Motorhome Pest Control

Just like with your bricks and mortar home, it’s important to keep on top of potential problems in and around your motorhome. Whether you’re heading off in a new or used vehicle, there is nothing worse than having looked forward to a well-earned trip away only to find that your motorhome has been damaged by a rodent (or other pests). The problems which they can cause are likely to be unhealthy and inconvenient (i.e. you will waste your precious time, effort and money sorting them out).

Initially, you will need to know how to spot any potential problems in your motorhome. There are several indicators as to pest and/or rodent issues in your motorhome that will require sorting out as soon as possible – and certainly before you set off on any trip, break or holiday. Much better, then, to guard against all of that and be prepared by tackling any issues before they occur. In other words, always work on the principle that prevention is better than cure, and implement your very own ‘anti-pest programme’.

If, when you inspect the floor, surfaces and kitchen cupboards, you find droppings- then this is a clear indicator that there is a rodent problem. Similarly, if you find any cables (TV, etc) have been gnawed or there is damage to upholstery, soft furnishings and bedding, or clothing. In the kitchen area, if there is damage to stored boxes or containers of food – as well as the food itself having been chewed, then that will also indicate a rodent problem.

Other pests which may have intruded on your space can leave unusual smells or make strange sounds. You may encounter bugs around windows, doors and other vents. There may be cobwebs in corners, under shelving or in alcoves, and on the ceiling. These all indicate an insect problem of some kind (ants, spiders, flies, wasps or mosquitoes)- in very unlucky circumstances, there may even be a wasp nest. Other types of pest which may also invade your motorhome could include snakes or cockroaches.

Insects can get into your motorhome via several different means. Your motorhome may have gaps in corners or cracks between wall panels, or small circular openings around pipework at the point at which the pipes pass through furniture or walls. Insects can also come in through ‘legitimate’ entrances – i.e. doors, windows, roof openings etc. Remember, too, that when you venture outside, particularly if you are in the countryside, you may ‘bring them aboard’ yourself. If you take your dog on holiday in the motorhome then there’s another potential carrier (particularly of fleas and ticks). These parasites and small insects will find your motorhome offers great shelter, especially if the weather outside is cold and bitter and to the detriment of their survival.

You already know that it’s important to keep your motorhome in good condition – regular tidying and cleaning will not only provide you with a comfortable living space, it will help you in your efforts to stop unwelcome pests invading and causing problems. There are various other things you can do to protect your property from pests.

Sealing: Ensure that you have taken time before your trip to check all potential problem areas for gaps and cracks- making sure they are all sealed up, plus ensuring that window and door seals remain in full working order and haven’t broken and become useless. If you need to undertake repairs, there should be full advice available on the internet (or direct from the vehicle manufacturer), and the gear you need (usually silicone or caulking) will be readily available from hardware stores. In addition, use screens on windows and vents to prevent insects from entering while allowing for ventilation.

Containers: When you store food in the cupboards of your motorhome, you should use rodent-proof storage containers. If, for example, you are taking along multiple types of breakfast cereal, each of which is packed in a cardboard box direct from the supermarket- then switch the contents out into a more rugged plastic tub with an airtight lid. You can do the same for other dried goods, including pasta, rice, etc. These tubs and containers are readily available in a range of shops and don’t cost much to purchase. It’s a small investment worth making to preserve your leisure vehicle.

Candles: To repel insects, and therefore reduce the chances of them believing that hanging out in your motorhome is a good idea, use citronella or lavender scented candles when you’re outside, parked up for some al fresco socialising in your awning. You can also use insect repellent creams to keep the bugs at bay, as well as insect sprays that can be used indoors too. In addition, ultrasonic pest repellents (which plug into a wall outlet, emitting a sound that is unpleasant to insects and rodents) can drive pests away.

Mothballs: Rats and mice cannot stand mothballs and this is a well-known method of repelling them. Both of these animals have particularly strong senses of smell, and so mothballs have quite an aggressive or vicious odour to them. Other scents and odours which can be used to repel mice and rats include vinegar and pepper. In addition, though it could be mistaken for an urban myth, mint (particularly peppermint) has also been used to keep mice out of a motorhome.

Traps: If you suspect that you already have a rodent problem, then it’s very important to take steps to resolve this. This may involve setting a trap (or traps). There are various kinds available.   Snap traps will immediately kill rodents when they are triggered. They consist of a spring-loaded bar which snaps shut when there is contact with the baited trap. However, though this is highly effective, they are not considered humane to use.   Glue traps feature a sticky surface which more or less immobilises rodents upon contact. They are also not a very humane option, as the rat or mouse suffers prolonged distress, eventually dying from exhaustion, dehydration or injuries suffered while trying to escape.

Humane traps, despite having to deal with the animals, offer a much more compassionate approach and are therefore much more preferable for most people. They use bait to lure the rodent into an enclosed space with a one-way entry system. In other words, once in they cannot get out unless you release them – which you will do, of course, though you’ll do it a long way from your motorhome! When you lay this type of trap it’s important to monitor it regularly so that any caught animals are not completely stressed or harmed.

Professionals: If you happen to discover a wasp nest (either on the interior or the exterior of your motorhome) then you should not try and deal with it yourself. Wasps can be dangerous, particularly when a nest is threatened. Call in the professionals and they will use their expertise and specialist equipment to deal with the problem.

As detailed at the beginning of this edition of our blog, prevention really is better than cure when it comes to dealing with the problems of pests in and around your motorhome. However, following the steps we’ve mentioned here whether before your trip or once you’re out on the road, will really pay off as you stay pest-free!