Unwanted Visitors

[luna]

In the last 2 weeks I have started to get numerous deposits left on the floor of my boathouse. It seems that the local aquatic rodent population has decided to establish a new latrine.
From the tracks, the scat and the behaviour, it looks like the culprits are River Otters.

Any suggestions as to an effective yet gentle response that will convince them to move on.

 

[mvweebles]

Jack Russel terrier?

 

[Endeavor GB 32]

I have seen a boathouse with a standard electric fence controller, the plastic stanchions that hold the wire horizontally off of a fence were mounted vertically on the deck around the well. Seemed to work well. Good luck!
Regards,
Scott

 

[Helmsman]

I get them. Sprayed a mixture of tide and water under the dock (on top of the floats) and also sprayed the dock surface. They quit coming around. They also don’t like ammonia. If your exhaust is large enough, they can crawl in there and chew your exhaust hose. When I saw first saw them, I put an otter guard on the tail pipe, and that keeps them out.

 

[NComfort]

They do not like the smell of the disinfectant Pine Sol. We put it in small plastic containers with holes punched in the lids and placed them on the dock. I also sprayed it along the edge of the dock. They went elsewhere.

 

[SteveK]

My dog, a boxer has told them to stay away. They stay away. We moved to a new berth and now the old one is getting scat. so it must be true, they see him and stay away whether we are there or not.

 

[Comodave]

On our last boat we saw some rodents around the dock so I put otter guards from Hurley in both exhausts. Easy install.

 

[luna]

Thanks to all who responded.

From what I read the 15 lb. Jack Russel would not stand a chance against a 25 lb. River Otter. However my money would be on the boxer, although regardless of what kind of dog is used as a repellant, I'm still picking up s__t!
So, no thanks.

When I got the boathouse 17 +/- years ago it had the 1000 Volt animal repelling wire installed about 3" above the deck level, right at the edge of the floats. I took it down immediately as I considered it a tripping hazard. No issues until 2 weeks ago. Perhaps its new immigrants that are the issue. Lately, that kind of thing seems to be trending.

So yesterday I reinstalled it and hopefully I will convince the rodents to move on to a more natural and less electrifying location without doing them any long term harm.

I also applied the Pine Sol spray to help keep them from trying to climb onto the floats.

I have no doubt I will win this battle, it's just a matter of how.

 

[slowgoesit]

Motion sensor water sprinkler. Here's one, there are others:

Amazon.com

It'll either scare them off, or they will bring their friends for a fresh water shower!

 

[Letrbuck]

In the last 2 weeks I have started to get numerous deposits left on the floor of my boathouse. It seems that the local aquatic rodent population has decided to establish a new latrine.
From the tracks, the scat and the behaviour, it looks like the culprits are River Otters.

Any suggestions as to an effective yet gentle response that will convince them to move on.

Yes. I have used cayenne pepper effectively on my docks and boats for otters and birds, and even in my garden for cats, Simply sprinkle a small amount and you will be amazed at the results.

 

[eheffa]

I was at war with these dirty fockers for a few years.

I tried a motion detector floodlight wired to a radio blasting out CBC 2 which worked for a while then didn’t anymore.

They would crap on anything I touched even stopping to crawling under the welcome mat in the cockpit to leave their stinky deposits.

They would visit daily creating a lot of disgusting cleanups on my part.

Anyways, I installed an agricultural electric fence around the perimeter of the dock edge (two runs at differing heights above the water). The ground lead is attached to a chain hanging into the water. (In saltwater)

From the moment I installed the fence their visits ceased. So far after a couple of years they have not returned.

It’s a pretty cheap and very simple fix.

 

[sjnssn]

Otters are territorial like wolves. The best way to keep them away is human Urine! Its free, no hassels and lasts a long time.

 

[eheffa]

Yeah!

Tried that. Multiple times.

Didn’t work for our gang of squatters…

 

[SteveK]

Yeah!

Tried that. Multiple times.

Didn’t work for our gang of squatters…

I think it has to be virgin, like when you rename a boat to make it work.

 

[sjnssn]

Try more concentrated urine, the yellower the better. I nailed a strip of carpet around the perimitter and applied repeatted soakings where they got out of the sea. (Have the boys over for a few beers.)

