Keeping mice out.

[JoshuaH]

I've decided to start storing my Pop-Up outside with a good quality cover over it. I'd like to try as much as possible to keep mice out of it so I'm looking for suggestions. I plan on putting steel wool in all of the access opening in the side wall. I don't think there are any other places one could get it but maybe I'm overlooking something. I don't really like the idea of putting traps or poison inside the camper because I don't really want a mouse dying and rotting inside, and sometimes I think these attract them into the camper. Thanks for your help!

[JoshuaH]

Free Range Human wrote:
You don't have to do all that work. This is the voice of experience, here, through 2 summers and winters being parked in a lot where mice had previously nested in cars and chewed through wood siding. Won't go into more detail now because nobody seems to listen to me, but if you want it, just ask.

I would never, ever be without these. Someone else on one of these forums recommended them and THEY WORK. Not sometimes, not maybe, but always, and absolutely.

http://www.predatorpeestore.com/bobcatpeeshots-8-pack_moreinfo.html

Does it give off any kind of odor that people can smell?

[Rbertalotto]

Strange you should ask...Just received this email from my local RV store...

Sniff 'n' Stop keeps critters from crawling into RVs




One of the first pieces of advice I received as a new RV owner was to make sure I never had mice or other rodents taking up camp inside the RV storage compartments. The little devils apparently can do considerable damage chewing into boxes and wires and leaving trails of dropping in their wake.
Valterra secured an exclusive arrangement to market Sniff 'N' Stop to the RV industry just a few months before I got my motorhome, so I picked up an RV kit to test. I am happy to report that after more than a year of use, I have never been bothered by any critters or other pests find their way inside the motorhome.

The product comes in several forms -- granulated powder pouch and spray -- that use essential oils that animals instinctively avoid. It doesn't kill the pests, so that you have to clean up a dead or rotting carcass, but rather the odor repels them from trying to get into the RV in the first place. In fact, documentation claims the scent is so annoying that animals release pheromones to warn others of their same species to stay away. It is safe for kids and pets.
Following directions, I placed a pouch of Sniff 'N' Stop in each storage compartment, including those where plumbing and electrical enter the RV, as well as under the sinks. I also sprayed the bottom seal of the slideouts when they were extended.
The oils emit a pleasing odor that isn't noticeable inside the RV, unless I opened one of the cabinets under the kitchen or bathroom sink. Plus, it is barely noticeable when opening an outside storage compartment.
Developed for use in the utility industry, Sniff 'N' Stop works to repel mice, squirrels, spiders, ticks, snakes, fire ants, cockroaches, skunks and even some types of birds.

[GoPackGo]

Moth balls. I used to buy a box every fall for my pop-up. I would put about 5 mothballs in each dixie cup and put dixie cups in the drawers, storage compartments, etc. Basically everywhere insde my pop-up. Even left a few sitting on the floor. On the exterior, I would put a cup behind each exterior access panel (such as the water heater) and even set a couple in the battery/propane compartment. Basically, anywhere I could fit a cup.

In the spring I would open it up and collect all the dixie cups, then leave it open for a few days. Never, ever had a problem.

[philh]

Peppermint oil or oil of wintergreen on cotton balls place outside where they might want to climb into the trailer. They HATE the smell

[Gonzo42]

The way the gummint would do it is to post a "RODENT FREE ZONE" sign. That'll do it.

[eric1514]

Free Range Human wrote:
You don't have to do all that work. This is the voice of experience, here, through 2 summers and winters being parked in a lot where mice had previously nested in cars and chewed through wood siding. Won't go into more detail now because nobody seems to listen to me, but if you want it, just ask.

I would never, ever be without these. Someone else on one of these forums recommended them and THEY WORK. Not sometimes, not maybe, but always, and absolutely.

http://www.predatorpeestore.com/bobcatpeeshots-8-pack_moreinfo.html

Free Range Human's Link

When I lived in CA, we would buy 100 golf tees and hot glue a small piece of sponge to 10 or 20 of them and make a perimeter around my veggie garden. Everyweek I would put 1 drop of mountain lion urine on each one and it kept the bunnies away. I think it would work around a MH for mice.

[Free_Range_Huma]

You don't have to do all that work. This is the voice of experience, here, through 2 summers and winters being parked in a lot where mice had previously nested in cars and chewed through wood siding. Won't go into more detail now because nobody seems to listen to me, but if you want it, just ask.

I would never, ever be without these. Someone else on one of these forums recommended them and THEY WORK. Not sometimes, not maybe, but always, and absolutely.

http://www.predatorpeestore.com/bobcatpeeshots-8-pack_moreinfo.html

[mdcamping]

Snowman9000 wrote:
You're on the right track. They can be kept out by diligent hole-filling. Search out all wiring and piping entries underneath.

X2

That's where I found they were getting into our TT after the first winter. utility lines and just plain missed holes that were missed from when the trailer was put together. I patched with silicone and plywood, haven't had a problem since.

Get a good cat, believe me they keep the rodent population under control

Mike

[eric1514]

When I lived in AZ the problem was pack rats. I think I kept them at bay with light. You can get a length of LED rope light and string it around underneath your RV. It won't cost much to run and it just might help.

[ricelake922]

I have always used whole cloves in my cottage and RV purchased at the bulk barn. Put clumps of these around and I have never had a mouse problem. In the spring I collect them all and put them in my shed. Use new every year. It works!

[Snowman9000]

You're on the right track. They can be kept out by diligent hole-filling. Search out all wiring and piping entries underneath. Spray foam them if you can. Side wall holes shouldn't be a problem unless there is a way for them to climb to the hole. A power cord is obviously a way for them to climb.

Don't forget that steel wool rusts. So if it is exposed to the weather, you'll have a problem. I think there is stainless wool?

I got some scraps of galvanized tin (you could use aluminum too) and cut inserts and covers for things like the power cord hatch so I could use the cord but not have any opening for mice.