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11-23-2009, 06:20 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2004 25' Safari
Newmarket
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 31
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Mice, Mice, Mice
Have a 2004 Safari which I purchased new. Have stored the rig outdoors in a secure storage facility on gravel. Unit is completely emptied of ALL foodstuffs and cleaned before storage.
Checked the trailer last week and for the first time found obvious evidence of mice. Have checked every conceivable spot where the critters could get in but eveything appears sealed.
Am now in the process of attempting to eliminate the problem - bait, traps, etc.
Anyone out there who has experienced a similar attack know of a possible rodent point of entry that I may have missed ??
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11-23-2009, 06:33 PM
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#2
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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Hello Jake,
Mice and leaks are the bain of many an Airstream owner. A mouse doesn't need much of an opening to access your interior. Common areas to look for are around gas line penetrations, the entry steps, wheel wells, and the rear bumper. You may also want to look around the A-Frame where it enters the body.
We had a few sheared rivets on the belly skin that was the point of entry for our last round of visitors. Five minutes, a few pop rivets and two mouse traps quickly resolved that problem.
We feel your pain.
Kevin
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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11-23-2009, 06:38 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1967 22' Safari
1960 Caravel
Edmonds
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,499
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What Kevin said and don't forget the frame by the tongue jack. It's like a mouse superhighway. This thread will help too. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f476/mouse-proof-57784.html
__________________
Lee
1973 F-250 4X4 390
1965 Chevy Suburban 454
AIR 6030
WBCCI 4258
TCT
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11-23-2009, 07:11 PM
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#4
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1 Rivet Member
1994 34' Limited
austin
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
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our cat was worthless
we went the humane way for a while with the live traps. but then had to declare war and started playin for keeps. live traps just not efficient enough to keep up with their hyper-reproduction. (the enclosed snap trap is the way to go.) seal up as best you can and keep a baited trap or two (w/ peanut butter) all the time. (even with a great seal job) if you trailer a lot, spaces will open enough to let the buggers in.
those enclosed snappers are safe in case you forget a trap in a dark cabinet.
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11-23-2009, 07:20 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Currently Looking...
Greeeneville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,301
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Another way to get rid of mice is to set up a pail with some water and a stick that hinges on the edge of the pail. Set it so that a mouse can "walk the plank" to get at the bait sitting on the end over the bucket. When he gets close, the plank tips and dumps him into the water. The delicately-balanced, hinged plank then returns upward for the next mouse.
__________________
Kevin with Baity the Lab/Pointer //------AIR # 7303------\\ WBCCI 17109 visit my restoration blog at:
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11-23-2009, 08:42 PM
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#6
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Vintage Alum. Enthusiast
1959 24' Tradewind
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: I currently do not own a 2nd Airstream
Posts: 4,360
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Got a picture of this bucket trap? This sounds interesting.
Brad
FF
__________________
4CU 2699 / AIR 10 / TAC AZ-1
I'm haunted by aluminum.
Charter Member of the 4 Corners Unit.
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11-23-2009, 08:55 PM
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#7
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,616
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__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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11-23-2009, 08:58 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2005 22' Safari
Gresham
, Oregon
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 621
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Too funny, but do you really get that many??
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11-23-2009, 09:58 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
1971 25' Caravanner
scappoose
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 206
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What you have to do, is inspect carefully around the "basebord" areas, and the junctions of "bulkhead" areas. When tou think you found the likley spot, using a mirror is necessary, look inside.
If you see a little dresser, table, tv, and bed, then you'll know,,,, thats where they live.
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11-24-2009, 06:29 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2002 19' Bambi
Northwestern Ontario
, - on the backside of the map and just above the big green spot
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 819
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In addition to the spots already mentioned also look at your drain exits - and ditto the sheared rivets on the belly pan - these were both our weak points - once found, repaired and sealed it only took a nights trapping to nail all of the critters (3 of them). As a precaution we now maintain a set trapline over winter when it is being stored - and part of the spring/fall to do list includes checking the underbelly.
Good Luck.
Jay
__________________
Bambi - 2002 (The Toaster)
Pathfinder - 2009 (The Buggy)
"I'm not young enough to know everything ....."
(Oscar Wilde)
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11-24-2009, 08:50 AM
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#11
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Liberator
1972 Argosy 24
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Heart of Dixie
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,659
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3.b.m.
What is it with mice and the number 3 ?
Got three in a large glue trap a few days ago...and not any more since
__________________
Your opinion is valued, please not your opinion of someones else's opinion.
