Mice in caravans

[Mr-H]

Help please!! I have had mice in my caravan a couple of times, and I now have 6 trays of mice poison almost permanently installed in the ’van! Problem is, even with the poison in situ the mice are back. I have even changed storage locations, but still they have returned for more, indeed I found a dead mouse in a nest of polythene bags only today. Almost none of the ’vans in the same storage area as mine are affected. So my question is ‘why me?’. It has now been suggested that the thing that makes this poison attractive to mice in the first place might be attracting them into the ’van! Is this possible? Can they smell ‘the good stuff’ from a distance? Might it be more effective to remove the poison entirely, and see what happens? Can anyone provide ideas or suggestions please? I would add that all of the soft furnishings are removed from the van every time it is returned to storage and no food is ever left there.

[society]

have a look at this site M-H - http://www.homeserve.com/advice/problems-mice

[rnchugg]

Hi i ahve a freind with a similar problem, 1stly REMOVE THE POISON, it attracts them. Leave the bait OUTSIDE the van e.g near the drop legs, place random traps OUTSIDE also near the bait. Go top to bottom of the van and cover any "gas" drops / air vents with a VERY fine mesh to stop them getting in. It does sound like they are nestted and breeding now inside the van so as much as you can strip it out. Be very carefull of any sented dehumidifiers/ air freshners or anything thats sweet smelling as thats whats attracting them. Try and hoover/ shake and vac all the smells out as they are picking up on their own facces and urine smells. Lastle BEFORE you next go away or use the van GET IT TESTED / SERVICED. The little blighters are renowned for chewing wires. Let us know how you get on. Rob

[Mr-H]

Sorry society, thanks for the help, but unfortunately your reply is more about mice in the home, rather than a caravan. Rob (aka rnchugg) - thanks very much for your advice – it was more than I could have hoped for. Next time I put the ‘van back into storage I’ll place poison under etc. My wife (like many women) uses ‘fruity’ soap and shampoo – I suppose these should be removed also. You are right – they have chewed through a couple of wires which are part of the burglar alarm (now mended though), and have caused a little bit of damage to the back of one of the seats (though not somewhere readily visible!). Thanks again.

[rnchugg]

No probs MR H. Being a fellow "vanner" I know what its like, those little "gits" are a pretty site out and about but a nusince when they invade your private space. As regards to your reply yes i would do your upmost to remove any scented items you have. There is a "neutral" air freshner on the market (think its by dettol) that is okay, silly things like making sure you always hoover the van before parking it up. also disconnect the lesuire battery,I read somewhere that mice have a thing about electrical currents (not sure im 100% on that I totally believe that though). Also where you can (although its a pain) remove ALL un fixed furniture that could be used as bedding. (e.g cushions, bedding, seats etc) they really will go anywhere, another silly tip, remove the spare tyre over the winter, although most vans store them inside they go flat and rubber can be quite warm in the winter. Good luck Rob. (maybe see you on a site oneday)

[Mr-H]

Thanks - off to Wareham, Dorset tomorrow for first outong of the year - Hunters Moon CC Site, for 4 nights. Welsh coast for 2 months (May/June) and Devon/Cornwall in Sept & October

[rnchugg]

Ironic we live in Devon, its a shame I could notsend you a private email on here. Anyway here is mine [email protected], email me and maybe we could chat some more Rob.