 

[eheffa]

Try more concentrated urine, the yellower the better. I nailed a strip of carpet around the perimitter and applied repeatted soakings where they got out of the sea. (Have the boys over for a few beers.)

Maybe Ladysmith Otters are more sensitive than the Tsehum Harbour gang?

Urine is just as cheap here but didn't put a dent in their deposits; in fact it was almost like they took it as a challenge & would crap right on top of any human territory markings.

The electric fence just works.

 

[GrahamL]

Yes. I have used cayenne pepper effectively on my docks and boats for otters and birds, and even in my garden for cats, Simply sprinkle a small amount and you will be amazed at the results.

Cayenne is not recommended due to cruelty. Birds and animals get it in their eyes and will literally claw their eyes out to get relief. I don't wish that on any animal, even dammed otters.

 

[Raduran]

Moth Balls: Up here we use moth balls in little net bags tied to the cleats on the dock and one on the swim step. Because it rains so much here, we cover the moth ball bags with a inverted plastic ziplock bag with the bottom open to allow for the odor to escape. Otter hate the smell.

 

[CapP]

In the last 2 weeks I have started to get numerous deposits left on the floor of my boathouse. It seems that the local aquatic rodent population has decided to establish a new latrine.
From the tracks, the scat and the behaviour, it looks like the culprits are River Otters.

Any suggestions as to an effective yet gentle response that will convince them to move on.

"Gentle" is probably never going to work. We had an otter problem and tried everything but they went from the swim step, to the sole, to inside the curtained cockpit. Scents didn't work. Motion activated strobe and flashing lights didn't work. What finally did work was using carpet tack strip in the areas where they came aboard. They are incredibly smart creatures, but they didn't like pinching their paws on the tacks. Solved the problem right away.

 

[High Wire]

Motion sensor water sprinkler. Here's one, there are others:

Amazon.com

It'll either scare them off, or they will bring their friends for a fresh water shower!

A friend used a home built version for ducks on the swim platform at night. When they hopped up the water blasted them off. It took a few nights because there were sooo many ducks but eventually they stayed clear.

 

[GoldenDawn]

I had a mink coming on board and used a motion sensing door alarm to welcome them. It worked and was simple.

 

[Neil H]

In the last 2 weeks I have started to get numerous deposits left on the floor of my boathouse. It seems that the local aquatic rodent population has decided to establish a new latrine.
From the tracks, the scat and the behaviour, it looks like the culprits are River Otters.

Any suggestions as to an effective yet gentle response that will convince them to move on.

We live in the PNW (Vancouver ) I put droplets of Cyote Urine in vulnerable spots

 

[luna]

Just an update.

Otters, 2. Boater, 0.

I tried some Pine Sol sprayed full strength on their path to the latrine along with a few small bowls of Pine Sol in front of a tiny fan and 6 Moth balls in a mesh bag hung at the point of access to the deck.
I think as the liquid level in the bowls went up, they have P'd in the bowls while on the way to make another series of rather runny deposits.

Then a week ago I put one run of electrified wire on the vertical surface at the dock edge, about 2" below deck level so I would not trip on it. Either the Otters did not touch the wire climbing up onto deck (seems unlikely) or the 5000 Volts, at very little amperage acts as an Otter laxative because the deposits on deck after 3 days were immense.

Undeterred, I have now ran 2 more runs of wire 2" above the deck, at and near the deck edge to try to ensure that the Otters enjoy the full effects of my generosity.

I know first hand that the fence works as I have been part of the circuit for one cycle once, by accident.

We will know how this scheme works by tomorrow.

Thanks for all of the suggestions, keep them coming.

Just exactly how does one go about acquiring droplets of coyote urine?
Can I buy that at Otter Co-op?

Tags

Otter Co-op is a locally-owned co-operative serving Aldergrove, Surrey, Abbotsford, Delta, Langley, Pitt Meadows, Armstrong, Mission, Chilliwack, Penticton, and West Kelowna.

www.otterco-op.crs

 

[Comodave]

Stick a paper plate under the coyote when he is peeing. That is how I get urine samples from my dogs…

 

[Phantomflyboy]

Leave mouse traps around, the kind with the plastic cheese. You can get a dozen on amazon. Set them initially but after a while they wont go near them set or not. We tried everything to keep them off our boat with no luck until we did this. No otters on the boat for 2 years even though a family lives in the marina.

