Mouse poop!!!!!

Funkmoney · 12-13-2011, 10:53 PM

While conducting a monthly inspection of my winterized travel trailer I noticed that there was mouse droppings on the counter next to the sink and a ton of droppings in the sink.

I checked the rest of the camper and found small amounts of mouse droppings throughout the camper. I checked under the camper and did not find any openings leading into the camper. I then remembered that a couple weeks ago I noticed that I had forgotten to recap and close the waste water release valve (black and grey) after winterizing. The valve must have been open for about a few weeks before I closed the valves.

I'm thinking that the mouse entered the black and or grey water tanks then when I secured the valves it entered the camper via the kitchen sink. I placed about eight traps in the camper today and hope this works! Keep in mind that there is no food or drinks inside the camper.

Does this sound possible that the entry point was via the valve?
Do you think the traps are enough?
Anything else I should do?

bluepill · 12-13-2011, 11:11 PM

I doubt that they could work their way all the way through your plumbing. I had a few, and I believe that they came in the vent in the rear of the fridge. Remember, mice can squeeze through very small holes.

Traps are the best and most proven system. I put about a foot of neon tape on each one to remind me that they are there.

Funkmoney · 12-13-2011, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluepill

I doubt that they could work their way all the way through your plumbing. I had a few, and I believe that they came in the vent in the rear of the fridge. Remember, mice can squeeze through very small holes.

Traps are the best and most proven system. I put about a foot of neon tape on each one to remind me that they are there.

Why do you think I found so much of the droppings in the sinks (95%)?

Hammer Down · 12-14-2011, 08:46 AM

Potty trained? Probably got in and the slick sides they couldn't get out too easy and it scared the Crap out of them.

Perry White · 12-14-2011, 08:54 AM

Catching the mice isn't the problem, it's taking the whole rig apart to find the nest. I caught 7 of them in mine sitting on the side of the house One /day.. Found out they were coming in from the woods on the side of the house.Winterized it and put it out in storage and they are gone.

rdownward · 12-14-2011, 09:05 AM

It is definitely a challenge to figure out where mice (and other small critters) get into an RV. As mentioned before by bluepill, they can squeeze through an amazingly small space. And, they CHEW! I had a family in an RV that I previously owned and after exhaustive searching, we found they had chewed their way through the foam insulation surrounding some wires and pipes that went through a hole in the floor. And, even though you don't think there is any food anywhere inside for then, they have amazing sniffers and can find even the smallest crumbs. Since that experience with them (and a subsequent experience with a pack-rat that chewed through half the wires under the sink) I just keep a couple of traps cocked and baited under the sink areas - just in case.

bill dean1 · 12-14-2011, 09:12 AM

Hi:

We have had same problem and use a product called Critter Out, find it online. It has smell of cinnamon. Originally developed for repelling of deers Nd most important it works.

edj · 12-14-2011, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdownward

Since that experience with them (and a subsequent experience with a pack-rat that chewed through half the wires under the sink) I just keep a couple of traps cocked and baited under the sink areas - just in case.

I keep a couple mouse traps baited with peanut butter in the trailer. BUT, it is very important to check the traps every couple days to get rid of any bodies before they start rotting and stinking up the trailer.

Dick Noble · 12-14-2011, 11:34 AM

Do you have electricity to the trailer? If so, try some of the sonic mouse chasers at ACE hardware. They have worked for us. Can't leave them plugged in more than a few weeks or the cute little critters get use to the sound.

IC2 · 12-14-2011, 12:45 PM

Welcome to the 'other side' of RV'ing

There are way too many ways for a mouse to get an RV. If you have slides, the frame penetrations are pretty common entry ways. If you leave it plugged in, then there is that hatch, with that appropriately named 'mouse hole' for the cable. Any of the plumbing penetrations are open doorways. The reefer cabinet is open to the elements as well. I just redid the adjoining entertainment cabinet, which required that I remove the entire face frame. Lo and behold, a 1/2" plus gap at the top of the reefer. The propane penetration through the floor to the stove and reefer is another entry way plus any electrical service wiring access. To date, I've owned only one trailer that didn't have a few to a lot of droppings each spring. My current 5er, and considered a "premium" unit - many openings that needed attention but so far this year after several, no poops - yet

Funkmoney · 12-14-2011, 02:46 PM

I caught one!!!!!!! Let's see if I catch anymore!!!!!

Has anyone ever used the device that plugs in and sends a current or signal through the wires inside the trailer or residence? I saw it at Walmart for $20 but didn't know if I should get it.

Superslif · 12-14-2011, 03:17 PM

I have used mothballs since 99' on the two tt's I have owned. The only place the tt touches the ground are the 4 tires and the hitch. Unless mice can fly or jump 12" to 18" that is the only access points. Inside the trailer I'll use those old 35mm film containers with a few holes punched into the sides and put 3-4 mothballs in each. I'll place 6-7 around the inside of the trailer.

When I bought my tt I laid on my back and caulked any opening underneath where the manufacture drilled for wiring and plumbing and filled it up tight. I'll place a mothball on top of each tire and a few around each tire. I'll also put mothballs where the electric cord coils up into the tt, behind the water heater cover.

Cross my fingers I have never had a problem....

Ray,IN · 12-14-2011, 07:07 PM

Just in case the little critters have heart problems, feed them copious amounts of warfarin. If they didn't have heart problems _ they will very soon.

CD · 12-15-2011, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Just in case the little critters have heart problems, feed them copious amounts of warfarin. If they didn't have heart problems _ they will very soon.

Rat poison is the same thing and quite effective. (Mice like it also). Just make sure pets can't get it.