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Rats
can do incredible damage to a spa, here's some examples... |
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Rats and mice
around your spa are no joking matter. In a matter of a few days or
weeks, they can cause hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars worth of
damage to virtually any spa!
Known Habits:
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If there's a lot of foam in
your spa, rats will burrow and create their own full blown condominiums,
complete with defacation rooms.
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If your spa has poly-ethylene
(clear wall) tubing for plumbing (as most newer spas are), rats and mice
will chew holes in the tubing in record time!
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In the case of flexible PVC
hose (as depicted above), mice will have a tough time with it, but large
rats sit down with forks and knives for a meal!
Symptoms of Rats &
Damage:
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Water leaks that all of a sudden
just show up, and can't be isolated to a piece of equipment.
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Rat droppings inside spa equipment
cabinet (under the spa skirt).
Prevention:
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Elevate spa on a deck.
Do not put spa directly on ground level.
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If spa must be put at ground
level, cover the outside perimeter with a layer of heavy gravel or stones
to prevent rats and mice from gaining access through cracks and crevices
in the side of and under the spa skirt.
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Ensure that all sides of spa
skirt are not hidden by walls, dirt, etc.
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Use bug spray under skirt to
eliminate bugs and other attractive items for rats.
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Mouse traps/baits under spa
skirt (lock skirt doors to keep children safe).
Maintain good housekeeping
around spa area.
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Try putting mothballs inside
spa skirt... (Be sure area is safe from children!)
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This particular rat has had a pretty bad
day... didn't get just one trap, but two at the same time.
Traps work great under spas. For
bait, hard, uncooked macaroni (from a macaroni and cheese box) is perfect.
Just leave some around and on top of the trap. Don't try to use the
bait hook for anything... |
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