How to Keep Mice Out of a Camper

Co-authored by Kevin Carrillo and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: May 28, 2022 References

Campers are great for exploring the open road and making memories with your family, but nothing ruins a trip faster than spotting a mouse (or the damage done by one). Whether you’re currently on the road or have put your camper in storage for the season, there are lots of ways to keep mice out of a camper or RV. What if they’ve already gotten inside? Don’t worry, we’ve got strategies for getting rid of them and making sure they don’t come back, too.

This article is based on an interview with our MMPC-certified pest control specialist, Kevin Carrillo. Check out the full interview here.

1

Keep mice away with peppermint or eucalyptus oil.

Mice apparently hate the smell of mint! ^{[1]
X
Research source} Eucalyptus oil is a tried-and-true repellent as well.^{[2]
X
Research source} Soak cotton balls in pure peppermint (or eucalyptus) oil and place them around the inside and outside of your camper, especially around entry points.^{[3]
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Research source}
- Wear gloves and avoid getting pure essential oil on your skin—it’s strong stuff and could cause irritation.
- Refresh the cotton balls as the smell fades for best results.

2

Try soap or dryer sheets for a natural solution.

Set out Irish Spring soap or dryer sheets inside your motorhome. Although there isn’t any research proving that these strategies work, some people find that they’re effective. The theory here is that mice dislike these strong smells and will stay away.^{[4]
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Research source}

3

Use commercial mouse repellents.

There are a ton of products on the market you can try. From rodent-deterrent tape to sprays and pouches, you’re sure to find tons of options at a nearby hardware store. Pick a few different types and try them out to keep mice out of your motorhome, but keep in mind that they’re not proven to be effective.
- You might use mothballs under the hood or in the wheel wells. Don’t put it inside your camper, though, as you’ll have a hard time getting rid of the smell.^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Consumer Reports
  Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
  Go to source}

4

Set up snap traps to get rid of mice.

Snap traps kill rodents on contact.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.} Set up traps in places where you’ve seen mice or evidence of mice. Place them perpendicular to the wall so the mouse will travel right across the trap. Use fresh bait, such as peanut butter, fruit, or nuts, and replace it each day.^{[7]
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Research source}
- Although you might think live traps are more humane, mice that are caught and released are proven to return.^{[8]
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  Research source}

5

Get rid of nesting material.

Mice are attracted to paper, towels, and other linens. Either remove your bedding and towels or store them in sealed plastic containers. The same goes for any paper material, including cardboard, newspaper, paper towels, and toilet paper.^{[9]
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Research source}
- Piles of lumber, trash, and boxes or cartons often lure mice, so get rid of this kind of stuff or keep it away from your camper.^{[10]
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  Research source}

6

Park your camper on concrete or pavement.

Solid, man-made surfaces are less hospitable to mice than natural ones. If you have the space or can afford to rent it, keep your camper in a garage. At the very least, park it on pavement. If it’s left sitting in grassy or wooded areas, you are far more likely to have mouse problems.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
Go to source}
- Mice are often responsible for chewing through wires and belts, leading to serious repair costs.

7

Set up outdoor lights around your camper.

Mice are nocturnal, so they tend to stay away from well-lit areas.^{[12]
X
Research source} Some RV owners find that putting lights around the perimeter or on the underside of their vehicle helps to keep the mice away.^{[13]
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Research source}

8

Clean your camper after each use.

Removing sources of food and water can keep mice out. When you return from a trip, take all food (including dry goods) out of your camper. Thoroughly clean the entire camper and make sure to wipe down your countertops, fridge, and stove. Vacuum or sweep and mop the floors to get rid of any crumbs that might attract mice. This is especially important before storing your camper long-term.^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
Penn State Extension
Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities
Go to source}
- Fix any leaks so there aren’t any puddles or drips.^{[15]
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  Research source}
- If you can’t remove all food from your camper, store it in airtight glass containers. Mice can easily eat through cardboard boxes, but won’t be able to get through the glass or metal.^{[16]
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  Research source}

9

Seal up any holes or gaps in your camper.

This is the best way to keep mice out of your recreational vehicle. Find all of the structural openings in your camper in which a mouse could get through, then seal them up with a permanent material.^{[17]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.} Do a thorough inspection here, and open all of your drawers and cupboards. Be sure to look underneath your camper and check pipe and wire entry points as well.^{[18]
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Research source}
- Both silicone caulk and expanding foam are good options for sealing up any openings.
- A mouse can fit through a hole the size of a pencil, so it’s crucial that you seal up even the smallest holes.^{[19]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Penn State Extension
  Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities
  Go to source}
- Make sure any vents are covered with metal screens, as well.^{[20]
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  Research source}

10

Use slow-acting poison as a last resort.

Slow-acting poison gives the mice time to get back to their home. You don’t want to find a dead mouse in your camper, or worse, not be able to find a dead mouse that’s rotting away somewhere. Plus, if the mouse dies right away, the rest of the mice in the colony will be smart enough not to eat the poison bait. Opt for a low-dose, slow-acting poison for the best results.^{[21]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.}
- Make sure to read the label and follow all of the instructions. In general, you need to wear gloves and a mask when handling poison to keep it from coming in contact with your skin and to avoid breathing it in, especially if it’s a granular poison.^{[22]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kevin Carrillo
  Pest Control Specialist
  Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.}

11

Disinfect your camper once you’ve gotten rid of the mice.

Mice carry diseases, so you've got to clean everything thoroughly. Use traps for at least a week to make sure you don’t have any more mice lurking about. Then, you can tackle the cleanup. Start by opening all windows to ventilate the area. Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from mouse droppings and the diseases they carry. Spray all the urine and droppings you can see with a disinfectant. After 5 minutes, pick up the droppings and wipe up the urine using a paper towel, and toss it all into a bag. Seal it up and place it in an outdoor trash can.^{[23]
X
Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- The next step is to disinfect your entire camper. Clean all surfaces, including the countertops and floors, with a disinfect. Wash all of your bedding and linens, and steam clean your upholstery.