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I have developed a mouse problem. My RV is currently parked on a seasonal site. This past winter it was winterized and all the vents covered, but mice still got it. I put out four trays of De-con about four weeks ago and all the trays are empty. What can I do to discourage the mice? Should I add mothballs, or put out more De-con? I have been told that the De-con actually invites them, but I don't want them to stay, so I figured that was the best thing to do. Please help. I have a new trailer and I don't want it ruined! --Karen Kenney Dear Karen, Mice, squirrels and other critters can indeed be a perplexing problem for some RVers. Remember, determining the cause of the problem is just as important as eliminating it, if not more so. Three requirements are crucial to sustain such critters; food, water and a secure route between the food source and their nests. Your job is to eliminate as many of these factors as you can. Begin by removing any source of food or standing water near your RV. Be sure to clean up any food or liquid spills inside the RV completely. Avoid placing open containers of pet food in or around the RV. Refrain from feeding the birds around your campsite. Good housekeeping practices alone can do away with one and possibly two of their sustenance requirements.  Next, inspect the underneath portions of your RV in detail. Mice, especially, can squeeze through the tiniest of holes or openings. Seal any cracks between the undercarriage and the sidewalls. Look for large gaps around plumbing drains or fittings that extend below the coach. Some may be located above the holding tanks, yet below the floor line. Oftentimes, manufacturers will drill a too-large hole to make it easier to route drain or LP lines. Check carefully inside all storage compartments and basement bays for gaps that may allow entry into the RV. All holes, gaps, cracks and openings of any kind should be blocked or eliminated with sheet metal or steel wool. Some tube sealants just won't work by themselves. While some expandable foam sealants may discourage entry, I do not recommend these. Also, be sure the screen door and entry door fit properly. After all, it is an entry door. For getting rid of existing guests, live traps can be purchased or rented. Check with a local pet store. I am not in favor of commercial poisons for the obvious reasons associated with children and pets around recreational vehicles. Additionally, I do not favor home brews such as carbonated soda, instant mashed potatoes, plaster of Paris mixed with chocolate powder, etc., to name just a few. Though I personally have not tested one, I have heard of good results using electronic pest eliminators which emit pulsating, ultrasonic sound waves that affect the nervous system of the animal, thereby making it uncomfortable for them to be around. These devices are harmless to humans and domestic pets. Some are powered by nine-volt dry cell batteries, while some are 120-volt AC powered. The thought of sending them over to your campground neighbors, however, may ruffle some feathers, but you can always just smile and suggest they adopt a cat. Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor, is a well known RV author and the host of RV Roadtrips, the DIY Network cable television show. He is one of the RV industry's most sought after speakers and the host of the popular DVD Do It Yourself RV Care. Top of Page Get your FREE RV Travel Newsletter every week - sign up now.
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