Forum Discussion

MiniTT's avatar
MiniTT
Explorer
Feb 23, 2014

Rats!

yep rats. I'm so grossed out. We are clean people. HONEST. One day no inclining of rats. The very next day. Well,you probably know what I mean. The RV is parked on our driveway. So I googled. Immediately went out and covered the RV in peppermint oil, mothballs, irish spring soap, and cab fresh ... Took RV in because check engine light was on and was told rats have been dining on the wiring under the hood... Our yard is heavily wooded with a ton a leaves that fall in the fall .. LOL.. Don't know what else to do, short of moving.
Seeking Advice
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    Clean your whole setup of every crumb of food. Then all the food that you carry needs to be is sealed containers, metal preferably. Anything left available will be found by not only rats, but insects. Also make sure all containers are well cleaned on their outsides so no odor exists to attract pests.

    Sure, its a lot of work, but it is necessary.
  • alligato's avatar
    alligato
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    gbopp wrote:
    Put snakes in your RV to eat the rats? :B


    No kidding , I found some mouse droppings inside so I pulled the rv around front to inspect and found a snake skin in the power cord compartment. I thought about putting it up for sale , but I think the snake ate the mice and left. Cleaned , bleached and steamed the inside along with traps and have not seen any more evidence.
    But baited traps , look for entry points and there are some really crafty traps on you tube.
  • 352's avatar
    352
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    Green rat cakes under the hood on the engine. Worked for me.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Feb 23, 2014
    mouse traps and rat traps with peanut butter. Who dont like peanut butter? You wont get rid of them but you need to thin them out. Its an on going battle depending on the environment you are in. Boat storage yards use dry sheets when covering and storing boats.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Feb 23, 2014
    We have a serious problem with pack rats in Arizona eating the wiring in our vehicles. Many people swear by putting a mechanic's drop light under the hood and plugging it in when they're parked. The rats don't like the light, and will avoid it.

    Another suggestion is to put some rat poison in an area of the hood they might get to. Just make sure you put it where it won't fall out and a child, pet or desirable animal get ahold of it.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 23, 2014
    gbopp wrote:
    Put snakes in your RV to eat the rats? :B


    Then get Owls to eat the snakes

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