Rodents

1) Keep the doors closed (obviously there are times when this is not feaasible, hence point #2)
2) we have mosquito netting which is keep the mosquitoes and other insects out when the tail gate or windows are open and this seems to keep rodents out as well.
3) to protect against rodents getting into the engine compartment or elsewhere outside the body there's not much which can be done, however if you can see obvious rodent habitat don't camp there. There are repellents marketed however I have no experience with them, and am sceptical of their efficacity.
 
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freak4life said:
Wondering what other members do to deter rodents from visiting their rig.
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At work we use peppermint essential oils mixed 50/50 with water in a spray bottle. I’m the foreman of mechanic shop. We have a rather large fleet that we maintain and some of them don’t get used very often. So we use this in the engine bay. Also, dryer sheets help too. Put those in glove compartments, consoles, and zip tie a couple to the battery terminals. Days/mice love copper wire. Spray the mixture heavily on a cool and dry engine. Get as many nooks and crannies as you can.
 
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Ben_There_82 said:
At work we use peppermint essential oils mixed 50/50 with water in a spray bottle. I’m the foreman of mechanic shop. We have a rather large fleet that we maintain and some of them don’t get used very often. So we use this in the engine bay. Also, dryer sheets help too. Put those in glove compartments, consoles, and zip tie a couple to the battery terminals. Days/mice love copper wire. Spray the mixture heavily on a cool and dry engine. Get as many nooks and crannies as you can.
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Thanks
 
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For the engine bay, I have read of this method as well as used it; prop the hood open once you're settled at your campsite. That makes it less of an enclosed enticement for the little buggers. Last year I popped the hood to check on something and had a tiny face look at me before it ducked back into the depths. I was able to chase the mouse out and then was concerned it would find a way into the vehicle. My pursuit must have convinced it that my Jeep was not a suitable home because I didn't have any more issues on that trip. I also have a sonic w/ flashing lights rodent repellent unit that was recommended by a number of folks in a forum thread. (from somewhere...) It seems to work..
 
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We had a chipmunk chew off two wiring harnesses under our side by side, so I'm all in on the rodent prevention! What we're doing now is the peppermint oil spray and Irish spring soap. Got my fingers crossed.
 
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I was camping in Nevada and stopped at a spring the pioneers used crossing the Nation. Left the door open as I took a few min to look around. Then continued to my next destination and set up camp being sure to keep the doors shut. Got up the next morning to find the bag of trail mix on the front seat had a hole in it....no culprit in sight. Left the doors open hoping it would decide to leave after I banged on the seatback and base. Put the mix into a new bag, not that I was going to eat it, I wanted to know if the perp was gone. Drove around that day and eventually camped. Next morning another hole in the bag. Both doors opened and very vigorous banging on the seat for about 5 min and doors left open, trail mix removed. Hour later left for the days adventure. Left trail mix on the seat again overnight. Next morning no holes in the bag! The perp had left for the new home!
I felt lucky it never crawled up my leg as I was driving. Always close your doors!
 
Frame is coated with Woolwax, with Fluid film inside.

Wiring harness is sprayed down with antifreeze coolant.

Bag of mothballs next to battery.

Pop the hood and do the routine walk around and fluid check before breaking camp. I had a box turtle napping behind my tire, not long ago.
 
I had a squirrel nest in both my boat and in the air cleaner of my Ram. I bought several bags of mothballs from the Dollar Store for little money. I put the open bag of MBs in the air cleaner on the outside of the filter and put several in the boat. I haven't had any nests in a couple of years... Also a pellet gun works wonders...
 
I'm having issues as well, being at the vase of some hills/wilderness.
I got some peppermint spray, hope it works.
They have been eating at my hood liner and battery cover, which is a soft material.
 
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