Unwanted stowaways, like mice and other rodents, can wreak some major havoc in RVs. They indiscriminately chew through walls, ceilings, insulation, electrical wiring, and stored food. Mice can also carry disease, leave unsanitary droppings on shelves, in cabinets and drawers, and build nests. Finding mice in your RV is never a good day or way to start the camping season.
But take heart, there are a number of ways to remove or deter these unwelcome visitors, including: peppermint oil, mouse traps, steel wool, consistent RV maintenance, and more.
Here are 5 suggestions to take control of mice in your RV:
- Dryer sheets – We’ve heard that Bounce and Costco brands work well. Lay them around the RV when it is in storage/not in use. Added benefit is a nice smelling rig!
- Fresh Cab – a botanical rodent deterrent that is available at Camping World or Amazon.
- Traps and Bait Stations: Pros and cons on this solution including smell, household pets, and disposal.
- Peppermint Oil; on cotton balls or even on moth balls and place each ball near any potential opening or nesting spot. The strong scent irritates the rodent’s sense of smell. Note: Keep out of reach of household pets.
- Seal all cracks/holes: Stuffing steel wool in any openings is a great deterrent. Any small hole in an RV can serve as an entrance for mice, especially the underbelly, the compartment where the shore power cord is kept, and even the air conditioner!
Some of the other suggestions we received were cats, chickens, and Irish Spring bar soap. So if you have either at your disposal or as your travelling companions, they get high marks.
Unfortunately, if your RV is a source of food, water and a warm place to build a nest, mice will work overtime to break in and make themselves at home.
Just make sure to always be on the lookout for droppings or evidence of chewing and inspect wiring from time to time.
What is your best trick to keep pesky critters away? Leave comments below.
