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Old 11-23-2009, 06:20 PM   #1
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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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Old 11-23-2009, 06:33 PM   #2
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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.

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Old 11-23-2009, 06:38 PM   #3
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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
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Old 11-23-2009, 07:11 PM   #4
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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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Old 11-23-2009, 07:20 PM   #5
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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.
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Old 11-23-2009, 08:42 PM   #6
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Got a picture of this bucket trap? This sounds interesting.

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Old 11-23-2009, 08:55 PM   #7
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Brad - Check it out

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Old 11-23-2009, 08:58 PM   #8
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Too funny, but do you really get that many??
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Old 11-23-2009, 09:58 PM   #9
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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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Old 11-24-2009, 06:29 AM   #10
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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.


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Old 11-24-2009, 08:50 AM   #11
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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
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Old 11-24-2009, 09:07 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by Silverhobby View Post
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.
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.
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Old 11-24-2009, 12:42 PM   #13
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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.
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Old 11-24-2009, 10:46 PM   #14
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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.
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!
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Old 11-25-2009, 07:31 AM   #15
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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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Old 11-25-2009, 08:06 AM   #16
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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.
Hey Neil..

First the airstream.. now the convertible... Kinda you bucket list huh...
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Old 11-25-2009, 09:18 AM   #17
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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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Old 11-25-2009, 12:19 PM   #18
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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.

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Old 11-27-2009, 02:51 PM   #19
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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. :-)
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Old 11-27-2009, 03:56 PM   #20
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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
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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