Discovered something eating paper

[bfwoz]

We just started loading up our trailer for our first trip and my wife discovered that something was eating the paper towel roll. Upon further checking we found a roll of toilet paper in shreads. The only kind of droppings, if you could call them that, were like small bits of rice. Does any one have any idea's of what it could be. This is the first time in twelve years we had any kind of a problem.

Thanks

[SteveH]

Sounds like a mouse, or mice to me.

[idroba]

Mice, no question.

[AirsDream]

Yup, mouse. Since they use the paper for nesting, it's almost certainly now "mice."

[SteveH]

See if you can find some of the old timey type mouse traps, the ones with the metal release, and load them with a small piece of pecan.

That's what I've had the most success with.

[switz]

From my experience, just remember where you put those snap traps.

[InsideOut]

...or get a trailer -

We have one - never had a mouse ~ and she loves to travel!

Shari

[SteveH]

One more comment on the mice subject.....I've not had any more trouble with them getting into the trailer since I installed a couple of the ultrasonic things from Tractor Supply in the trailer.

Either they work, or I've already eradicated all the mice around here.

[Phoenix]

A very small dab of peanut butter also works well in traps, and it stays where you put it.

These also work well and are easy to store, but they cost more than the old wood and wire traps:

Victor Pest Quick Set! Mouse Trap (Set of 2): Household Essentials : Walmart.com

[jcanavera]

Mice. I got one in the car over the winter. How it got in I don't know but when I pulled out the cabin filter the entire filter was covered in chewed acorns. I had to get a vacuum into that area to clean all the debris. We opened the glove box on the dash and we usually put in excess napkins that we get from the fast food places. The napkins were all shredded. Looking around further we noticed some very small droppings in the cup holders on the center console.

Never found the mouse but I'm certain it found its way out. That's what I get for not driving a vehicle enough and leaving it out in the drive all winter.

Jack

[Taylormade]

I had to read the title a few times and finally clicked on the thread only to realize it wasn't you that discovered something while eating toilet paper. I feel much better having investigated.

[DaveFL]

Didn't say where you're located, but here in florida the roaches will have droppings the size of rice, mice are larger, um same maybe small vitamin e pill, and the roaches do eat paper.
I found a mouse nest in the bathroom heat duct, small strips of toilet and paper towel roll was the source. Found a nest on the motor, it included sections of vacuum line, bits of insulation and paper, lots of acorns. Just shot a squirrel that was setting up housekeeping in my toad, didn't like my disturbing her nest and wouldn't just go away, the hawk will like the easy meal.

[pinkflamingoes]

Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning poop, a mask for fumes not just dust. I hear hantavirus is no fun. Spray a little bleach after.

pack holes with steel wool, and echo on the cat (or terrier, our dog is a rat terrier and when he caught a mouse, he suddenly realized why he exists). The mice get the hint that their population is dwindling and leave.

[switz]

Suggest brass wool instead of steel wool. It will not rust. Got mine at Amazon.

[Phoenix]

PinkFlamingoes makes a good point about Hantavirus. We have periodic outbreaks in the southwest desert areas. See more into at link below:

CDC - History of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) - Hantavirus

[pinkflamingoes]

Don't despair though...persistence pays off. Plus it prevents future mouse-parties.