How To Keep Mice And Pest Out Of Your RV.

Today I wanted to share a handful of tips to keep mice and pest out of your RV. Using these strategies can help protect and prolong the life of your RV.
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[@ricktaylor6373]

I’ve been using old school wood traps around the motorhome and under hood, also cotton balls with mint oil under hood and in coach, foam spray underneath as well plus mint spraying underneath and engine bay. So far it’s keeping them at bay. Also when my wife turns into a “pest” I take a squirt bottle with water and spritz her once or twice and out the coach she goes! Works for 60 seconds at best.👍

[@qaraiders]

😂😂😂

[@Farmers-arm-candy]

😂

[@irisz6731]

🤔😆

[@fwaynedavis]

He is on point here folks! We keep a small pump garden sprayer with some ant/bug insecticide. Just spray anything that contact the ground. Ants are particularly troublesome. We also spray the entire perimeter of the slide opening as ants will walk down tree limbs and join the party from above! You can use natural items like permethrin. Even a homemade garlic solution works!.

[@cbro777]

I don't understand why the manufactures don't take the steps to seal off these entry points to begin with. So frustrating.

[@shanepitzer4323]

I don’t think you understand how small a mouse can make itself. It’s impossible for manufacturers to seal all the holes. Then the RV couldn’t breath and it would mold. 🤓

[@normameyer5737]

They really don’t have quality control 😩

[@RantzBizGroup]

Impossible...

[@rogergoodwin5533]

Slows down production. Make holes bigger. Im disapointed in their work manship. Hard to find a used RV with full sealed off underside steel sheeting.

[@Tripp49221]

Because if they do you won’t have to buy another one in five years

[@MikeHaas1965]

Definitely on team cat!!!

[@suemeyer7551]

When I bought my used Dutchman, I paid to have the whole underneath sprayed with a spray foam deterrent at an rv dealer. Best peace of mind I ever spent! It was parked at a lake surrounded by farmers fields. I would also put a few boxes of super smelly fabric softener sheets everywhere when closing up in the fall. Do not put them closed up where you keep your food in the future. I couldn't get the scent out for months & the marshmallows tasted horrible! lol Also, do not store items, especially piles of firewood underneath. Its like a ladder for them. Never had one even once in over 10 years!

[@kendaleklund7475]

Recommend for Winter Storage is to place a Rinnetraps - Flip-N-Slide Bucket Mouse trap, in your storage area! Use car antifreeze in the bottom of the bucket to keep the animals from stinking up the place when they die! Bait the lid with peanut butter!

[@briandavis9975]

Gotta love your cat your right about over feeding will detour them from looking for something to eat.

[@met9072]

Never believed that myth of an over fed cat. We had a fat cat that if it moved he was on it. He would bring a mouse in his cat door to play with till dead. It's their nature

[@Water0316]

I used eternabond tape all along the bottom cover and around every opening and it won’t come off and the no mice in years since

[@stewartmhyre1528]

In the pacific north west dryer sheets seem to work. I do love your cat as part of your pets control. Looks like she is well loved.

[@scottsmith8162]

Thanks for the info! Where do you put your dryer sheets?

[@bigoldal2436]

Ditto on the stink bugs. We used to have a real problem with mice a few years ago but we use LED patio lights under our RV ,so and only one mouse in over 3 years

[@lindathornton3626]

If u only stay in it part time...what can u do?

[@joanmarshall6653]

We slept with our door open on a warm night. A critter came in through the bug net by chewing his way in. After it got in, it wanted to get out. What a racket! We were up and down all night long trying to find it. laid out four sticky traps to no avail. About 6am I shone my headlamp to the front of the cab and there it was…a huge kangaroo rat! I was sure it was going to bite my leg off. I quickly swung open the cab door and ran back to the safety of my bed. It must have run out as after that all was quiet. Smoky Mountain road south of Escalante.

