12 must-knows for vermin proofing caravans or motorhomes

Mice and other rodents are on the lookout for cosy, quiet
and well supplied ‘homes’ for the winter. 
Places they can settle down and procreate at an alarming rate all the
while safe in the knowledge they won’t be disturbed.  Caravans and Motorhomes are perfect.  They are generally quite easy for
ultra-flexible little rodents to access. 
Vents, pipes, grilles etc are all easy for nimble vermin.  Keeping them out in the first place is so
much easier than trying to eradicate them in the first place.

Our 12 top tips for vermin free caravans and motorhomes

Follow our 12 must knows and whilst, we cannot guarantee
100% mouse proofing, they will help.  But
if the little blighters have set up home, give us a call and we can help
eradicate the problem as well as give tips of mouse proofing your precious
holiday home.

1. Make sure you give your caravan or motorhome a thorough clean before leaving it for long periods so there are no crumbs or bits of fluff on the floor, paying particular attention to the fridge and bins.
2. Remove all packets of dried foods, like cereals, rice, biscuits and even pet food. If you do plan to store any food then use metal containers.  Mice can make very short work of seemingly sturdy plastic containers if there are goodies inside.
3. Remove any paper, like kitchen and toilet roll.  It’s potentially instant nesting material and easy to overlook
4. When thinking food do remember, whatever you do, to take out the BBQ.  Crispy dried bits of meat – perfect for attracting rodents.
5. Look under your caravan or motorhome for gaps where pipework enters the main body. If there are gaps, no matter how small, use an appropriate sealant to fill. Don’t block any holes near gas pipes – instead, use a fine metal mesh.
6. Do not block off completely any holes near gas pipe joints. Instead, use a fine mesh. Some older caravans had plastic mesh in such instances. Mice will happily chew through plastic, anywhere. Consider replacing with metal mesh or wire wool
7. Replace any plastic air vents with metal mesh – mice will happily chew through plastic. Remember not to block air vents completely as you need to allow air to circulate in your caravan or motorhome to avoid condensation and ultimately damp.
8. However, your caravan or motorhome is meant to be well ventilated. Restricting airflow may build up other problems such as condensation damage to the interior.
9. Remove all cushions, bedding and seating cushions if possible – they all make for good nesting materials for mice. Storing soft furnishings at home in the dry is ideal and can also help prevent damp.
10. Mice don’t seem to like certain scents like mothballs and tumble dryer sheets.  Check out this article for some more smells that might keep them from coming in in the first place.
11. If possible, don’t store your caravan or motorhome in high grass, where vermin may already have established runs.
12. And back to the beginning, Clean clean and clean again. Leave nothing in the van that’s edible or attracts rodents. Pasta, cereal, doggie chews, pack of crisps and nuts. It’s so easy to leave dry food behind but mice just love it

Don’t rely on Insurance

Oh! and worth noting that many insurance companies, DON’T cover vermin damage.  It happens too often, so be warned.

Give us a call, we cover Central Scotland and we can help make sure your holiday home or vehicle will be ready for spring with no unwanted visitors.