Rodents - Some info that might be useful

[tld]

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.

[ROC-REQS]

Bounce dryer sheets also work well for keeping mice out.
We spread them all over the trailer during winter storage.

[tld]

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!!

[tularockstar]

Some people said steel wool also worked well.

[tld]

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.

[Seann45]

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.

Sorry they don't work... my buddy left them all over his Jayco and they used it for TP

[preceptjoe]

How about a cat?

[spepi]

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.

[Edd505]

Originally Posted by preceptjoe

How about a cat?

+1

[THE MEEKER]

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.

[KampK2onWheels]

Steel wool exclusively and have never had issues. We also have plug in rodent deterrent when powered up. All works well.