[@wcraig]

Thank you for this video. We’ll be picking our trailer up next month and these tips are going to be very helpful in trying to keep the mice and rodents from seeking shelter in our trailer.

[@snake_king]

You forgot the link for the cat 😉 I spray down our frame and stabilizers with fluid film to prevent rust. Seems to help with the rodents and bugs 🤷🏼‍♂️ Thanks for the tips!

[@Hugo-Hernandez]

Thank you, I have saved this video for future reference.

[@Will-cf8hc]

Had an R-pod with a slide out,when extended the mice would jump on wheel fender then up under slide ,was an entry point for mosquitoes also!

[@philkuusisto1558]

Thank you. I use some of these ideas.

[@joeerschens6725]

We have always fought with mice getting into our RV. We have sealed all of the holes we could find and used various things to try and replell or catch them. We seem to have found the one thing that has consistently work for the past couple of years, that is Grandpa Gus's mouse repellent. A friend suggested it and we have not had any mice since we started using it.

[@JamesBond-hu9rg]

Where to get it ?

[@crazycatlady7190]

@@JamesBond-hu9rg Amazon, where else 😁

[@xpumpedwolfx]

Chiming in late here, but I absolutely agree! I used this in my attic years back and this worked flawlessly. I just purchased my first TT last week and will be putting in Grandpa Gus packs this weekend, on top of sealing the holes in the bottom.

[@shawn4101]

Thanks for the information and the video.

[@frankd8180]

Thanks Jared !

[@mikemoxley9477]

Thanks… GREAT info!

[@timf6916]

We try to use the old school stuff, only good rodent is a DEAD one. I don’t like deterrence, I like NO Entry method.

[@216baja]

Gret tips to prevent mice entering your RV. I use the copper mesh instead of the steel wool because the wool does rust and could stain. I will consider the rid a rat item. In addition to sealing the underbelly of the RV, I also recommend using the copper mesh in the corners of your slide out too for when in use or in storage.

[@sharonwolfe870]

What do you mean copper mesh in the "indoor" corners of your slide or outside?

[@bertkelly7650]

I place peppermint candy canes on the top of my tires while storing. You can get them cheap after Christmas.

[@msofilms]

😂 i luv that Jared said rave party. Great stuff as always

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Fabulous information

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@garvdarb]

Bought a new Grand Design 22 me. They did a great job sealing. BUT since this isn't our first rodeo I used the peanut butter on a wTerbottle over 4 " of auto antifreeze works every time. I think the little PR squeezed in along the slide room.

[@RustyOutdoors101]

We have had great luck with fresh cab rodent repellent. Thanks for sharing

[@DAVESLAM]

I thought so too.... I have Fresh Cab. Just cleaned out lots of Mouse Poop right beside the Fresh Cabs baggies.

[@TheFiremanJoe]

Steelewool is highly flammable!

[@lisastoner6635]

Google "start campfire with steel wool." Lots of videos and articles!

[@davidaustin8782]

While working on our RV, (Tiny House on Wheels) in the backyard, we started to see evidence of mice. Sealing all places they might get in is a great idea but as I was replacing the subfloor this was not an option. We trapped a few, but they kept coming. We bought a few of the Eliminator Ultrasonic Rodent and Pest Repellers and plugged them in. We have not seen a mouse since. Finding a similar product made in America would be better, but these did the job.

[@doctorkayak]

I love hocus pocus solutions... I also love seeing dead mice in traps, nothing like proof!

[@bfattori01]

I wish I had known the tip about pest control for ants and other bugs in Florida! Had a horrible ant invasion. For me, the remedy was a change in location to somewhere freezing.

[@roger766]

True all methods you mentioned about rodents, nothing worked! Best thing I found is that over the winter I put in the solid bait blocks. They will get in, so I give them food! They eat it, makes them want water, they exit and die! End of one mouse! Eat and repeat! My evening is stored inside so traps out of everything so to catch them bef entering too. Works for me!

