This is our first winter as caravanners, having picked up our first van in September. Hubby and I went through the van, expecting to have to mouse-proof it, but it looked like all the gaps had been plugged by previous owners. We picked it up from storage today after 4 weeks, to find mouse droppings throughout. We left no food behind us, and the only "damage" was a thoroughly chewed plastic bag that was in a cupboard (supermarket bag, presumably still a food smell on it).
We took the van home and took everything out, no sign of mister mousy. After stripping it down, we missed a small hole next to the water tank under the front bench - looks like there had been a cover over it previously, but now missing. I've stuffed it with a metal scouring pad, which should hopefully stop the problem. Luckily not going away for 2 days, so we had time to clean everything thoroughly.
2 bait boxes down and an ultrasonic mouse repeller installed today. Hopefully this will be enough. Any one have any more suggestions? Just thankful we're using it over New Year, so we should have caught it in time!
Oh, so sorry to hear this. For something so small, mice can do such a lot of damage - and there is rarely just the one. Check all your wiring hasn't been chewed, they are good at doing that as well.
We put mothballs under the seats in ours, after we had some visitors1 They are supposed to deter mice!
Have had no visits since!
You can get fine mesh to put over vents (they do some in Halfords for car body repairs)- as the little monsters can get in through small holes!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Mice are known for getting through holes as small as 10mm square but I believe they can get through smaller holes.
The year before last I was on a site that was over come with mice around October.
The vans either side of me had 4/10 little visitors but I hadn't any.
Same thing all over the site, I noticed that all the owners that complained about mice were all dog owners.
So I reckon that the mice reckoned as the site closed end of October they would move in for the winter with a plenty full supply of dog meat and biscuits according to the smell to see them through to next spring, or go travelling to the owners home for a holiday where there would be ample supply of doggy food.
(a mousey inclusive holiday and visit a new site in spring.)
Quote: Originally posted by naturlist123 on 29/12/2015
The vans either side of me had 4/10 little visitors but I hadn't any.
Same thing all over the site, I noticed that all the owners that complained about mice were all dog owners
We do have a dog, interesting theory. May be buying a Tupperware box to keep his food in, rather than leaving it just in the bag while we're in the van! We never leave it behind, but the smell probably lingers.
Never had a problem with mice up to now, interesting theory's on what could attract them. I am going to be paranoid now until I can get out to check our van for the little blighters, as it is in storage.
Caravan stored at home and never had any issues with vermin. Think its probably due to two or three neighbours having cats, one of which likes to curl up below our caravan most days.
------------- It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.
i never even thought of Mice getting into a van ,mine is stored in my back yard ,but we have 3 cats ,think i might put a cat in the van for 10 mins ,with a bit of luck the mice if any will get the smell of the cat & keep them out
------------- when you reach the crossroads ,get the sat nav out
I had mice which got into the front locker but not inside the van. They made a horrible mess which luckily I was able to wash out without my wife ever knowing. She would never have gone away in it again if she knew.
It was in storage in a farm with very long grass and weeds under it. I think this encourages mice. I don't think there would be anything like as much of a problem on tarmac.
Our insurance specifically excludes damage by vermin and they really could do some damage to the upholstery etc.
We had mice in one of our previous caravans and I was told to plug up any holes with silicon sealant. The smell from it will deter mice from coming back. Any packet food left in van whilst being wintered is fair game for mice so check all cupboards before storing away.
------------- I'm just a slave to the outdoor life!!!!!!!
Never had them, but seen what damage they can do - and the smell sometimes! Don`t forget any gas drop holes/vents plugged need to be free before before using van again.
Leave yourself a note in caravan if you`re like me and forget as soon as you walk out the door!
put plugs in sinks and shower. also put covers over your drain outlets. If you can leave the legs and jockey wheel up do (notice I said if you can). stops them getting a lift up. But having had them in my house a few years ago....the little blighters are rather clever!!!
Just been to ban in storage.
Little blighters made a snug home under rear seat having chewed up loads of toilet paper.
Looked like it had been through a shredder
Dont know who jumped more.
Me or them!!
Loose cover over electrics from back lights within inches of nest.
No dropping though around the van
Whats the best way to get rid
------------- This is our Love and it knows no Division
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Topic: Mice!
