DEVASTATION! Rat Damage. What happened to my VAN? Wandering Jimmy

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[@angelmartin9862]

That is indeed a horror story... But, Jimmy, are you aware of how good of a storyteller you are? I’m serious... You’re gifted.

[@lynnmckenzie4841]

Packrats and other rodents are prolific in AZ. A simple device from Ace Hardware, a "Rid-A-Rat" (about $50.00) which you install under your hood will prevent them from doing damage. They use your battery to flash lightly and it doesn't wear your battery down. I couldn't be without one where I live and I've used mine for years. They also hate mint so I bought a bottle of low grade mint essential oil on Amazon and use it liberally on cotton swabs.

[@raintrueax4193]

In Western Oregon, our problem is mice. Down here in Tucson, it's them and the packrats. We found that mothballs discourage them but best is driving something regularly. We do also use traps, which we hate to do but it keeps the population down and sadly has to be done. We usually put the carcass out for the coyotes,, javelina, roadrunners, or bobcats to eat. No poison ever.

[@fernwehric-lifeinabus]

I have a decoy owl and I have fox urine. seems to keep mice, rats and squirrels away so far. have to move the decoy around every other day.

[@c.victoriaritchie3466]

Yikes!! That was a mess!! I'd be nervous about that all the time! Praying they stay away😪

[@seaside2001]

I hope a lot of RV-ers watch this video and learn how to save their vehicles from this expensive and horrible problem.

[@kele1264]

I'm so glad your new rig is fine. You deserve to have problem free vehicles after all the crap you went through before. Good information for people who don't know what rats can do to an engine. That damage did look extreme, and we didn't even see the nest in the back. And it only took a couple of days. Scary. $4,000. I would have passed out, even though the insurance covered it. You and Olive look happy and healthy and content. 👍🤗❤ 🐾🐶 Best to you always!

[@harrietmanuelito1703]

I wouldn’t be surprised if they are the ones that cause fire in the RV’s from the nesting. Thanks for the video. 💜😊

[@cathyjay2569]

Oh my gosh! It’s not often I say expensive auto insurance is a blessing, but in this case, absolutely! Suggestion: plant peppermint everywhere! If the plants and their roots are all over the ground the rats might not like it because they really hate peppermint. ❤Love you and Olive! ~Cathy and Punky 🐾 in Tennessee PS-raccoons ruined my engine in SE Tennessee campground

[@wendyrobertson3899]

Jimmy, Harbor Freight has solar lights that last up to 16 hours depending on how many hours they charge. They are magnetic on the back which makes it perfect for the engine compartment and underside. The other thing you can use is plain ole pepper shaken in about a 1 foot wide path around the entire vehicle. My sister who is a certified organic pest exterminator. She told me about the pepper trick. It works rather well. The house I purchased had rats, after I used pepper inside and out and within a few days we were gone. To be honest the rats were creek rats in Georgia. They had done extensive damage inside the house to anything they could chew. Gut job to the house but we've never had rats or mice since as long we keep fresh pepper around the foundation. Pepper is cheaper than an exterminator for sure.

[@ArtsyLadyCrafter]

Powdered cinnamon works too. Chili powder and red pepper flakes.

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

You guys gotta remember he has Olive. He can't just lay pepper around rig. Olive can put that up her nose! I can't imagine hurting Olive.

[@richardthomas1743]

Jimmy! Wow what a bad experience with your Pro Van! I am glad that your insurance covered the repairs! Thumbs UP man!! 👍

[@billbraun6846]

I used to have a problem with mice in my off grid cabin. Last year some red fox's arrived and I no longer have that problem. I just have to remember to keep the windows and rear hatch closed in my truck. I had some chips and bread inside and the fox jumped in and took them.

[@ritaaburto47]

OMG Jimmy, I am soooo in love with Olive. Her personality and that tooth! How I miss my pugs. They really are such loving and gentle little souls 😻

[@justmona9647]

The spinning dowel is a nice trick! My Dad would have me set up the gang plank but then put a smear of p.nut butter 1/2 down the bucket wall & they'd fall into the water. I like the dole method better

[@mendyedson1825]

I have never heard of rodents doing so much damage. I have never lived in the desert either. I lived in the bay area in CA and we got mice in the walls. It took a lot of time but eventually we got rid of c them. I am glad to see your videos again. Take care of yourself and Olive

[@m.d.grimes1622]

we've been fighting a mouse infestation all summer...peanut butter and live traps. We toss them outside, our house is watched by predatory birds and the neighborhood cats...I believe we're known as "the peanut butter mouse house."