[@jamesmurray9333]

I use Stainless Steele Wool in my MH wet bay around the hoses.

[@louannthomas8043]

I LOVE the cat idea. She’s adorable.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks.

[@shanepitzer4323]

Mice can fit through a crack or hole one-fourth of an inch or larger - or about the width of a pencil. Good luck keeping them out.

[@MerrittFlims]

We are on our third season with dryer sheets, works great for us to keep mice out.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Nice!

[@robertpearson8798]

We’ve been using them for years and we’ve had no mice get in either. Of course, that’s not proof that they work because we don’t know if any were even around or tried to get in or found it unpleasant and left, but it does make the trailer smell really nice every spring.

[@scottsmith8162]

Where did you place the dryer sheets?

[@boabglen]

What you mean dryer sheets? Can someone explain further please? ​@AllAboutRVs

[@MerrittFlims]

@@boabglen we use a couple boxes of dryer sheets all around the inside of the camper, in drawers on the bed couches in the cabinets anywhere we think a mouse would visit. And like someone said your camper smells great. We opened our camper a few weeks ago and had no signs of mice.

[@jockwar]

Good info 👍

[@jb6249]

Great information as always, I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas and a happy new year!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you and same to you, merry Christmas!

[@rwcrsarrc]

For mice spray Store It Safe on your chassis with an air compressor . It's a thick lavender oil , all natural. Mice hate it similar to the sent of dryer sheets . Works every time.

[@JamesBond-hu9rg]

I been using Irish ☘️ spring soap.

[@dondartt684]

We just got rid of our mouse. This is the second one. You aren’t kidding finding any point of entry and sealing it up is the first step. Keep all doors closed it’s a port of entry. The size of a dime is all they need to enter. Mouse traps the plastic ones worked well.

[@waynewolfe2999]

All your videos are very informative and I look forward to your posts. My question is about the rid a rat. Are the magnets strong enough to hold during travel?

[@jer439]

Over winter storage. I keep a low battery in my smoke. Detector so it chirps every few minutes. And that is the absolute best way I found to keep mice out.

[@brucecarrell4919]

Irish spring bar soap. Works good for us in all parts of the USA. liquid bug spray for the bugs.

[@BestDogAdventures]

Great timing for this video!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Glad it helped

[@ronalaska2472]

I gave up on snap traps now I just use sticky traps and have solved the problem!

[@sreed3819]

For mammals, we use fox urine spray and/or coyote urine spray on things that touch the ground. Use sparingly to keep the odor down.

[@pamelad4116]

Hired a mercenary. Love it! 🤣😂😆

[@1LavenderLace]

I use the electronic repellents and mint oil on cotton balls. I’m in Florida, it seems to be working so far. I’ll look into the copper wool. I’ve started fires with steel wool, so I’ll pass on that one.

[@hooterfivesix]

I use brass wool to plug the smaller holes. The steel wool makes a nasty mess when it rusts. I used 1/4" galvanized mesh to eliminate larger entrances. You really have to become an investigator. The manufacturer of my RV cut a 6" square hole to feed 1/2" of wires to our entertainment center. SO many oversize holes to fill, electrical, plumbing, walls, floor, AND ceiling. Look in your basement for plumbing and electrical feeds. It took me a week of cabinet disassembly, crawling in, around, and under my RV. Make sure to remove ALL edibles. I found a fried mouse in my toaster. It was going for the crumbs in the tray on the bottom. They ate my Irish Spring soap.

[@mikebennett9356]

We’ve had our rv for 7 years. Foamed all holes and entry points we could. Used peppermint oil in small bowls to deter mice, never had a problem. Just took rv out of storage this winter and had tons of mouse damage. They were even in an open drawer with a peppermint bowl right next to it, it didn’t seem to bother them at all. We had a very strange, warm winter here in Minnesota, maybe that made the difference. Who knows??

