: I usually story my Cirrus outside on saw horses with the cockpit &
: hatches uncovered. Last week as I was preparing to load it for a paddle I
: noticed several thousand "sesame seeds" gathered along the
: center deck seam. As I looked closer I noticed a few hundred carpenter
: ants tending to these "sesame seeds". Egads...!

: I assume the "sesame seeds" must be some larval form of the ants
: and they had found that perfect nesting spot in my Cirrus.

: After blasting them out with the hose and killing every last one (with a
: degree of vengence I might add!) I had a relatively fun paddle. Except for
: every drop of water on my leg feeling like an ant I missed. Charles W. got
: a big kick out of me pulling up my spray skirt to go after any phantom ant
: I felt!

: So, What about pesticide use on the Cirrus? Anybody have experience here? I'm
: obviously concerned about pesticides breaking down the epoxy (MAS) and
: varnish (Z-Spar Captain's).

: I just now went out and pulled the cover off the cockpit and found 20 or so
: ants. I've got to do something quick.

: Best, David Hill

Close your hatches and get a cockpit cover.

Make a couple of L brackets and screw them to the side of your
house/barn/garage and store your boat on these. Screw a tarp under the
eaves and drape it over your boat to keep it dry and protect it from UV.

Most bugs like a damp closed area. Check under the tarp for wasp nests from time to time.
Brush bugs off with broom. It's their world too.

Former Indras All

rob