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Posts: 225
Location: Nordeast Minneapolis | Hey guys-
This is probably a pretty dumb question, but it's just not something I've had to deal with before. Last weekend we went up and fished Mille Lacs for the first time (buddy caught a really nice northern, but no musky action) and had a great time. But while doing a little study, the DNR website mentioned zebra mussels being in the lake.
My question is: is there anything I should do to my boat to make sure I don't spread the little buggers to my favorite local lake? The DNR website suggested high-heat pressure washing, but I don't have a pressure washer. I stopped by the marine shop near my house (would rather not say which one, given their advice) and they said in essence that they're inevitable, will clear up the water and I might as well do nothing. That very well may be true, but I'd rather not be the one responsible for spreading them. Should I run some bleach through the livewell lines? Spray it with a regular hose? Just give the boat a good lookover? Or is boat shop guy right??? Is it even worth worrying about?
Thanks, everybody. |
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Posts: 32951
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Bleach solution should work just fine. You should take every precaution to try not to spread ANY invasive. |
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Posts: 2024
| Yes, it's worth worrying about. That dealership should be ashamed of themselves.
Bleach will work, but aside from treating your livewells also check for any cling-ons that may attach to your hull or a nook in a joint near your motor. You might try renting a pressure washer from your local hardware store (if possible), or call the DNR and ask for suggestions. You should be commended for wanting to prevent the spread; most people (like your dealership) would just write it off as "inevitable" or "this doesn't apply to me/if it gets spread it couldn't possibly be from me." |
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Posts: 32951
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Car wash. pressure washer supreme if you can find a good self wash booth. |
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Posts: 225
Location: Nordeast Minneapolis | Aha! self car wash! Fantastic idea... that's the kind of thinking that I come here for.  I'll definitely bleach the livewell, but I was concerned that wouldn't be enough. The whole car-wash thing would make me feel a lot better. Like I said, while it may end up there eventually, I'd reeeally rather not be the one to put 'em there. |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | Also, if at all possible let the boat dry and stay dry for a couple of days. You could also contact the DNR and ask if they have a pressure washer and have them do it. I know out in Utah we station pressure washers at the ramp to spray down suspect boats to prevent the quaga mussel from invading. Be careful with the pressure washer, some are powerful enough to blow right through fiberglass. |
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Question about zebra mussels..