[@JacquelynParlee]

We found a mouse accessed our rv via the pin box! We parked too close and it use the truck to get up there. We put some traps out and got it leaving our cap one night. I see all kinds of people leaving their 7 pin hanging on the ground like a highway for them. Once we sealed around the cord in the pinbox, we were good! Not that we didn’t get every crack and crevice as well…..😂

[@johnr5545]

Thanks god blesd

[@DavidSmith-zg4vg]

Hi Jared. I Watch your videos all the time. You forgot the smell of Mercaptan, the odorant added to propane and natural gas. Your gas tanks must have been turned off during filming, your stove was in the on position starting around the 6:55 mark. 😂. David

[@kaetischmalenberg222]

You can use stainless steel wool that is course. The copper can be eaten through. I’ve used the stainless steel wool for our camper and you don’t have rust issues and the critter don’t like it.

[@01abihsot]

For what a person pays for a RV maybe the manufacturers should start making them mouse proof

[@AllAboutRVs]

That would be nice.

[@shanepitzer4323]

Impossible task. But good to dream. RV’s need to breath to avoid mildew/mold. Nice can squeeze through an area smaller than a dime.

[@bytesphere]

​@@shanepitzer4323nothing is impossible. Vent in a different way instead of leaving openings for pests where they can easily get in.

[@markko1968]

Found on 2 trailers that the worst sealed area is the shower/vent drain penetration. Wall panel removal is necessary. Had squirls fit through. Trying cloves and cinnamon in pouches and clove/peppermint oil sprays as mouse deterrent for home/garage/car everthing this year. Up in the north mice seem to love poison and seems to attract them.

[@patsykluting-lucas3804]

My truck glovebox was a nest a couple years ago. Suggestions for trucks? I usually open hood when camping.

[@ernestdesimone2234]

I use poison Bait Chunx cubes. They have a hole through them and you can use a zip tie to place them in various places under the hood, etc. The mice eat it and quickly die. So far I have not had any damage from mice. To keep bugs out of my RV garage and the RV itself, I use Raid house foggers inside the RV garage while the RV is parked in there.

[@crazycatlady7190]

Lol, your mercenary. 💕💕💕

[@18peterwallace]

Great video, what sort of hardware do you hang up your picture frames in your RV?

[@Alzheimers-camper]

Seal access points and peppermint oil like he said. Keep in mind the oil or dryer sheets need to be regenerated or replaced every few weeks or at least monthly. It worked well for us in Colorado and in storage here in Tn.

[@doctorkayak]

Ahh yes the dryer sheet fable...

[@boabglen]

​@doctorkayak what's the dryer sheet deal? How does that work method wise?

[@jeffsteele1295]

Thanks for all the Great information I find it very important. Could you help me understand if I using my RV in the winter time . How can I be moving every 4 or 5 days how would winter protect my motorhome Class A to keep it from freezing while using in cold weather ?

[@MYCHANNELWITHMYSTUFF]

Fresh Cab Botanical Rodent Repellent works great for us

[@sherriecapp3234]

I park RV next to our barn. We have 8 barn cats. No rodents!!

[@joeybarrie9778]

I found spraying vinegar works and if you actually hook up a couple LED lights under your trailer it keeps them away. So I can see that little light flashing. Actually helping

[@rcclassiccrawlers4368]

Bounce fabric softener sheets work very well on the inside of vehicles or campers. Plus they smell nice….for a while. And on the outside I use Tom Cat bait boxes. I usually put one at each corner of the camper and one at each wheel.(on the ground) I’ve used them for years and had very little to no rodent issues.

[@boabglen]

What do you mean bounce fabric softener sheets?

[@heatherrenton2086]

Thank you so much for this video. My RV is a diy campervan. I have a mouse nest in the under the hood in the Engine. I recently had some work done on the van. The mechanic noted some wires chewed and looked around until he found a nest. The van is running great at the moment. But I am very concerned about that nest and want to remove it. I suspect whatever mouse made it fell out many miles ago. Whether it did or not, a mouse nest seems like an invitation. Next stops on my agenda? Rv shop, Napa and more mint oil!

