How to Keep Mice Out of Your RV or Camper (Best Tips)

When traveling in an RV, there are a few potential surprises that you hope you never encounter. 

One of those is…

Mice. 

Whether you’re here:

• To find out how to avoid that from ever happening, or
• You’re in the unfortunate situation that you’ve just found mice in your RV

The tips below will help you get rid of and keep them away for good. 

Read on to find out how to keep mice out of your RV or camper. 

How to Keep Mice Out of Your RV or Camper: 5 Tips

There is no guaranteed trick to keeping mice out of your RV. 

However, there are lots of potential remedies you can implement to not only make them leave but stay away. 

That includes one remedy that gets about as close to a quick and effective fix as possible that many travelers who have been hit by mice swear by.

1. Bounce dryer sheets

This is one of those remedies that sounds strange but many RV owners swear by. 

There is no specific strategy or trick here, but dryer sheets seem to ward off mice similar to something like rodent repellent or peppermint oil (more on that later). 

Bounce’s dryer sheets are usually stated as the one used, whether it’s specifically effective or not remains unclear though.

The basic idea is to place one or more in the areas where you’d like to repel the mice. Simple, easy, and inexpensive.  

2. Seal entrances 

Sealing entrances isn’t possible everywhere and it can take quite a bit of work to find every potential mouse entrance on your RV.

However, where possible, covering the entrance using a material that mice can’t chew through can help prevent them from getting inside in the first place.

For example:

• Metal sheets: Secured using glue or bolts for a more permanent solution
• Steel wool: Mice are said to dislike biting this so it wards them away
• Fill foam: Great for filling smaller spaces or cracks
• Or other material

Locations where you’ll want to look for potential mice access points in your RV include:

• Electrical lines
• Water line

If you choose to use steel wool, use the copper variant as it will avoid potential rust issues down the line and works just as well. 

3. Rodent repellent

Rodent repellent is a remedy that can be hit-or-miss, but one which some RV owners say has worked for them in the past. 

One brand that some RV owners swear by is Fresh Cab rodent repellent, which is safe for both humans and pets and easy to use.

There are many brands of rodent repellent, however, so you may prefer to do your research and find a brand that seems like a better fit for you. 

4. Mousetraps

The classic mousetrap. While not everyone says it worked for them, there’s a reason they’re still around.

More than any method on this list, it might take a few tests to find something that is enticing enough.

However, the one benefit of traps is that they don’t run any kind of potential risk such as using a repellent to ward them off. 

Also, if you’re squeamish be warned that disposing of mousetraps will require you pick up the traps with the dead mice on them.

Lastly, mousetraps are limited in that they aren’t an effective preventative measure. Ideally, you use a remedy in conjunction with traps to prevent mice from getting in (or staying) in the first place).

5. Peppermint oil

Arguably the most effective solution for removing and keeping mice out of your RV is peppermint oil. 

Peppermint oil is distilled from the peppermint plant, which includes the ingredient menthol. Menthol in large enough quantities can be poisonous, so it should be kept away from pets who might accidentally consume it.

However, what makes it so effective at warding off mice is its high concentration. 

The distillation process causes peppermint oil to be so potent that simply coming in close contact with it can cause severe irritation. 

By simply applying the oil to a surface that can soak the oil up, such as a cut square of cardboard, a folded cloth, or a cotton ball, you can keep your “mice friendly” areas inhospitable for any little critter that might think of making it their home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Mouse Deterrent for Campers?

RV owners suggest that peppermint oil may be the most potent mice deterrent available. It should be handled carefully, but it’s easy to get and use and it’s inexpensive. 

Can You Mouse-Proof Your RV?

The best method for keeping mice out of your RV is to do routine inspections of all small, inclosed areas and keep either mouse traps, peppermint oil, or other deterrents in each of those areas.