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Posts: 103
| A pile of mice were nice enough to spend the winter in my boat even though i had moth balls everywhere. I cleaned up the mess the best I could but it still really stinks. Most of the stink is coming from under my front deck along the fuel tank walls where i can't get to (1997 Ranger 681).Would it be ok to remove my front switch panel and run water along the sides of the tank or would i be asking for trouble? Ideas to get rid of stink?
Thanks |
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Posts: 114
| You might want to use a cup of bleach per gallon of water. Water alone may not be enough to remove the smell. This solution should be safe for wiring but be careful not to get any on your carpeting. Good luck. |
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | I would get an ozone generator in there and let it run a couple days. If it is a fairly enclosed area and you can put a tarp over it to keep it more enclosed that should take care of it as long as it is getting to the source, which has got to be urine soaked carpet somewhere |
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Posts: 206
| Are you sure there aren't some dead ones in there still? |
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | Next year try oil of peppermint on cotton balls all over. I've not had best luck with moth balls or dryer sheets as some suggest. They usually make nests out of the dryer sheets. |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | I would contact Ranger and ask them about flushing that area. Maybe pour in some Fabreze then flush with water.
I use whole cloves & whole star anise sprinkled on carpets, in compartments, etc. (refresh in mid-January)- your boat will smell like grandma's kitchen.. they vacuum right up in spring. Dryer sheets don't work, they made nests out of them the first year I tried that.
If you use peppermint oil, soak the cotton balls and place on small piece of aluminum foil shaped like small bowl- you don't want the oil to stain your carpets, etc.
If the problem is also your carpet, steam clean it (I used a rental with the upholstery attachment), then spray with Fabreze...
Have fun!
Al |
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Posts: 103
| Thx for the replies everyone. I will try your suggestions and call Ranger |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | Use it as an excuse to buy a new boat. |
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Posts: 206
| Fwiw, I use "fresh cab" and plug-in buzzers to keep the little devils away. Seems to work better than moth balls and dryer sheets I've used before in the past... |
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Posts: 1150
Location: Minnesota. | RBC - 4/21/2016 6:58 PM
Thx for the replies everyone. I will try your suggestions and call Ranger
I would be VERY interested in hearing what Ranger has to say b/c I've been putting drier sheets in my Rangers for 20 yrs.
I'd like to hear...as I'm sure many here would, Ranger's or not.
Thanks. |
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Posts: 103
| Talked to a guy from Ranger (really appreciated a live person calling me back quickly). I asked if there would be any problem with taking off the front switch panel and pouring bleach water in. He said, in a great southern accent, "Well, it will turn your mice white". Joking of course. He said pouring water in would be no problem. He also said I could pressure wash all carpet and compartments as long as I didn't get too close. I asked if he had any recommendations for keeping mice out when I store it. He said, again with the deep southern accent, "Tie up a tom cat in there". And no, he didn't have any sure fire way of keeping mice out.
I will try some bleach water and pressure washing and see if my kids can part with a cat. |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Cat pee smells bad too! You better get a litter pan........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKMBk3js7e0
Good luck!
Al |
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Posts: 164
| Use white vinegar instead of bleach |
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Posts: 46
| Vinegar definitely. It will do a great job with your carpet, too. I have a 681 and there is a long open area next to the gas tank behind a vent cover. The vent cover is on the front lower deck wall near to the bait well. If you haven't taken that cover off to check it out I'd highly suggest it. Good luck! The 681 is a great boat! |
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