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02-01-2016, 11:59 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Manhattan ks
Posts: 153
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Rodents - Some info that might be useful
I'm a brand new fifth wheel Eagle owner and just wanted to share some info that might be of benefit to others. Bought my fifth wheel, put it into storage and three weeks later when getting ready to take a trip, discovered that a pack rat had got in and chewed up some of my wiring and water lines. Did the repairs myself (took two days) and everything seems to be working again. But here is what I learned that I wanted to share. There is, of course, no way to 100% insure that rodents can't come on board, especially during storage time. But unfortunately, Jayco leaves an incredible number of places for them to get into the underbelly and from there limited, but easy access into the upper unit. So, if you haven't already done it, I would suggest buying some pest resistant expanding foam (Great Stuff brand works well) and black Gorilla Tape. Then plan on spending about two hours crawling around on your back taping and foaming the dozen easy rodent entry points that you will discover. Entry points that could have been (and should have been) sealed by Jayco. The only entry points that cannot be adequately secured are where slide rails go through the frame, but at least the rodents have to work a little harder to find just those openings. Doing the taping and foaming will, I believe, go a long way in helping to discourage rodent entry - it won't completely stop them, but having way less access points will certainly help them to possibly lose interest before they find a place to come in.
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02-01-2016, 01:04 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: WNY
Posts: 458
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Bounce dryer sheets also work well for keeping mice out.
We spread them all over the trailer during winter storage.
__________________
2015 Jayco Eagle Premier 361REQS
2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD 4x4 CC D/A
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02-01-2016, 01:29 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Manhattan ks
Posts: 153
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After my nightmare experience, I am now using everything that even might work just a little: Dryer sheets, mothballs, Cab Fresh, Sonic sound emitters, sticky strips and many traps of different types. Over kill? - you better believe it!!
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02-01-2016, 03:21 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 348
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Some people said steel wool also worked well.
__________________
U.S. Air Force (1979 to 1994)
2016 Jayco 29.5BHDS
2015 Ram 2500 (6.7L Cummins Diesel)
Queen Creek, Arizona
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02-01-2016, 04:51 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Manhattan ks
Posts: 153
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Yes! I should have mentioned in my post that I also used steel wool. In some places I sprayed the foam in first and then put in steel wool and then sprayed a little more foam on the steel wool. Kind of a steel wool sandwich. I did that because some have posted that they have had mice chew through the foam - but apparently they won't chew through the steel wool, but they will pull it out. So the foam keeps them from pulling away the wool.
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02-02-2016, 09:08 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,726
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROC-REQS
Bounce dryer sheets also work well for keeping mice out.
We spread them all over the trailer during winter storage.
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Sorry they don't work... my buddy left them all over his Jayco and they used it for TP
__________________
Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days /2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12
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02-02-2016, 09:21 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: new port richey
Posts: 101
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How about a cat?
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02-02-2016, 10:27 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Mansfield, MA
Posts: 411
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When I took delivery of our new 29.5, I went through everything with a fine tooth comb looking for potential access points for rodents, and used spray foam everywhere. I went under the stove, I took the access panel down under the basement to expose everything. I had a few places under the belly. I missed one though at the rear where the hitch is and wires go in. I have to close that one up.
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02-02-2016, 10:36 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Elephant Butte, NM
Posts: 1,219
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Quote:
Originally Posted by preceptjoe
How about a cat?
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+1
__________________
2015 F350 SRW 6.7 LB 4X4 Crew
2017 Durango G353KRT
2006 F350SD 6.0 LB Crew
2000 F250SD SRW 7.3 LB Extended Cab Air Bags
2002 Western Star 4900EX 500 Detroit 13sp.
2014 Eagle 30.5BHLT (sold)
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02-02-2016, 11:03 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Western New York
Posts: 605
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This year I used "Fresh Cab" for the first time which is a botanical rodent repellent in combination with dryer sheets and a few traps. So far, no sign of mice anywhere, which is the first time that has happened. According to the Fresh Cab instructions, it is effective for 30 days. I replace the pouches about every six weeks. So far, I am very happy with this product.
I think the key to mice infestation prevention is to keep on top of things by inspecting your RV at least weekly if possible.
__________________
2015 Jayco Jayflight 27RLS
2012 Ford F-150
2001 Fleetwood Terry 28x
1996 Viking Pop-up
1979 Coleman 8 man cabin tent
1967 G.I Joe (hasbro) canvas pup tent
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04-10-2016, 09:56 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Portland
Posts: 5
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We use...
Steel wool exclusively and have never had issues. We also have plug in rodent deterrent when powered up. All works well.
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