How to Keep Rodents Out of Stored Vehicles
When storing your RV, boat, trailer, car, or motorcycle, one uninvited guest can cause major headaches: rodents. Mice and rats can chew through wiring, insulation, upholstery, and more, leading to costly repairs and frustrating delays when you are ready to hit the road or water.
So, here are a few simple steps can help keep these pests out of your stored vehicle.
Why Rodents Target Stored Vehicles
Rodents are always looking for shelter, warmth, and food. A stored vehicle, especially one parked for weeks or months, offers a perfect hiding place. Dark corners, soft insulation, and engine compartments can quickly become cozy nesting spots if you are not proactive.
Steps to Keep Rodents Away
Clean thoroughly before storing
Remove all food, crumbs, and trash from the interior and storage compartments. Even pet food, birdseed, or scented trash bags can attract pests. Wipe down surfaces to eliminate smells that might draw them in.
Pairing rodent prevention with a full seasonal checklist for RV and boat storage helps you cover the small details that often get overlooked.
Seal entry points
Inspect your vehicle for gaps or holes where rodents could squeeze in, including vents, wiring openings, and undercarriage areas. Use steel wool or mesh to block small gaps, since rodents can chew through softer materials.
Use rodent deterrents
Place natural deterrents like peppermint oil soaked cotton balls or commercial rodent repellents around the vehicle. Dryer sheets are also a popular option for enclosed spaces.
Protect wiring and hoses
Rodents often chew on wiring for nesting material. Apply rodent deterrent tape or spray to exposed wires and hoses for added protection.
Move the vehicle periodically
If possible, move the vehicle every few weeks or start the engine. Motion and vibration make the space less appealing to rodents looking to settle in.
Use traps around the storage area
Set snap traps or enclosed bait stations near the storage area, never inside the vehicle. This helps stop rodents before they gain access.
Why Store at Yelm Boat and RV
At Yelm Boat and RV, we understand how important it is to protect your investment. Our facility offers secure, well-maintained storage for RVs, boats, trailers, and other vehicles. Clean grounds, good lighting, and attentive service help reduce the risks that come with long-term storage.
Many pest problems start with simple oversights, and this list of common RV storage mistakes highlights where things usually go wrong.
Store With Confidence
Do not let rodents turn your vehicle into their next home. Follow these preventative steps and choose Yelm Boat and RV for dependable storage and peace of mind throughout the year.
