Camper Squirrel Invasion: Effective Removal Strategies

Squirrels may look cute and harmless, but they can wreak havoc on your camper. They can chew through wires, fuel lines, and hoses, causing extensive damage and even fire hazards. So, if you're facing a squirrel infestation in your camper, here's a comprehensive guide to help you get rid of them.

Firstly, it's crucial to remove all food sources from your camper. Squirrels are attracted to food scraps, so ensure you clean up thoroughly after meals, store food in airtight containers, and dispose of trash in tightly covered bins placed away from your campsite.

Next, inspect your camper for any holes, gaps, or openings that squirrels could be using to enter. Seal these entry points with caulk, foam sealant, metal flashing, or wire mesh. Pay close attention to vents, windows, doors, and seals, as well as corners and the roofline. Cover vents with mesh when the camper is not in use to prevent squirrel access while maintaining airflow.

Consider using commercial squirrel repellents, such as hot pepper wax, scent repellents with garlic or predator urine, or combination repellents containing garlic, capsaicin, and foul egg solids. Apply these repellents near openings and potential entry points to deter squirrels from entering.

Another effective method is to create physical barriers that block the squirrel's climbing routes. Apply slippery coatings on walls and poles, prune overhanging branches, and wrap sheet metal around tree trunks near your camper.

If you're dealing with a persistent squirrel problem, you may need to use traps. Live cage traps allow you to catch and relocate the squirrels humanely. Alternatively, instant kill traps provide a permanent solution. Always use traps with caution if you have children or pets around.

Remember, prevention is key. Regularly inspect your camper for signs of squirrels, and combine multiple methods for the best results. By understanding squirrel behaviour and addressing their basic needs, you can successfully repel them and protect your camper from damage.

Seal all possible entrances

Squirrels can be a real nuisance when they get into your camper. Their nimble paws and sharp rodent teeth make short work of rubber seals, wood, wiring, and insulation. They can chew up upholstery, gnaw on wires, and make nests out of insulation. To prevent this, it is important to seal all possible entrances that a squirrel could use to get inside.

Begin by scanning the entire exterior of your camper and noting any locations where a squirrel could potentially enter. Inspect vents, windows, doors, and seals for tiny gaps. Look along the corners and roofline for small holes, cracks, or openings around pipes and fixtures. Remember, any gap wider than 1/4 inch could allow young squirrels inside. Use a bright flashlight to help you spot these potential entry points.

Once you have identified the areas that need to be sealed, you can use a variety of materials to block them off. Caulk, foam sealant, metal flashing, or wire mesh can be used to seal up holes and gaps. For larger openings, you may need to use metal sheets or plates. Make sure to securely attach these with bolts, sealant, caulk, or a strong construction adhesive.

It is also important to cover vents with mesh when the camper is not in use. Vents provide easy access for squirrels, but proper airflow is also necessary. Cut pieces of 1/4 inch metal hardware cloth to fit over the vents and secure them with magnets, snaps, or Velcro. Just remember to remove the vent covers when occupying the camper to allow for proper airflow.

In addition to sealing the camper itself, you should also consider blocking off any trees or poles that squirrels could use to access your camper. You can do this by applying slippery coatings to these surfaces or wrapping them in sheet metal.

By taking these steps to seal all possible entrances, you can effectively prevent squirrels from gaining access to your camper and causing damage. It is important to be thorough and diligent in your efforts as squirrels are persistent and can squeeze through very small spaces.

Remove food sources

Squirrels are a common problem for RV owners, as they can cause extensive damage by chewing through wires, fuel lines, and hoses. To prevent squirrels from entering your camper, it is essential to remove all food sources that might attract them. Here are some detailed and instructive tips to help you achieve this:

Firstly, it is crucial to properly seal and store all food items. Put all foodstuffs, including pet food, in airtight containers such as heavy-duty storage totes, metal trash cans, or rodent-proof bags. This will prevent squirrels from accessing the food and reduce tempting smells. It is also important to act quickly; set up your food storage as soon as you arrive at the campsite and never leave crumbs, peelings, or leftovers unattended.

Secondly, maintain excellent cleaning practices. After meals, scrub cooking and dining areas to remove food residue and smells. Sweep, vacuum, and wipe down all surfaces. Wash dishes immediately and take out the trash right away, ensuring it is deposited in tightly covered bins placed at least 30 feet away from the campsite. Squirrels have a highly developed sense of smell, so removing food traces and odours is essential.

Thirdly, be vigilant about cleaning up after yourself in general. Never leave food unattended, and always store it securely. If you are cooking outside, ensure that all food is put away, and the area is cleaned afterward. Squirrels are opportunists and will take advantage of any easily accessible food sources.

Additionally, be mindful of the types of food you bring into your camper. Avoid strong-smelling foods that are more likely to attract squirrels, such as strong cheeses or cured meats. Opt for bland-smelling foods with minimal odours that are less likely to entice curious squirrels.