 

[luna]

Stick a paper plate under the coyote when he is peeing. That is how I get urine samples from my dogs…

I live in a rural area, with coyotes aplenty. They howl nightly, it's going on right now. They are seldom seen.

I've also got lots of Royal Chinet plates and bowls.

What I'm missing is the ability to identify and the gumption to approach, the willing coyote.

Maybe you know someone in the area that you can recommend or as you are experienced at it, perhaps you might be willing to give it a go.

 

[Pro Re Nata]

In the last 2 weeks I have started to get numerous deposits left on the floor of my boathouse. It seems that the local aquatic rodent population has decided to establish a new latrine.
From the tracks, the scat and the behaviour, it looks like the culprits are River Otters.

Any suggestions as to an effective yet gentle response that will convince them to move on.

From our local animal control office, Run a strobe light for a week and they will move away permanently. This one worked for my resident ground hog brood under my deck at home. A cheap fix: Luditek Halloween Mini LED Strobe Light, Sound Activated Party Lights 7 Colors Dj Lighting, Disco Light, Strobe Lamp Flashing Stage Par Light for Home Room Dance Parties Karaoke Xmas Wedding Outside https://a.co/d/31bVJ8M

 

[ronobrien]

In the last 2 weeks I have started to get numerous deposits left on the floor of my boathouse. It seems that the local aquatic rodent population has decided to establish a new latrine.
From the tracks, the scat and the behaviour, it looks like the culprits are River Otters.

Any suggestions as to an effective yet gentle response that will convince them to move on.

I recently had a squirrel(s) in my attic. I mixed up white vinegar, garlic powder and cayenne pepper and sprayed it around they area they seemed to be. They went away in one application. Squirrels are habitual so getting them to move seems to establish that habit with them. It has been 3 weeks and no sign of them returning. I can only guess that it may work with other rodents.

 

[eheffa]

Just an update.

Otters, 2. Boater, 0.

I tried some Pine Sol sprayed full strength on their path to the latrine along with a few small bowls of Pine Sol in front of a tiny fan and 6 Moth balls in a mesh bag hung at the point of access to the deck.
I think as the liquid level in the bowls went up, they have P'd in the bowls while on the way to make another series of rather runny deposits.

Then a week ago I put one run of electrified wire on the vertical surface at the dock edge, about 2" below deck level so I would not trip on it. Either the Otters did not touch the wire climbing up onto deck (seems unlikely) or the 5000 Volts, at very little amperage acts as an Otter laxative because the deposits on deck after 3 days were immense.

Undeterred, I have now ran 2 more runs of wire 2" above the deck, at and near the deck edge to try to ensure that the Otters enjoy the full effects of my generosity.

I know first hand that the fence works as I have been part of the circuit for one cycle once, by accident.

We will know how this scheme works by tomorrow.

Thanks for all of the suggestions, keep them coming.

Just exactly how does one go about acquiring droplets of coyote urine?
Can I buy that at Otter Co-op?

Tags

Otter Co-op is a locally-owned co-operative serving Aldergrove, Surrey, Abbotsford, Delta, Langley, Pitt Meadows, Armstrong, Mission, Chilliwack, Penticton, and West Kelowna.

www.otterco-op.crs

Sorry to hear your early efforts did not send them away…

I have a hunch that the wiring configuration needs to be set up so that the otters can’t easily get out of the water without contacting a live wire while they are still partly immersed or in contact with the water ...

I have one string down lower towards the water with the idea that they can’t reach the top deck without touching one of these wires.

I have no idea whether that is why it’s been working except they have not been back since the fence was turned on.

 

[luna]

I read the average River Otter is about 36" long. My lowest fence wire resides about 15" above waterline with one more 3"above that.

When they hoist themselves out of the water to get on deck thereby hopefully touching the wire(s), I would think about 1/3rd of their body would still be in the water which provides the ground path to 2 grounded 1' square aluminum plates.