If you’ll soon be storing your RV for any amount of time, nothing’s worse than coming back and finding that your rig is full of unwanted tenants. From rodents to insects, pests take many forms, but they’re never desirable. Obviously you want to avoid this scenario, so here are some tips you can use if you’re putting your RV in storage to avoid unwanted guests.
Keep Them Out
Physically blocking mice is one of the first steps you can take. Since mice can squeeze themselves through any hole that their head can fit through (about the size of a dime), you’ve got to make sure your RV is sealed nice and tight. Try to keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible and seal them up tight if you’re going to be leaving your RV in storage.
If you have gaps, maybe around your windows or doors, you can try using expanding spray foam. This is a great temporary solution as it’s easy enough to remove once you’re done with it, like when you take your rig out of storage. Make sure to check the underside of your RV thoroughly, as you may have small holes caused by some debris you ran over at some point. If foam isn’t enough, you can add mesh or screens to the mix.
There are also odor deterrents common at most stores, scents that mice and other rodents will want to avoid. You can place these at various points around your RV while it’s in storage.
Remove Incentives
While the incentive for a mouse to invade your RV may simply be for warmth and shelter, there are factors you can control that will make your rig less appealing. Namely, make sure that all food, human and pet, is sealed tightly and that there are no food particles littering your RV. A steady source of food is enough to keep any mice around. Once they settle in, they’ll look to build a nest. Make sure that you have paper and cloth products in a secure location and that you keep an eye on destruction to these items. If they’re missing shreds, it’s likely that a mouse has been pulling it apart. Your best bet, if you’re going to be storing your rig, is to simply remove all food items, even if they’re non-perishable.
Eliminate the Intruders
If all else fails and you’ve got an infestation, you’re going to have to remove them. Traps work best. From the classic snap-trap to glue traps to humane cage traps, the best way to remove a mouse is to trap it. Even if you don’t suspect that there will be a pest problem while you’re storing your RV, it’s still a good idea to set some traps out in your stored rig just in case a rodent comes sniffing around.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to tour a new or pre-owned motorhome or travel trailer. If your current RV needs service, contact the service department at PleasureLand RV Center to schedule time with a technician. We can also help you get our RV ready for storage.
