How to eliminate mice

[cummins]

I have been battling mice for years. Started when we left our A/S at friends for the summer. I've sealed everything except for the slot for the entry step. What could I do there? I've used D-con pellet bait, sticky bait trays, dryer sheets (for deterant) etc. I've gotten/killed mice; but not all of them.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by cummins

I have been battling mice for years. Started when we left our A/S at friends for the summer. I've sealed everything except for the slot for the entry step. What could I do there? I've used D-con pellet bait, sticky bait trays, dryer sheets (for deterant) etc. I've gotten/killed mice; but not all of them.

If you're not using the trailer, you don't need the step, so duct-tape over the slot. Duct tape is not mouse-proof, but at least you will have an immediate indication if any get in that way because they'll have to chew a hole through it to get in.

[Mrjkq]

Never had a problem myself, but a farmer friend up north claims moth balls do the trick for his Motorhome stored in a barn over the winter.

[A W Warn]

I've been using these repellers for several years.

Victor PestChaser Sonic Rodent Repellent-M690S - The Home Depot
Since I started using them I have not seen any "evidence". None! I park/store my 25' trailer less than 20 feet from the woods all winter in NC.
I'm vigilant about removing all food, spices, soaps, etc. I vacuum crumbs and wipe spills. If there is anything a mouse or bug can eat I remove it when I'm not using the trailer.

I do not heat my stored trailer during cold weather. I winterize. Don't want to offer a warm bed.

I have a problem with lizards, while in FL during winter. I found some eggs in the AC when I removed the shroud.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

I've been using these repellers for several years.

Victor PestChaser Sonic Rodent Repellent-M690S - The Home Depot
Since I started using them I have not seen any "evidence". None! I park/store my trailer less than 20 feet from the woods all winter.
I'm vigilant about removing all food, spices, soaps, etc. I vacuum crumbs and wipe spills. If there is anything a mouse or bug can eat I remove it when I'm not using the trailer.

I do not heat my trailer during cold weather. I winterize. Don't want to offer a warm bed.

Yep, I use the ones from Tractor Supply, and no mice.

Before I got these, I learned the best bait in the trap is a piece of pecan.

[dkottum]

We keep the trailer very close to a big grain field, mice are plentiful, but never had them in our Airstreams. I've thought baited traps and poison attract them so don't use it. No dryer sheets, moth balls, scented anything.

We do clean the kitchen equipment well and leave no food whatsoever in the Airstream between trips. We also hit the road for southern states in late fall when they start to look for indoor shelter. Probably both responsible for no mice during the seven years we have been Airstreaming.

[dbj216]

Mice love Airstreams just like people do. They appreciate a well designed, high quality luxury travel trailer.

The entry areas I plugged include propane lines, rear bumper storage lid, wheel wells, fresh water drain line, belly pan seam separations, and the like. One thing I overlooked with the dog gone A frame rails where they come together under the coupler. There stands two big 6 by 2 open ended steel channels. All I needed is a mice welcome mat. This is also a good place for rain water entrance while towing.

Sonic repellants are the way to go. At least until mice get ear plugs.

David

[dkottum]

We struggle with them in sheds on our property. I think they can adapt to almost anything, except a hungry cat. They don't like cats.

[CRH]

I used to get mice in my attic in the fall. I would set traps in the attic until they were none. Then, I started putting poison bait blocks in short pieces of pipe around my property. My mouse problem went away. I have never had them in my shed, garages campers, or boat.

If I had a big mouse problem, I would use a bucket trap. You can find plenty of info about them on the web.

[dkottum]

CRH, you might have something there. I suspect poison bait inside brings them in, but nail them at the outside perimeter. I suppose the pipes keep birds and pets from getting to it?

[CRH]

Yes, the pipes are to protect other animals from the poison.

[2dabeach]

Just a heads up. If you don't have power available at your trailer storage location and decide to use one of the battery power units, make sure you place it on a dish. I placed one on the floor of my 25' Safari and the AA batteries leaked and damaged the surface of the floor of the trailer.

[Cardinal283]

Have you tried a cat?

[Texastex]

I use steel wool, they can go into small places that they can squeeze through and cover large places. They will not eat through it. My main entry place for them was the power cord, make sure you do not put steel wool next to any terminal. otherwise it works great on the rubber cord going through the frame. I have used Decon but since I put the steel wall and suspicious places none the Decon has been eaten. It's very cost-effective also inexpensive at hardware, grocery and paint stores.
PS I replaced the steel wool every couple years.

[DaveFL]

Originally Posted by cummins

I've gotten/killed mice; but not all of them.

Unwritten rule; last one never gets caught and if she is pregnant it won't be long for the generations to fill in the empty spaces.

Take a pencil if it can be pushed into the space so can a mouse.
My biggest surprise in MH was mouse setting up housekeeping under the rear bed, found electric wires were the track they followed in.

I had one break in to the car, chewed paper thin plastic flapper door that vents the outside air into the heating system, turned out I had left two sealed energy bars in the door pocket. So when you say removed all food, it should include ALL food and edibles, including the new soy based plastic wires and flaps

Peppermint oil on cotton ball smells good and they don't seem to like it.

[Curtmac]

For mice, trying using drops of peppermint (from the health store).

[SilverGate]

Originally Posted by Cardinal283

Have you tried a cat?

Have you tried a snake?

[JCWDCW]

Check the opening in the hollow frame members at the front of the A frame under the hitch. These members have holes through them for various wiring and mice get in by crawling up chains. Others have also suggested you check for holes in the rear bumper compartment. I've noted on other posts that mice stopped getting in when I pulled the chains up of the ground. Purchase bronze or stainless scrubbies and plug the open ends and frame holes

JCW

[2fromtexas]

Irish Spring bars of soap in trailer when not in use. Never had mice in th AS or the Casita we had. Mice just don't like Irish Spring. Also dog flea collars put in outside compartments will deter any wasps.

[pappy19]

Rubber snakes will keep them away as well. I also place pieces of dog flea collars in all open places and no bugs either.