Finally, consider using deterrents in combination with your other preventative measures. Commercial squirrel repellents, such as hot pepper wax or scent repellents containing garlic or predator urine, can be applied near openings to further discourage squirrels from entering. These should be reapplied regularly for maximum effectiveness.

Use repellents

Squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your camper, so it's important to take steps to repel them. One way to do this is by using repellents, which will make your camper less appealing to squirrels without causing them any harm. Here are some tips on how to use repellents effectively:

Commercial squirrel repellents are a good option for keeping squirrels away from your camper. Look for products containing ingredients like hot pepper wax, garlic, capsaicin, or foul egg solids. Apply these repellents near openings in your camper, such as vents, windows, and doors. Reapply the repellent regularly, following the instructions on the label (usually every 1-4 weeks).

Another option is to use ammonia, which has a strong odour that squirrels dislike. Soak some cotton balls in ammonia and place them around potential entry points. Refresh the cotton balls every few days, as the ammonia smell will dissipate over time. Be careful not to inhale the fumes yourself.

Ultrasonic repellers are battery-powered devices that emit high-frequency sound waves designed to annoy squirrels and deter them from nesting. Position multiple units to cover your entire camper, especially near potential entry points.

If you want a more natural approach, try using strong-smelling plants and herbs. Squirrels dislike the smell of peppermint, garlic, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Plant peppermint plants or garlic around your camper, or place herbs and spices in bags near potential entry points.

You can also try using fox urine granules, which are designed to repel a wide range of critters, including squirrels. Liberally shake these granules around your camper and reapply as needed after rain or other weather events.

Remember, when using repellents, it's important to be consistent and persistent. Combining multiple methods will also increase your chances of success.

Create physical barriers

Squirrels can be a real nuisance when you're camping. They can cause serious damage with their sharp teeth, chewing through rubber seals, screens, wires, and upholstery. To prevent this, you can create physical barriers that block their entry and deter them from climbing into your camper. Here are some detailed methods to achieve this:

Seal All Possible Entrances:

Scan the exterior of your camper and identify potential entry points for squirrels, such as vents, windows, doors, and seals. Look for tiny gaps or holes and seal them up. Use caulk, foam sealant, metal flashing, or wire mesh to block these entry points effectively. Make sure to replace any damaged screens, seals, or vents.

Cover Vents with Mesh:

Vents are often convenient entry points for squirrels, but they are necessary for proper airflow. You can cover the vents with 1/4 inch metal hardware cloth or mesh to prevent squirrel access. Secure the mesh with magnets, snaps, or Velcro when camping, and remember to remove the covers when occupying the camper to ensure adequate ventilation.

Install Commercial Pest Guards:

Specialty vent guards designed to keep pests out are available at RV supply stores and online. These polycarbonate screens allow airflow while preventing squirrels from chewing through. Standard-sized guards are typically affordable, and you can also find custom-sized options. Proper installation is crucial to effectively deter squirrels.

Attach Slick Metal Sheeting:

Cut metal sheets, such as aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper, to fit closely around roof vents, windows, or other openings. Attach these slippery barriers using bolts, sealant, or high-bond construction adhesive. Squirrels will struggle to gain traction on smooth vertical metal, making it difficult for them to climb into your camper.

Apply Non-Drying Lubricant Gel:

Special non-drying gels, such as AFM Safecoat Squirrel Guard or Slippery Slick, can be applied to vertical surfaces to limit the squirrel's grip. Reapply these gels monthly to maintain their effectiveness. This method provides a slippery coating that deters squirrels from climbing into your camper.

Tree Collars:

Wrap sheet metal around the trunks of trees adjacent to your camper to isolate their climbing paths. Attach 2-3 foot sections of sheet metal with bolts or preformed collars. By wrapping the trunks, you make it more challenging for squirrels to access your camper by climbing on nearby trees.

Creating physical barriers is an essential step in squirrel-proofing your camper. By following these methods, you can effectively block their entry points and climbing routes, making your camping experience much more enjoyable and squirrel-free!

Use traps

If you're dealing with squirrels in your camper, one way to get rid of them is to use traps. There are two main types of traps: live traps and lethal traps.

Live traps are a humane way to catch and release squirrels. These traps use bait, such as walnuts or peanut butter, to lure squirrels inside. It is important to check these traps twice a day to minimise stress on the animal. Once a squirrel is caught, it should be released at least five miles away from the camper, although it is important to note that this practice is illegal in some states. Additionally, it is important to never trap lactating females.

Lethal traps, on the other hand, permanently remove destructive squirrels. There are several types of lethal traps, including body grip kill traps, electric zapper traps, and CO2-powered traps. Body grip kill traps are spring-powered and instantly kill the squirrel. Electric zapper traps use a high-voltage shock to kill the animal. CO2-powered traps inject carbon dioxide to kill the squirrel. When using lethal traps, it is important to follow regulations governing trap types in your location and properly dispose of carcasses.

Regardless of the trap type, caution should be exercised when using traps around children and pets.

Frequently asked questions