critters? They love to gnaw at things. It’s in their blood. Not only can they wreck your supplies but also damage your ship’s critical components such as navigation, anchors or lights.
Rats and Mice can easily find their way in especially when your ship is docked. If you store your ship on land, it is more susceptible to the infestation.
If you are to spot one rat or mouse onboard, take action immediately. You may never know the extent of the damage until you look into it and evict or exterminate these little buggers.
Fleas
While fleas do not affect your powerboat, they can make the humans and other pets onboard irritable.
Fleas are known for their bites and causing rashes. Some humans also demonstrate allergic reactions to flea bites. They transmit from humans or animals to others, making their way to another host via proximity contacts.
They make their way on your powerboat through a human or an animal host.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are the more annoying version of fleas. While they do not live directly on humans or other animals, they can make their way to your powerboat via luggage; especially the luggage containing your sleeping gear and other necessary items.
Bed bugs are great at hide-and-seek, finding their way to most unreachable or hard-to-reach spots on your powerboat. They can be crazy annoying if left unattended and can make your life hell if you live on your powerboat for purposes.
Silverfish
Silverfish, or ‘Carpet Eating Monsters’ as we like to call them, are a rather uncommon sight on powerboats but they can find a way to get on board.
These little buggers thrive in humid environments that your powerboat very much offers. They are not harmful for your health but your clothes, books, and charts better watch out, because they are coming for them.
A silverfish infestation can wreak havoc on your ship and is a nemesis to your ship’s important paperwork, maps, charts, and guides that you carry on board.
Termites
Termites are a rather uncommon occurrence on a powerboat in South Africa, yet they are an occurrence.
These little monsters are a huge risk to your powerboat’s integrity if they make their way on board. If you discover termites on board, consider this as your number one emergency and contact professionals immediately.
Word of Advise and Conclusion
Infestation, whether small or large, should be dealt with first-hand. You can take certain basic precautions like sealing cracks and crevices, storing food in a sealed environment, disposing of garbage properly and maintaining cleanliness onboard, and lastly, contacting professionals to deal with or prevent infestations on your powerboat in South Africa.
Discovering the most common pests on powerboats in South Africa on your own boat can be a stressful experience. However, it is not the end of the world. There are always ways of dealing with this sort of anomaly.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a skipper’s license in South Africa, Skipper Training is here to assist you. Kindly check the Skipper’s Section on our website or connect with us for more information.
