Field Mice / Cleaning Camper

ScottsSweetie · 06-07-2005, 07:14 AM

We just purchased a used Starcraft hybrid TT. The tent ends have some significant damage due to field mice. The unit was closed up for about 18 mos, so the damage happened over a long period of time. We are having the tent ends replaced through Bear Creek. Their rep, upon hearing of the field mice damage, told me that the mice leave a scent, so when I get the TT to my house, if there are any field mice in the area they will follow the scent back to this old "nesting area". He suggests that we pressure wash the unit with soap and water. My question to you RV owners is this: Is there anything better to wash with? My first thought was ammonia, but that might attract other pests since it kind of smells like urine. DH thought of bleach, but would that damage any colored parts of the camper? Your thoughts would be greatly welcome.

Donna

ScottsSweetie · 06-07-2005, 07:14 AM

We just purchased a used Starcraft hybrid TT. The tent ends have some significant damage due to field mice. The unit was closed up for about 18 mos, so the damage happened over a long period of time. We are having the tent ends replaced through Bear Creek. Their rep, upon hearing of the field mice damage, told me that the mice leave a scent, so when I get the TT to my house, if there are any field mice in the area they will follow the scent back to this old "nesting area". He suggests that we pressure wash the unit with soap and water. My question to you RV owners is this: Is there anything better to wash with? My first thought was ammonia, but that might attract other pests since it kind of smells like urine. DH thought of bleach, but would that damage any colored parts of the camper? Your thoughts would be greatly welcome.

Donna

troth · 06-07-2005, 07:20 AM

First, install effective shields (ex. aluminum sheet metal, fiberglass, etc.) to seal up the holes and gaps that mice can skinny into.
Second, buy a box of Bounce dryer sheets; put at least one in each corner of the camper before fold-down. And a sheet in every cabinet. Varmints don't like the smell and it'll keep them away.

FatDog · 06-07-2005, 07:25 AM

Donna,
Welcome to iRV2!!
and congrats on the trailer purchase.

My first thoughts upon reading the title of your thread was "good luck in trying to get them to do it" ...
.. but I understand more now after reading further.

We use a diluted solution of Simple Green for our spring cleaning of the trailer. I wouldn't know which cleanser is best, but that stuff has a strong hygenic smell. Be careful with using SimpleGreen with too strong a solution though, it IS strong.

And again CONGRATS on the trailer! We look forward to hearing of your adventures.

Mike, Cordie, and lil' Zach

Allegro Happy · 06-07-2005, 08:13 AM

Welcome Donna,

glad you found us though it is thru a bad time. Plug up every thing with steel wool. Buy a huge quanity at a hardware store. Plug up water,* elec if it can get into trailer, also don't forget the space around the hot water heater. Check the refrig area too. We used Simple Green too. Good product.

ScottsSweetie · 06-07-2005, 05:20 PM

Thanks to everyone for your help. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me again, pestering you for more advice!

Donna

Ray,IN · 06-07-2005, 07:26 PM

If all else fails- try putting a black snake in the unit just prior to storage.

Seriously now, place several rat/mouse bait packets around the edges of the floor, and replace when nearly empty. The warfarin will cause them to expire.

Doris · 06-08-2005, 02:22 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FatDog:
My first thoughts upon reading the title of your thread was "good luck in trying to get them to do it" ...
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That's funny. My first thought was..gee, where did she get these mice that clean LOL.
Welcome to the board.