Click To See Me Wet
1989 Airstream 345 Liberator...
1972 Argosy 24'...
1954 Feathercraft Vagabond
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11-24-2009, 09:07 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
Placerville
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,328
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverhobby
Another way to get rid of mice is to set up a pail with some water and a stick that hinges on the edge of the pail. Set it so that a mouse can "walk the plank" to get at the bait sitting on the end over the bucket. When he gets close, the plank tips and dumps him into the water. The delicately-balanced, hinged plank then returns upward for the next mouse.
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I deployed a 'trap' like this 2 mos. ago. I had just finished mopping the floor one evening and left the bucket of water next to the Honda gen which was against the dinette seat. In the morning there was a drowned mouse in the bucket.
Neil.
__________________
Neil and Lynn Holman
FreshAir #12407
Avatar;
Kirk Creek, Big Sur, Ca. coast.
1966 Trade Wind
1971 Buick Centurion convertible
455 cid
1969 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
455 cid
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11-24-2009, 12:42 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Excella 500
Genoa
, Nevada
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,554
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Neil, we used to set up the bucket trap in the core shed at the Tonkin Springs gold mine, worked pretty good. Used peanut butter for bait on the ruler.
I always wondered why I save the round lemonade can tops other than for target practice. You probably noticed I'm using them for fenderwashers riveting the belly pan on, sealing those leaks. I still don't dare leave the Silver Dragon up on the plain for any time, the rats up there seem to morph through solid walls.
__________________
I admit to being powerless over housecleaning and social niceities
Airforums 22655 and now, WBCCI 22655
NevadaGeo
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11-24-2009, 10:46 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
Placerville
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,328
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NevadaGeo
Neil, we used to set up the bucket trap in the core shed at the Tonkin Springs gold mine, worked pretty good. Used peanut butter for bait on the ruler.
I always wondered why I save the round lemonade can tops other than for target practice. You probably noticed I'm using them for fenderwashers riveting the belly pan on, sealing those leaks. I still don't dare leave the Silver Dragon up on the plain for any time, the rats up there seem to morph through solid walls.
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My 'trap' bucket was unintentional. No bait but the little feller took the dive anyway. It did get me thinking though. We haven't had a real problem with mice until I found evidence in the convertible a couple of months ago. Hmmmm, I guess the ragtop is getting a bucket too!
Neil.
__________________
Neil and Lynn Holman
FreshAir #12407
Avatar;
Kirk Creek, Big Sur, Ca. coast.
1966 Trade Wind
1971 Buick Centurion convertible
455 cid
1969 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
455 cid
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11-25-2009, 07:31 AM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
1967 26' Overlander
1953 17' Clipper
Mendon
, Vermont
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
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"BOUNCE" 'em out!!
I find that distributing the biggest box of "Bounce" sheets (the worst smelling that I can find) in all of the lower cabinets, and around the upholstery does wonders for keeping them out!! I do it every fall. {It keeps me out too! I'll never understand how people can use them in their dryers.}
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11-25-2009, 08:06 AM
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#16
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moderator
Commercial Member
2016 27' International
Currently Looking...
Wilton
, California
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,711
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FreshAir
My 'trap' bucket was unintentional. No bait but the little feller took the dive anyway. It did get me thinking though. We haven't had a real problem with mice until I found evidence in the convertible a couple of months ago. Hmmmm, I guess the ragtop is getting a bucket too!
Neil.
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Hey Neil..
First the airstream.. now the convertible... Kinda you bucket list huh...
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11-25-2009, 09:18 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,346
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I just pulled the Safari out of its garage (to house Thanksgiving company) and found the telltale signs: poop and eaten poison pellets. As I was backing up to park I saw one dive out and run for cover in a stone wall. The cats have obviously gotten lazy.
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11-25-2009, 12:19 PM
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#18
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3 Rivet Member
2005 31' Classic
Gretna
, Nebraska
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 152
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Baits - D-Con
My experience with D-Con is that the mouse(es) eat a dose of it and crawl into some remote part of the trailer and die -- AND STINK FOREVER. Especially on a humid day.
I got rid of a nice '70 Overlander because of this.
Dwight
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11-27-2009, 02:51 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Currently Looking...
Denton
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 789
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One more thing I have seen that worked, is filling the toilet bowl half way with freeze ban (the pink stuff), provided your bowl holds water, and leave the lid up. It is either the sweat smell or they get thirsty one which causes them to drowned their selves. :-)
__________________
Dan Brown Denton NC
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11-27-2009, 03:56 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,346
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16595
My experience with D-Con is that the mouse(es) eat a dose of it and crawl into some remote part of the trailer and die -- AND STINK FOREVER.
Dwight
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I've never had that problem. They tend to want water after eating the stuff and they go outside to find it, then croak.
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