[@basketcase6884]

Because of the birds and cats it's understandable to NOT use poison!✌🤛👍🥰

[@m.d.grimes1622]

@@basketcase6884 We try not to kill anything we can't eat...even with peanut butter.😎😎

[@lisabevans8107]

Usually they are in the wiring. I was told the casings are made of vegetable products now.

[@OfficerLarryNMSE]

Jimmy, you and Olive are l👀king great, always glad to see the videos... I grew up in a farming community, grain silos attracted more than enough rodents, so unfortunately we had to bump them off daily. The best method for getting rid of them was to put a few spoons of cornbread mix and baking soda in a small box with a hole in it, no water, just mix it up. The mice and rats would eat some then go off and die, the mix would cause stomach gas & mice and rats aren't able to fart, so they'd just... well, die...

[@lucylou1605]

Oh Jimmy, so sorry about your van. Lots of memories were made in that rig. So happy you have the RV now. Best wishes to you and Olive.

[@CDubsJourney]

Sorry about the van, but glad insurance paid for it. Thanks for sharing your story and for the good ways to hopefully keep the little critters away! ✌️💛🤗

[@nomadranch6246]

Yesterday we got 8 mice and 1 packrat in 5 snap traps in 24hrs!

[@justmona9647]

Oh my word!!! Yikes... I guess I should say YAY

[@nancyyow8394]

I love your voice, so calm and reassuring..

[@tomallen1725]

Thanks for video on the rats. Good information! Hope they don't cause you any more problems. I have been trying every thing to keep them out of my rv.

[@pass4pets173]

It was party time in Jimmy's Van 🥳🥳🥳🕺🕺💃💃🕺🕺

[@jax-zm1bb]

Bummer, Jim! Get some Irish Spring soap bars to repel bugs and critters. They hate it but to us humans it smells so good. Unwrap the bars and put in your storage areas and lower cabinets.

[@kmgreenrph]

Love the pool party. 🤪

[@debragarcia9978]

Great video!! Thanks for the info. I set solar lights on my tires at night. My nightly routine. So far its working.

[@SJS-1284]

Crazy. Story thanks for sharing I am sure you are helping others. I had no idea always wondered why people kept there hoods up. I remember my dad telling me In the winter to check under the hood for cats seeking warmth. Yea

[@joyceb.sachsesachse1242]

What a nightmare on your van......check the new rig often.....Luv ya guy.nice to see you on the U , again and you seem happier . The new rig is nice....

[@karenlongworth8428]

Jimmy It's good to have you back I've missed your videos. The story of rats put the fear in my heart also. I've toyed with the van life thinking that is what I want to do. But I don't think I could do it full time and staying in the dessert and worrying about rats. Nope not me. But Im glad to see you back and you seem much more relaxed now. I wonder is it the staying in one place thats been good for you. What do you thhink?

[@carolynnunes3922]

God bless y’all there, Jimmy! Good to see you again! $4,000 in damages! Wow!

[@LedLass]

Thank you for answering my question about what happened to your van. Oh my God I had no idea Rats and mice could do so much damage!

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

I know a guy who parked his truck in a parking lot and worked all day ... he got back and mice/rats/squirrels had eaten the wiring ... it cost $6K to have the wiring harness replaced!!!! I also have a friend from Germany who says she's had "a few cars eaten" by Pine Martens ... it's a "thing" in Europe!!!

[@janesjourney9564]

50/50 Jiffy honey cornbread mix and baking soda to kill rodents (nontoxic to most animals) corn meal to tempt, baking soda "indigestible" to rodents.

[@jazzman5598]

I was just going to post this. Great advice Jimmy, btw

[@LaCatLady]

I remember the havoc they caused to Randy “The Mobile Traveler’s,” Pace Arrow a few years back while parked at Ausia’s. What a mess!

[@SpknTC13]

I knew they were an issue there but dang that's just crazy! Glad you got the van fixed and sold. Really looking forward to your travels in your new house. Cheers! ~M

[@Yvonneb_]

I'm really pleased your homes engine started. I used to have 2 pet house rats, this was a few years ago now, I had them less than 6 months, they weren't friendly at all and just got worse, it ended up they both had cancer, one passed away then the other got really poorly and I took him to the vets and he said yes he has cancer I could give you something to prolong his life but personally I would say its not the route to take, he one house rats his self. He said the cancer was in my rats brain and it was eating its way out which is what the hole in his head was. This is why both rats were a bit viscous. So I sad put him to sleep please I don't want to keep him in pain, I walked out crying. X x

[@russelhancock5718]

Sorry that happened. They can really make a mess.

