Mice Catchers

How to protect your stored RV from infestation

It’s fall. It’s getting cold at night. It’s MOUSE SEASON.

As many of you have probably found out in the past, there’s nothing more appealing to a cold, hungry mouse than the shelter of your stored RV. This year, try these tips to ward off the damage and destruction that these creatures can cause to your wiring, upholstery, etc.

First – and you KNOW this – DO NOT leave ANY food in your RV while stored. Even the smallest crumbs are like a buffet for rodents.

Don’t underestimate their ability to get through small openings. Check around doors, pull out sections, gaps in floors, small holes used for plumbing or wiring, etc. Once you locate these potential entry points, a little expanding spray foam is an easy solution. Silicone caulk is another effective filler.

Select your perfect parking place. If possible, store your RV on a hard surface – or better yet – in a storage facility. You increase your chance of infestation when the camper is storage near fields, trees, bushes, or on grassy areas.

Peppermint oil can repel rodents. They do not like the scent and will try to avoid it. This is a big plus because most humans find it pleasant, and it’s safe and natural, albeit messy, to use. There are commercial products that are available for this and might be easier and cleaner for you to use. Place these peppermint-infused mesh bags in drawers, cupboards, closets, under or behind furniture and other places a mouse might hide.

You might also try this sure-fire DIY mouse catcher: You will need:
a five gallon bucket
a couple tree branches
a styrofoam plate
a metal rod or straightened coat hanger
yummy mouse bait

First, position the larger end of the plate so that it’s held by the bucket edge (the side without the bait). You can use the metal rod as a fulcrum. Place branches on the side of the bucket so that the mouse can climb up. The mouse crosses the plate to the unbalanced side where the bait is located and drops into the bucket and has no way to get out.

Of course, you’ll need to reset the trap once you’ve been successful.

For more information about your RV and mice-free storage, check out VictorPests article https://www.victorpest.com/articles/how-to-keep-mice-out-of-your-rv.

Photo courtesy of Backwoods Home