Camper Mice: Quick And Effective Removal Techniques

Mice can be a major problem for camper owners, causing damage that can be expensive to repair and even spreading disease. They can enter through holes as small as a dime and are attracted by food and shelter. To get rid of mice in a camper, you can try using traps, steel wool, peppermint oil, or a commercial repellent like Fresh Cab. Sealing entry points with caulk or steel wool can also help keep mice out.

Seal entry points with steel wool, caulk or weather-strip

To prevent mice from entering your camper, it is important to seal all possible entry points. Mice can enter through holes as small as a dime, so it is crucial to carefully inspect your camper for any gaps or openings. Common places for rodents to enter include poorly sealed pull-out sections, gaps around plumbing or wiring, corners or cracks where walls meet, and access panels for plumbing and electrical components.

Once you have identified the entry points, you can seal them using steel wool, caulk, or weather-stripping. Steel wool is effective because mice don't like the feeling of it on their teeth, so they are less likely to chew through it. Caulk, such as silicone caulk, can be used to seal small cracks or gaps, while weather-stripping can be used to seal larger openings.

In addition to sealing entry points, it is important to remove any food sources that may attract mice and to regularly clean your camper to remove any food remnants or crumbs. You can also use deterrents, such as peppermint oil or dryer sheets, placed in cabinets and other areas where mice may be attracted.

By taking these preventative measures, you can effectively keep mice out of your camper and avoid the damage and health risks associated with rodent infestations.

Use deterrents like peppermint oil, dryer sheets and Irish Spring bar soap

Strong scents can deter mice, so placing items with a strong smell, such as Irish Spring soap, peppermint oil, or dryer sheets, around your camper can help keep mice away.

To use peppermint oil, soak cotton balls in the oil and place them in trays around your camper. You can also place the soaked cotton balls directly in your outside compartments and engine. Replace them if you feel they don't smell as strongly.

You can place bars of Irish Spring soap in your lower cabinets and drawers, on your bed and in your closets, and in all the outside storage compartments of your camper. Replace the soap annually, or when you feel it doesn't smell as strongly.

Dryer sheets rarely work to deter mice, but it's worth a shot if you have some.

Set traps to catch the mice

Setting traps is an effective way to catch mice in your camper. However, it's important to note that traps should be checked daily, and any mice caught should be discarded immediately. There are several types of traps available, each with its pros and cons. Here are some options to consider:

Standard mousetraps

Standard mousetraps are the most common type of trap and can be found at most hardware stores. They are typically inexpensive and easy to set up. However, they may not be the most humane option.

Box traps

Box traps lure mice in with bait and trap them inside a box. Once caught, you can release the mouse outside. However, they often find their way back unless you release them far from your camper.

Glue traps

Glue traps are sticky sheets placed in areas where mice are likely to travel. When a mouse steps on the trap, its feet get stuck, and it eventually dies of exhaustion or starvation. Glue traps are inhumane and can take anywhere from 3 to 24+ hours to kill the mouse.

Spring traps

Spring traps are another common option. You place bait, such as cheese or peanut butter, on the trap, and when the mouse goes for the food, the trap springs and kills the rodent.

Electronic traps

Electronic traps are a good option if you want to avoid dealing with dead mice. These devices use electricity to kill mice quickly and humanely. However, make sure to choose a product that is safe for pets if you have any.

Repellent traps

Repellent traps, such as the Victor® Scent-Away™ Natural Rodent Repeller Packs™, use strong scents to repel mice. These products are usually infused with peppermint oil, which mice find unpleasant, but humans typically enjoy. Place these pouches in cupboards, drawers, and other areas where mice are likely to be for up to 30 days of protection.

Remove food sources and nesting materials

To prevent mice from entering your camper, it is essential to remove all food sources and nesting materials. Mice are attracted to food sources, so ensure that all food is stored in sealed containers or removed from the camper entirely. Take time to do a thorough cleaning of any crumbs that could entice a hungry mouse. Even crumbs on your stove or sticky fingerprints could be enough to attract a mouse or other pests.

If you are storing your camper for a season, it is crucial to remove all food items and give the place a good cleaning. Quality RV storage is another option, as it provides an additional layer of protection from mice. If you live in your camper full-time, keep food items such as crackers, cookies, or cereal in sealed containers, and regularly clean your cooking surfaces.

In addition to removing food sources, it is important to eliminate potential nesting materials. Mice will use various materials to build their nests, so ensure that items such as loose fabrics, string, artificial plants, cardboard, and similar items are removed or securely stored.

Inspect your camper for potential entry points and seal any gaps or holes. Mice can fit through very small openings, so be thorough in your inspection. Seal openings with steel wool, caulk, or weather stripping to prevent mice from entering.

By removing food sources and nesting materials, and sealing potential entry points, you can effectively prevent mice from entering your camper.

Clean your camper and store it wisely

A clean camper is a happy camper—and one that's far less likely to attract mice. Here are some tips to ensure your camper is clean and stored wisely:

• Deep clean your camper before storing it, especially if it's been in use. Food particles left on cooktops or grills, crumbs, and sticky fingerprints can all attract pests. Be sure to clean all nooks and crannies and remove any remaining food items, even pet food.
• Use airtight hard-sided storage containers instead of cardboard boxes. Mice are attracted to cardboard and will use it as nesting material.
• Keep your camper clutter-free. A cluttered space is more likely to attract mice than a tidy one.
• Seal any openings or entry points. Mice can enter through holes as small as a dime, so be sure to seal any gaps or openings with steel wool, caulk, or weather stripping.
• Use deterrents like peppermint oil, Fresh Cab, or dryer sheets and Irish Spring bar soap in openings and cabinets. However, note that these may not be effective long-term solutions.
• If you're storing your camper, choose a storage location wisely. Park it on level ground, away from fields, grassy, or wooded areas, and clear of any overhanging tree branches and foliage.
• Regularly check on your camper while it's in storage if possible. Start up the engine occasionally if it's a motorhome to help scare away rodents.
• If you live in your camper full-time, keep food items like crackers, cookies, or cereal in sealed containers. Even crumbs on your stove can attract mice.

Frequently asked questions