[@dianewolfe3056]

Anytime anything sits in the desert a vehicle or a wagon mice will invade it and destroy it if left alone fr a few days. Get some sticky traps to at least see what’s doing this. CVK sprays some kind of liquid pepper spray on his wiring in his engine, one lick and they move on.

[@JC.Journey]

They are certainly tenacious and destructive rodents - so glad insurance covered the damage! You are such a great storyteller! Have a fantastic, rodent-free weekend! 😎

[@darryldrax606]

Wow $4,000 worth of damage goodness I'm glad there was nothing wrong with your new home I don't live in the desert but I am in an RV and now I know exactly what to put under the hood and put underneath to keep the rats out good to see you and Olive give her back scratch for me and we'll see you on your next upload

[@martasplace6414]

Thank you for the tips Jimmy, I love your videos! I can't wait to go to the desert in the winter! Take care. 🙏❤️✌️🌼👍

[@charlottewilson4680]

Wow! That was amazing. I am so glad that your insurance paid for it.

[@jlewsf]

OMG😮 what a nightmare! So sorry you had to go thru all that. All the best......

[@charlottewilson4680]

Great solution.

[@SCsweettea]

I had the same thing down here in your old home state. The squirrels ate my wiring and built nests in my engine. So expensive to fix, The dealer said the wiring is coated in a plastic that the rodents love. Thank goodness your insurance covered it. My damage was 2,000. Beware parking by trees folks.

[@Scf60]

Try putting mothballs on top of the tires. I’ve heard that works. I imagine they have to crawl up the tires to get to the undercarriage? Worth a shot.

[@pupcamper58]

OMG Jimmy I thought you were going to say you had damage to your new rig! Thank God your new Rv is OK. Yikes $4,000 🤪

[@kele1264]

Same here. And I thought, wow, how much can Jimmy take with all the vehicle troubles he's already had. Thank goodness it wasn't this new one. Thank goodness his insurance covered the last mess. Wish there was an easy prevention method.

[@LivingCoast2Coast]

I have studied essential oils for 25 years and how to blend them to help with many different issues. When you want a repellent use Cayenne Pepper, Clove , and Peppermint essential oils, dish soap, Mixed into spray bottles. Or just put on cotton balls to be placed in key areas.

[@susansaunders6899]

I watch other van lifers and they put many lights under and around there homes. i see you do the same. Im so sorry to hear the critters have done this!

[@annemelendez1458]

I had a rabbit who loved speaker wires. I think the mice declared war.

[@pamm2230]

So a natural mixture to get rid of mice and rats is as follows: plastic container with lid, put holes in the side so they can enter, then add mixture, check routinely and change out as needed. This mixture is equal parts of Jiffy Cornbread Mix and baking soda mixed together. This is safe for all other animals. It reacts in the rodents as they cannot burp or pass gas as other animals can. When eaten it mixes with their stomach content and expands causing their end. This was originally seen on a yt channel, can't remember the name, sorry. Place containers around as needed to catch the problem critters. Hope this helps someone with this issue.

[@reneeashman6791]

I could listen to you just talk all day.

[@itchingtogo7362]

Great video! I’ve known of the rats and seen nests, heard to keep hood open, and add lights. But never the details on lights, etc. As posted my another: this should be a required video for folks thinking of boondocking in the desert!!

[@lshaver1027]

Wow. Jimmy, I enjoyed this video very much. You have away of telling the story of the mishap about rats, so interesting and keeps you listening... Plus you learn a valued lesson. I watch Amber from story chasing and caravan carolyn, I didn't know you all were friends... great people have away of finding each other. Ladybug from Washington.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

So so sorry about the rats!

[@susanyates4233]

Elsa Rhae and Barron had a lot of trouble with rats getting under their car bonnet. Hope you get rid of the pests Jimmy.

[@willowswhispers577]

I love watching and listening to your videos. Your voice is so peaceful. If I was you I would be starting the camper every other day and let it run for a few mins. I know you had back surgery can I ask how you injured your back? I have a bad back do to a injury.

[@barackmycat9448]

We don`t have those where I live. Thank Goodness!

[@charlesruffing21]

I have used sonics repplers for years and have not had issues with rodents or other small critters. They do have solar ones. They are not that expensive either. You might try them.

