Rat on board: tips for dealing with rodents on sailing boats

If you like sailing and own a yacht, you may have unwanted guests on board during your trip in the form of rats. A rat on the yacht can not only be unpleasant, but can also pose health risks. In this article, we will give you helpful tips on how to keep rats away from your sailboat and trap them if necessary. 

Sailing is a wonderful recreational activity, but it can come with some challenges. One of the most unpleasant situations is the presence of rats on board. Rats can carry diseases and cause damage to your yacht. Therefore, it is important to know how to deal with this problem and how to keep rats away.

Why are rats a problem on sailboats?

Rats are not only annoying pests, but can also cause serious problems on board your sailboat. They can chew through cables, damage upholstery and sails, and even carry disease. The presence of rats can quickly turn your sailing trip into a nightmare.

Get rid of rats: Tips and tricks

Detect rat droppings

Before you take action to control rats, it is important to recognise rat droppings. Rat droppings look like small, dark grains of rice and are a clear sign that rodents are present. As soon as you discover rat droppings, you should act quickly to prevent further rat reproduction.

Keeping rats away with sticky traps

An effective way to keep rats away from your yacht is with sticky traps. These sticky traps are specially designed to attract and hold rats. Place the sticky traps in strategic locations on board where you suspect rat activity. Check the sticky traps regularly and dispose of trapped rats safely.

Catching rats: The right method

If rats are already on board, you should take measures to catch them. Rat traps with bait such as cheese or peanut butter can be effective. Place the traps in the places where you have seen rats or found rat droppings. Check the traps regularly and dispose of trapped rats according to local regulations.

Keep rats alone: Is it possible?

It is not advisable to keep rats alone on board. Rats are social animals and should not be kept in isolation. It is also difficult to properly understand and respond to their needs and behaviour. If you want to keep a rat as a pet, you should do so at home and not on your sailboat.


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Rat on board: noises and tracks

What sounds do rats make?

Rats make certain noises that can alert you to their presence. These include scratching noises, squeaking sounds and tripping noises. If you hear such sounds, it is advisable to carry out a thorough inspection of your sailboat.

Recognising rat tracks

Rats also leave traces that indicate their presence. Look for gnaw marks on cables, upholstery or other materials on board. If you discover such traces, you should take immediate action to control the rats.

The beneficial sides of rats

Although rats are often considered pests, they also have useful sides. In nature, rats fulfil an important role in the ecosystem. They serve as a food source for predators and help break down organic material. It is important to have a balanced understanding of these animals and take appropriate measures to avoid problems on your sailboat.


Rats on board your sailboat can cause significant problems. It is important to take measures to keep rats away and trap them if necessary. By monitoring sounds, tracks and using appropriate methods, you can make your sailing experience safer and more enjoyable. Be proactive and act as soon as you spot signs of rat activity.


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FAQ: Rat on board