[@rogergoodwin5533]

Modern RV s end less chore. Add screen, steelwool, screw in fitted cut tin patches, spray foam. Then mint oil, little trees, flower airasol. You need them all. RV s are the best mouse attractent.

[@nancyb4444]

Very thorough video! Thanks. One question-how do you keep your cat from scratching up your furniture? We are about to get our first RV and our cat scratches upholstery even though she has 3 different types scratching posts.

[@umalazarus]

I know you weren’t asking me and it’s a 6 month old comment buuuut I thought I’d chime in anyways Ask your vet about nail caps. It’s a non cruel route for the kitty and will stop any possible damage done to belongings from scratching.

[@ShepherdschapelYTexplainsbible]

I put another layer of defense in the cubbies and nooks and crannies under the sink etc I put blocks of decon along the walls that way if they happen to infiltrate the be a second line of defense. From what I heard after they eat it and get sick they go find somewhere to die. Might not be suitable if you got pets if they kill them after they've already ingested it. For ants I just use corn syrup with boric acid if you start early enough in the year you can pretty much annihilate the area surrounding your RV.

[@lauriedye6727]

I had to have my Dodge Magnum completely rewired, twice, due to squirrels who built nests under the hood and throughout the vehicle. VERY costly. My neighbor’s vehicle caught on fire due to squirrels. Fun in Louisville, KY.

[@neilevenden3481]

We've been using Dryer Sheet for years. So far (fingers crossed) we've never had mice. Our trailer is stored indoors and we do not have access during the storage season. So lots of Dryer Sheets. We've recently had an invasion of mice in our attached garage. 3 traps, baited with Peanut Butter have caught 5 in 3 days, then 2 weeks later, 2 overnight. Thanks Jared. Great suggestions.

[@priscillawrites6685]

I lived in a house built in 1840. The mice were here generations before I moved in. Mice can squeeze through small openings, but 1/4 inch hardware cloth keeps them out. Patches of hardware cloth sealed over 000 steel wool kept the house mouse free.

[@susanluethje560]

Never had a rodent issue; we have a 4-legged furbaby 🐈

[@stevesmith-ny8jb]

My situation is a little different as it is more a permanent fixture. I used 4 ft High chicken wire. I wrapped the bottom of the vehicle with 12 inches laying flat on the ground and have had no issues at all. Now, bugs that's a whole 'nother problem.

[@macrichardson7904]

Most rodents hate the smell of coffee grounds. We save all of ours and all the K cups (take lid off spoon out) and i toss a good amount of grounds under the coach from the front to the back. I also put the mint bags in the bottom storage compartments. we also remove all food from the rv when it is stored so we are not providing them a food source.

[@1911Fan85]

Be careful with the steel wool and such around wires, you’ll find out real quick if you’ve got an exposed wire. Ask me how I know!!

[@micheleobrien64]

Not a joke! My sister lived in the hills in california, mice ate all the electrical sleeves on all the wires in her jeep engine and made nests. Repeatedly!😢😢😢😢😢

[@henrymorgan3982]

Any bugs in the RV can be cleanly taken cared of with a vacuum. No poisonous spray to poison your family and pets. Do not bring in boxes of any kind into the RV. This is the number one-way critters get in other than leaving the door wide open. Thanks Jared!

[@WaitWhat-jy9ck]

I've used a few of these Jared and will try some of the others. This year, for the first time, I also used Mouse Free on the outside and am hoping it helps too. Would like to know your thoughts on Mouse Free.