[@synsilver3315]

Jimmy, the best advice I can pass along is time-tested. Become very friendly with a BIG CAT or TWO, or THREE !!! Preferably Country Farm Barn Cats that enjoy/thrive of making rodents a thing of the past. Barn Cats ( semi-wild not pampered ) that have freedom to roam outside will knock down the rodents and their cat smell will keep them away from your rigs/houses. Cats are a dime a dozen at any animal shelter, and they are cool to mellow out with ( not that Olive isn't ). Best of luck, and keep it real. Always, Syn Silver.

[@HoneyandMe]

Ive been dealing with Packrats (or Woodrats) all summer. They go in cycles and this year is a high year for them. They have never invade the RV, but they do get into my attic at our stix and brix. One even got into our house when we were travelling for a few months. They are really cute! But can make such a mess. So far, this summer I have live trapped 9 rats and taken them far, far away. My cabin is in the woods, so having wild critters around is to be expected.

[@janrantoo2213]

It’s amazing what can happen in a few days!

[@michelelynn6914]

Thank goodness you had the RV to live in and that the insurance company paid for it. I understand being diligent that doesn't happen again.

[@glenysperry3421]

Yikes quite the horror story... with a little bit of Olive to soothe the angst at the end.

[@kathrynsterk1545]

Find out the spray that Camper Van Kevin uses...he has good luck with keep critters out of the engine..

[@susansaunders6899]

I live in the High mountain desert in a manufactured home and i put down any thing peppermint, and i also use irish spring soap not the alo but the normal strrong sent.. I shead it with a cheese greater. Sprinkel it all around the out side of my house. And i see you have done the same.. I have no problems with them. I have 3 dogs so its a must that i use harmless things because of my dogs... I hope you find something that works!

[@christyeaton6371]

Hi Jimmy your so sweet I'm so happy you and Olive are doing well minus the pack rats 🐀

[@davidgodley521]

I did the research before going to Quartzsite last winter. Sure glad I did! And it does help to leave the hood open.

[@susiealamillo5140]

Hi Jimmy.. you can get some of thoes light stips that some people use to put behind they're tvs for deco. There is a 3m tape on the back you can get some and tap to a long board Lay it underneath your RV longways that way the light lights up from the back to the front the light will hit up into the engine and then you can run your blinky lights in the engine that way nothing gets into the back of your RV and make any nests in an in between anywhere from the back all the way to the front of the engine so that will be covered then you can put your blinky lights in the engine And you're covered all the way through a friend of mine did that and she said it works great so thought I just let you know good luck...

[@beckymoran321]

Put a nice bright light under your rig at night and see where the light comes in your rig. 😎

[@kele1264]

Great idea!

[@deborahwhy3637]

🌬valuable information.○° thanks!🖖🏽🕊

[@louparry7721]

Hi Jimmy, I'm back for another visit. I could listen to the calming tones of your voice, all day! I'm glad that your van started and is ok. I was wondering if putting a small ( twin sized ) old white sheet on the ground under the engine would help you to see any possible activity, from the mice. Like droppings and twigs. You could look there to see if anything has fallen on the sheet that would alert you to look further. The white sheet would make it much easier to spot an invasion. Best of Luck to you Jimmy. Sincerely, Louise

[@mariemorrissey9378]

Good report, I wondered what to your Pro Master! 👍👍🐾🐾

[@SilverTurtle65]

Good information to know about the hazards of the desert, Im hoping to make it out to Quartzite next year.

[@basketcase6884]

I have always wondered what kind of precautions we could take for our Class A diesel pusher where the engine compartment is in the rear 🤔 and then there is the generator up front 🤔 😳.

[@chasein7019]

Car wiring still has lead in it to make it more flexible. Lead is sweet and that's why mice chew it. Raccoons chew on rubber brake lines to drink the sweet brake fluid. More expensive RV's use braided steel brake lines.

[@jax-zm1bb]

The big poops may be from the past in a different location? Clean poops out and see if more show up. Just suggestions.

[@brianmartin3263]

Get a string of super bright white led lights, put them under the RV and the engine leave them on all night.

[@suegreen4123]

I was telling Dan the other day about what I am trying. JIFFY Cornbread mix na Baking Soda. I put it in a plastic container with a hole in the side. Supposedly mice and rats can't pass gas, so the baking soda explodes their stomach. Can't say for sure it's working, but have seen they have ventured in the container. Hope it works. Nice thing is, it won't hurt dogs or cats, so at least worth a try.

[@jazzman5598]

Thanks! We must have watched the same vid. They will tear up a house. I heard just flour 1/2 by 1/2 with Baking Soda…..some folks add a little sugar……Yummy! I hear it’s “Blowing Up” in the rat 🐀 community! Lol 😂

[@russelhancock5718]

I have heard that Cinimon and also a bar of soap will keep them away.

