Forum Discussion

TOMMY47's avatar
TOMMY47
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013

Related to mice

Why should mice find a RV more attractive than a car or truck or building?
Especially in the summer.
So far they're not going after food. 2 of the 3 I got were very large, much bigger than an average mouse.
It's not like the RV is right on the ground and easy to get into.
Any ideas?
  • I believe I MAY have found the point of entry.
    The generator opening--no generator in it--has walls that do not go up the entire height of the compartment. Also the lock does not work well and there is often a gap when I don't force it closed. Additionally, I put a mouse trap with obviously too little sensitivity in the area. The peanut butter was eaten off the bait holder and the trap did not snap.
    This area corresponds to where I believe they are gaining entry.
    I bought some aluminum screen material and plan to cover all the areas with screen, once it stops raining/storming. Also bought a couple of live traps that should catch them just by entering.
  • RVs have wood and padding -- good nesting materials. Plus, there is so much space within the walls, they can have many generations use the nests until the rodents have to move to find newer housing.

    I'm glad my rig is parked right by a thriving cat colony. I've seen one of the cats dart under the frame, to come out very shortly with a rat in its mouth.
  • FYI:

    I have absolutely no qualms about killing mice at home- that's MY turf. But when camping I manage things differently. I mostly boondock in very remote locations, and I think of the critters there as wildlife and don't feel comfortable killing them. Not their fault I'm in their territory with such an attractive new-residence, right?

    I've had good success with "sticky traps", which allow for live release away from camp. One squirt from a Pam can, and away they go...And believe me-they don't come back!
  • I don't have qualms about killing them. However, since the killing traps seem to be unsensitive to them at the bait, I think the live traps will be more effective.
  • I expect that the mice can smell food in the RV and this could include cooking surfaces. I would bet that their sense of smell is much better than ours.

    I use the sticky traps at various locations as I don't want them eating poison bait and crawing into the walls where they can't be removed or going outside and poisoning a hawk.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,102 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025