Mice/rodent proofing a camper

[patperry2766]

We are contemplating getting a new camper within the next year or so. We are limited to the length of what we can put in our driveway.

The options so far are to:
#1 Possibly putting a concrete pad by the side of the house
#2 Rent a space, (not a preferred option)
#3 Keep it at my sisters. However, she lives in the country with all kinds of rodents, mice etc.

If we do decide to keep it at my sisters, are there any suggestions that can be done to keep the wildlife outside and not have it being a big chew toy for the little furry critters that live there?

[samhain7]

Because you used peppermint oil once with no mice does not mean it works...
In fact, using it for two years doesn't mean it works...

[fthomas137]

For what it's worth, the peppermint oil previously mentioned is truly magic when it comes to mice. I've actually written a post on my site that talks a little deeper and I'd be glad to answer more questions in regards to this.

You can see the post here: http://www.bestrvliving.com/general-rv-topics/keep-mice-out-of-your-rv/
Cheers!

Frank

[westend]

Mice, rats, and squirrels will get into any enclosed structure if there is food present, the residue from food, or it makes a suitable shelter. The best defense is to make sure there are no ways to get in (seal all the holes), take all food out, and clean up the food prep areas. Traps and bait should be placed outside the trailer, you don't want a rat crawling into a wall and decaying.

One of the best deterrents is a cat. Even letting a cat live close to the RV or inside awhile so the cat's scent remains, will notify the rodents that a predator is present or has been in the area.

[camperforlife]

Best defense is plugging the entry holes. The year I had the most problems I figured out it was because I left it plugged in and they used the cord as a highway through the cords entry port. Now I make sure the hole where the cord enters the trailer is plugged anytime the cord is in use.

[Doug33]

rbpru wrote:
some years they hold their prom in my sink.

LOL

[rbpru]

I have found it is the luck of the draw. Some years no mice, some years they hold their prom in my sink.

I suspect the dryer sheets I used to repel them this year; made fine winter nesting.

[TomS1345]

If you put bait inside the trailer you will attract the mice inside. I would put it outside of the trailer. Also get expanding foam and plug up anywhere there is even the tiniest opening under the trailer. ie places where pipes or wires enter the trailer.

[RDMueller]

I'm still trying to picture how a mouse gains access to an RV. As far as I know they can't really jump and assuming there are no trees/shrubs/etc. next to the coach, the only way up would be via the tires or the tongue jack (assuming a TT). I can't imagine any way a mouse could climb the smooth steel sides of the tongue jack, so that only leaves the tires.

So, if the mouse climbs a tire, now what? Can't get to the frame. Maybe could make it to the axle, but then where from there? I understand that they do get in, I just can't quite see how?!?!

[mowin]

samhain7 wrote:
Check out the dryer sheets as an option. Lots of stories about the mice using them to build a nest...

Yep. Our first winter with our tt, I added enough dryer sheets to keep a heard of mice warm all winter.

Our tt also had a fabric underbelly and squirrels chewed 11 holes through it and had enough nuts stored under there to keep them fat and happy for many yrs.

[samhain7]

Check out the dryer sheets as an option. Lots of stories about the mice using them to build a nest...

[rbtglove]

There are a lot of options for mice as mentioned but you also said "other rodents". If this includes squirrels, especially red ones, it becomes a real challenge. I have tried about everything and some like fresh cab seem to work for a short time but the only one I have had any real luck with is Critter Ridder. I get at Tractor supply. I spray it around the under side of the TT and around the wheel wells, my shed and my truck. Can't spray directly on glossy paint. Has to be reapplied every couple weeks and not real cheap but better than the damage they can cause.

[May2999]

Pure peppermint oil is a winner; instead of using cotton balls, I wet (not soak) dryer sheets that are scattered in key areas. I find it in the baking section of almost every supermarket.

Also, in place of steel wool - I sprang a few more pennies and got brass wool for all the crevices/slides. Brass won't rust if it gets a little wet from moisture in the air.

[Doug33]

My in-laws used to place moth balls in their TT over the winter. The smell would never leave during the whole summer. It was so disgusting that I refused to sleep in there. This was before we bought our own RV.

[avoidcrowds]

A 3' boa constrictor doesn't need many mice to keep him happy.