[@mixitfixitfairytales1410]

I saw a KZbinr say that baking soda and cornbread mix works. Another said floor, sugar and baking soda. The articles are interesting you might want to look it up on KZbin to see the right combination of ingredients. Plus it will not harm your other pets. Good luck

[@JudithLawrence718]

spray simple green on the bottom of your chassis.

[@SolzeyeJewels]

I had a mouse/ rat infestation in my 5th wheel. It was horrible.

[@simplymeconnie4003]

We have some sonic plug ins that mice hate. We have one plugged in in our RV as well as 2 in the house. We are close to a field with THOUSANDS of mice. They decided to have babies in my potatoes this year and were eating them as they grew in the grow bag. Thankfully none have come into the house that we have noticed and none in the RV at all. I think we bought them at home depot. They're a bit pricey but they're worth it for peace of mind.

[@davidgodley521]

In LaPosa South in Quartzsite the rodents live in holes and it's easy to find them.

[@wildflowerwind6941]

That was a horror story. I felt stress the whole time you were telling it.

[@shannacraft4099]

🌸 I hate rats!!! I enjoy your videos!!! 💙💙💙

[@jackiegardner7483]

Great video👍🙏

[@maryvalent961]

50/50 mix of plaster of Paris and flour. They can’t digest it but it’s not toxic to larger wildlife or pets.

[@nomorebsforme]

So sorry those critters have found your engine to gnw on...they re so pesky and costly when they find your vehicle. When I lived in Hawaii they liked to move in when I left the island. I left 5 gallon buckets half full with pnut butter balls floating...they go into the water to get the food but they can't get out ...it's disgusting but they carry Hanta virus not a good thing to have around.

[@teej4156]

Haven't tried it. Seen people use peppermint oil with water or some use pine sol with water. Spray around the area and that may keep the varmints away. Google it for directions.

[@LadyPenelope]

Honestly, you'd think we'd have figured this problem out by now. I had mice in my camper from last winter when a accidentally left one of the garage doors open for a few weeks in the fall. I had put one of those ultrasonic pest devices in the camper and it worked somewhat (and worked fine the previous year)..I don't know if it's a crap shoot or what.. no pun intended. :). Happy Trails!! xx

[@MadnomadM]

Glad it wasn’t too bad for you. I always just kept my hood popped, motion lights under engine, and used mouse mix bags as well as sprayed simple green cleaner under and over engine and wheel well areas. Was parked for 2 months where rodents were definitely active as I saw or prints in the engine dust, they didn’t seem to want to stick around thankfully! That was for 2 years full time in West/SW. I don’t see the point in killing mice by drowning. They will keep coming. I just kept my door closed and never had a problem.

[@markbajek2541]

There are some DIY rodent device videos where they catch 20-30-40 a night, eventually you will start to knock down the population, where it's somewhat manageable.

[@MadnomadM]

@@markbajek2541 I bet they do catch that many. When there’s bate, they will keep coming for sure. You will never knock down the population. Good luck with that. The snakes, coyotes etc, could use that food.

[@Fulltinyhouse]

While we were there last fall, Ethan ended up clearing out nests from our wheel-wells like 3 times in just a week! I can't imagine your van, for 2 months of free reign for all the mice... They had a quite a party 🥳😡

[@jhemnes1]

Omg 😳... That is awful. I'm off grid right now and this place I'm in had an infestation of HUGE rats. They weren't scared of light or even me. I'm happy to say I think I've won the battle AND the war. I tried the peppermint oil on cotton balls and hell they made a nest out of them. I threw everything at them but what worked was live traps, snap traps, and glue traps. Live traps I would take them far away and let them go and with the glue traps I have a cement block and a hatchet for execution. I think it's inhumane to just toss them in the garbage to slowly die so I make it fast, quick, and in a hurry.. Oh and my dogs played a good part in ridding the place of them as well. Thanks for the warning about desert rats... and the good tips.

[@helenzapata6154]

amazon has coyote urine spray or ckv uses water with cayenne to spray might help

[@aleta5873]

Dang it !...

[@gloriawilkerson4524]

Google said Irish Spring soap will get rid of rats. Crumble several bars around the outside of your house and replace every 3 months.

[@shneebop4395]

We had rats bite the wires in our chevy avalanche. We took our car in for service recently and we had nests under the hood.. thankfully they did not ruin anything. ugh.