by Derrick |
Last Updated: November 9, 2022 Chewed-up bags of food, droppings, and the bubonic plague—what do all these have in common? Mice!
These little critters can crawl into any small space as long as there are food scraps and a dark, empty corner for them to nest.
So, if you’re wondering, ‘How do I get rid of mice in my camper ceiling?’ you’re in the right place. Ask any seasoned RVer, and they’ll tell you they’ve had their run-ins with these cute, destructive rodents time and again.
Keep reading to find out more.
Can Mice Get into Campers?
Unfortunately, with their sharp claws, pointy teeth, and nimble bodies, mice can chew their way through almost anything. Then, once they’ve made a nice entryway for themselves, they find a dark, quiet corner and set up their nest.
What makes it easier for these pesky creatures to enter your camper is if it’s been in storage for a long time. Yet, they also have no qualms about crawling into the camper ceiling while you’re using it because of leftover crumbs and food scraps.
Even if you’ve cleaned the entire camper from top to bottom, mice have a knack for spotting hidden crumbs.
Also, it doesn’t matter what type of camper you own. From the high-end Class A to the small, quaint pop-up RVS, mice have found a way to enter each type.
Besides being lured in by the wafting aroma of food scraps, mice can be very curious. So, thanks to their small bodies, all they need is a quarter-inch hole to gain entry.
Then, once inside, they have plenty of opportunities to satisfy their curiosity to their heart’s content.
Most times, camper owners don’t even realize they have a stowaway except when they find little unwanted gifts left behind by the mice. Unfortunately, it’s these gifts that make the whole situation unsanitary because of the bacteria and germs they carry.
How Do I Get Rid of Mice in the Camper Ceiling?
Here are some tried-and-true ways to get rid of any mice taking over your camper ceiling.
Mouse Traps
If you do suspect that you have a rodent problem, then RVers often opt to set up the all-too-familiar mouse trap. However, it turns out that we’ve underestimated the intelligence of mice because they seem to have mastered the art of getting their hands on the yummy snack without springing the trap.
Yet, we’ve discovered that peanut butter seems to work the best. Its smell lures them over, but because it’s sticky, they have a hard time escaping the trap before the spring mechanism is set in motion.
Ultrasonic Pest Repellent
There are many places in the RV ceilings that you won’t easily reach, which is exactly where the mice will run off and hide. That’s where ultrasonic pest repellents can help.
These nifty devices emit high-pitched signals that can be painful to the mice’s hearing. So, they run away to escape the place with the painful sounds.
The trick to using these devices is you have to plug them into an outlet located as close to the ceiling as possible. The closer the device is to the ceiling, the more space the sound will be able to cover.
Sheets of Glue Paper
Another alternative that works well in confined spaces like the ceiling is laying down sheets of glue paper. They’re pretty easy to use and are one of the best ways to trap animals in a way that’s as humane as possible.
Some even come with an added scent of peanut butter to lure the mouse onto the sheet. If not, you can always place some enticing snacks in the middle of the trap, like a piece of chocolate, cheese, or a couple of slices of bacon.
Peppermint Oil
Mice may have weak eyesight, but they’re known for their incredible sense of smell. So, we use this to our advantage by strategically placing peppermint plants around your camper.
The strong smell of peppermint deters them from entering or roaming around.
If you don’t want an RV filled with plants, you can use peppermint essential oil instead. Spray the oil in various areas around the camper, and try to cover as much of the ceiling as you can.
We should mention that peppermint oil isn’t strong enough to get rid of the mice on its own. So, it’s best to use it alongside one of the other methods mentioned above for efficient results.
Tips to Mouse-Proof Your Camper
Removing any food items is the best way to prevent mice from scampering into your RV. If you place food inside the camper, make sure you put it in airtight containers. Remember, mice have a strong sense of smell, but these containers do a good job of not leaking any scents.
Then, thoroughly clean the entire camper, inside and out. After that, look at the camper from the outside. Keep an eye out for any opening, no matter how small, then seal it up.
However, keep in mind that simply sealing up the entryway isn’t enough to stop these pesky critters from going in. It also depends on the materials you use. These materials need to be super sturdy so the mice won’t be able to chew through them.
This means avoiding using things like cardboard, crumpled-up newspapers, foam, and so on. The one thing they probably can’t chew through is steel wool. So, make sure you use it to fill up any holes or gaps.
Of course, the best prevention method is to repair any damages on the inside and outside. This will ensure that the rodents have no access to your camper.
Conclusion
While RVing has become a favorite activity for many, it comes with a few drawbacks. That’s why one of the most common questions RVers ask is, ‘How do I get rid of mice in my camper ceiling?’
Luckily, we’ve covered all the basics, from elimination tricks to tried-and-true prevention methods. Now, you can safely enjoy all your camper has to offer without worrying about sharing it with a pesky rodent.