[@dodgeitall3816]

I sprayed mouse free under our fifth wheel per instructions and still got mice inside. I'm going to try great stuff and dryer sheets plus mouse free and see if it helps

[@mskeyspirate]

Here in Indiana we store our camper inside from November to April. We have always used a product that a local farmer taught us to use. It's called Fresh Cab and you can buy it at most stores like Menards, TSC etc. It's citrus based and has a pretty good smell, for people anyway. 8 years and never a rodent. We add some dryer sheets just as an extra. I notice that you have not mentioned it as a deterent.

[@boabglen]

What's the dryer sheet method?

[@kimsloveforreborns6458]

I live in a small travel trailer that doesn't move. I have a air conditioner unit on roof. I do use the air conditioner with the warm weather but when I dorn use it for a while can wasp get inside the trailer through the air conditioner vent on ceiling? I live in California in the country.

[@echoauxgen]

For bugs like ants and roaches ODO-BAN. Before pulling into a spot take two comet cans and bag together over where the trailer/rig and a big can of lowest cost coffee. If under trees spay top with odo ban.

[@clarencemcgregor8568]

Our cats have executed a cohabitation agreement with the local mice.

[@Corkyrooster]

I use home defense inside and out, peppermint and vinegar with water spray. No issues. I have sticky pads around in storage spaces and inside where rodents like to be. Never one inside, the spray i make works great.

[@pamelarieley1312]

We vacationed this late summer in nc mountains and we’re invaded by Stink Bugs! I’m sure we carried them home and we also saw them in VA mountains on last trip. Luckily they are easy to physically catch and crush but what in the world to use to eradicate them once they get in?? We are still killing them and now the rig is in For repairs but I’m sure they are still in there. I did read that they don’t breed indoors so I’m hoping after the winter here in eastern NC they are gone! Also I have a question about sealing all holes up with great stuff around wiring? It it safe to do?? Or should we cover area with copper wire then use great stuff??? Thanks in advance!

[@marilynmulkey6095]

We used the ultrasonic in the house and the RV. We had absolutely no luck with it.

[@brucecohen8970]

You can get rust-proof stainless steel pads at Dpllar Tree

[@hoytoy100]

There is a difference between what people use, what is sold, and what works. Any studies or data on what works?

[@bwilliams915]

What do you do for your truck?

[@FranksDIY]

We use Whole Cloves Hand Picked Cloves . put them in small containers and drill a few holes in them. They work very well for a few years . Had them in my hunting trailer and never got any mice. Also have them in shed and same results

[@AllAboutRVs]

Good tip!

[@jcr1323]

👍👍

[@ffschoblocher]

My under side is sealed up well but this year on our hunting lease we got mice in anyway. The only possible way in is where the slide out goes through the frame. Any way to seal up those penetrations to prevent entry?

[@stevee9973]

Yep, that's where they come in. The manufacturers leave a huge gap around the shaft that goes into the frame. It's a pain to try and seal that off especially when putting slides in and out daily while traveling.

[@chuckmiller3401]

Tomcat glue traps work well for me. But it won't kill them. You'll have to do that yourself

[@davidleis9160]

Buy a bunch of iresh spring soap they will not get close to it and put it every where..😉

[@micheleobrien64]

My german shorthaired pointer finds critters better than my cats. But he wants to play with them as friends.🤣🤣🤣🤣❤❤

[@Madronaxyz]

My German shorthaired pointer was the same,!

[@gorvlivin]

Get a cotton ball soaked in peppermint oil and wipe on the edges of drawers. I heard a line of lava rock stops mice. They said they don’t like walking on it. I do see sheep herders use lime all around. But, the park might not like that.

[@1024gerrydeb]

Your hired killer hasn't missed many cat snacks. :)

[@AllAboutRVs]

Haha, yes the strategy is flawed.

[@debrasonner5970]

I had a huge ant infestation in my RV I sprinkled cinnamon in the cupboards and they exited in a hurry. Rats and mice are a bit more difficult

[@livenfree]

Had dryer sheets all over and still had mice walk right over them.