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Occasionally rodents will get into RVs and hide when doors are left open. But mostly, rodents work their way in through holes made to accommodate water, sewer and propane pipes and power lines.

Locate Access Points

The first step in rodent-proofing is to locate the most likely places the critters can get in. Start by crawling under the trailer.

The underside of most RVs have a heavy covering designed to protect the sub-floor from damage by mud and gravel while the unit is being transported. It also serves as a protection from rodents. Locate where the water, sewer and gas pipes go through this layer.

Heavy Foil

Next, take some extra heavy aluminum foil.  Most grocery stores carry it. Wrap the foil tightly around each of the pipes in such a way the foil completely wraps the pipe.  Make sure it also flairs out up against the underside covering. Use the foil generously. Make certain it is pushed up tight against the bottom of the RV

Secure each piece of foil with one or two cable ties pulled firmly. To secure the foil around larger sewer pipes, use longer cable ties available at most hardware and home improvement stores, or connect two or more shorter ones together.  The heavy type of foil discourages rodents from clawing it out of their way.

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Careful With Power!

Power access lines can be dealt with the same way but require extreme caution. If uncertain, call a qualified electrician than risk a severe electrical shock.  Aluminum foil is metal and therefore a conductor of electricity.

In most cases, the power line into the RV will go through a plastic fixture or grommet on the side of the unit near the rear.  On most RVs, this will be located in a power line locker.  The grommet or fixture should provide adequate protection against rodent invasion.

However, if the access hole around the power line appears large enough to let in mice, make absolutely certain the wire is in good repair, and if it is, then stuff the hole with a small about of heavy aluminum foil as well. Steel wool can be used, but it will rust.

Some RVs, such as park model trailers permanently installed in RV parks, occasionally may have the power lines running through the floor. If these lines are rubber coated or metal clad, the aluminum foil treatment will work. But before attempting this, make absolutely certain the power is turned off and the line is in good repair.  Again, if in doubt, call in a qualified electrician.

If the RV is moved often, check the aluminum foil locations each time the unit is set up, to make sure they remained in place.

‘Basements’ Too

The same technique can be used on motor homes. Many now have so-called ‘basements’. They’re a favorite hiding place for mice. Some fifth-wheel trailers also have basements. Once in the basement, rodents can make their way into the living area at their leisure.

Even in many of the better-made units, little attention has been paid during manufacture to rodent-proofing the basements. To rodent-proof, crawl into the basement and locate any pipes, particularly propane and sewer pipes, going through the floor. Use the aluminum foil wrap technique described above on these, both in the basement and underneath the unit.

From Inside

The next step in rodent proofing is from the inside. The same pipes and lines that come from the bottom will have openings at the top, inside the unit, of course.

Believe it or not, Irish Spring soap is a surprisingly effective rodent repellent. Sounds odd, but it has proven successful.  Maybe the critters don’t care for the nice, clean smell!  Place heels of used Irish Spring or chunks cut from a bar around pipes where they come through the floor. Use two or three per location.  The soap will leave a pleasant odor in the unit.

When the RV is stored for long periods, a stronger protection is recommended. Leave the Irish Spring soap in place, but wrap three or four mothballs in cheesecloth or a J-Cloth. Place these next to where water and sewer lines come through the floor, in the same locations as the Irish Spring soap.

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When re-opening the RV after being closed for long periods, be sure to remove the moth ball packets right away.  Some will find the odor unpleasant.  To remove the odor, air out the unit thoroughly – leave the screen doors and windows open and all exhaust fans on for a few hours.

The odor of mothballs will also discourage insects. And packages of two or three mothballs left in dresser drawers and closets will discourage rodents from helping themselves to clothing and towels to use as nesting materials.

Remove Food

The best protection against rodents is to leave nothing that will attract them. That means, removing all foods. Sometimes this is not practical. It is common to leave behind containers of sugar, flour, coffee, tea, salt, spices and other staples.

If these are to be left in the unit for periods of time, they should be placed in airtight zippered freezer bags and then stored in tightly closed plastic storage containers. A Caution: no matter how carefully these are packed, odors will escape and can potentially attract rodents.

Avoid Poisons

Another common rodent-proofing practice is to scatter poison under the unit. Poison can be purchased in bars that are placed at various locations under the RV, or in granule form placed in containers under the unit. These are not environmentally friendly and their effectiveness is questionable.

Poisons are also potentially a serious danger to pets and curious small children. As well, the poison can end up leaching into the soil, and ultimately into ground water and water supplies.

Another alternative is to place mouse and rat traps under the parked RV. The downside is any bait used will quickly deteriorate, and the larger traps can be a danger to harmless wild animals as well as curious domestic cats and small dogs.