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gonetothedogs1's avatar
gonetothedogs1
Explorer
Sep 02, 2015

A Roadtrek Rat

Found evidence of a rat in residence inside the engine compartment this week. Tried the nice route (Fresh Cab packets), after cleaning out all the debris/droppings. It sat next to the repellant packets while eating dinner the next night! Set a snap trap and so far have caught one. Will see what tonight brings. It (they) have pulled out some of the insulation near the firewall but I cannot see evidence of chewed wires. Will take to the mechanic next week to make sure there is no other damage, and will keep snap traps in the engine compartment for the foreseeable future when not traveling. I'm not a happy camper (pun intended). Barb
Class B
  • charles's avatar
    charles
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2015
    I use a pie plate full of pure ammonia for all kinds of critters. Nothing with lungs will come near it.

    Nick
  • My_Roadtrek's avatar
    My_Roadtrek
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2015
    A rats a rat.
    If you read Mr. Pack Rats site he says to use a 50% solution of PineSol, and water in a spray bottle. Leave the area open (hood, etc) for a couple of weeks to air out.
  • gonetothedogs1's avatar
    gonetothedogs1
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2015
    Thanks, Roger. I did wipe down the engine with simple green to eliminate the urine, but it didn't have much effect. Will try vinegar next. Leery of "washing" engine compartment ((have read horror stories of problems from hosing down the engine with water). Interesting video on pack rats. Glad we don't have them here--just your garden variety of wood rat, it seems.
  • My_Roadtrek's avatar
    My_Roadtrek
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2015
    Just don't use mothballs in a confined space.
    For the rats, you need to get rid of the urine smell or more rats will move in.
    I suggest reading Mr. Packrat's web site on how to eliminate the nests, and odor.
    Make sure to watch the very well done animation video.
  • gonetothedogs1's avatar
    gonetothedogs1
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2015
    buta4: Thanks, will give them a try. I have heard moth balls are the preferred method for packrats also, according to my son in Arizona.
  • buta4's avatar
    buta4
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2015
    Use mothballs and moth flakes - it irritates their eyes.

    I used 10 boxes of mothballs to put onto and under into my wood floor planked area in my garage.

    Momma skunk and her kiddos had set up housekeeping under the floorboards.

    Two days later they were gone.

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