Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 14, 2025 ...

Rodents

June 16, 2015, 06:17:36 pm

 I live in a pine forest and the red squirrels are filling the FT basement with pine cones. I think they are getting inside through the rear and front cable tray openings. I did a search and steel wool was mentioned. I was thinking about spray foam insulation. It would make it harder to change wires and hoses in the cable tray when the time comes, but it would seal things better. I have declared war on the squirrels but they seem to be winning. Spray foam a good idea? Thanks, Mark

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #1 – June 16, 2015, 06:39:28 pm

We have used both, the other problem with the foam is getting the can up to the cable tray area and be able to spray it at the same time. On this coach we have used stainless steel wool. We have also used brass wool.

Pamela

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #2 – June 16, 2015, 08:28:06 pm

Rats ate through long HDMI cables twice within a couple of days of installation in the belly tray. Finally, used vinyl split wrap and put the cable inside it. No problems since but they play on the engine.  Can't leave the entry door open while inside parked here at the house or mice jump on the steps and hide inside.

Pierce

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #3 – June 16, 2015, 09:39:21 pm

I'm not sure about squirrels or rats, but Irish Spring bar soap (Original) is thought by some to keep mice away.  I put bars every couple of feet on the floor of the bays just inside the doors and at each potential entry point.  No mice problem since I started the practice.

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #4 – June 16, 2015, 09:59:16 pm

FWIW
The steel wool is something the squirrels will not chew through. The nice thing about the foam is that it will hold the metallic wool in place.  I think the foam by itself will not stop them as they can chew right through that (and probably would).  That dang metallic wool is not nearly so easy to chew though.  I like the idea of both for the not palatable and staying put quite well with the foam. Best of Travels.

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #5 – June 17, 2015, 01:51:08 am

Hi Mark,
  If you use the spray foam you can get a rodent/pest resistant type from Great Stuff. Work like other foams.
Raymond

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #6 – June 17, 2015, 09:22:17 am

MOT was selling this stuff...$10 a foot to spray the under carriage. Bet it also repels mechanics and elephants !

Keep Mice and Rodents out of your RV | Mouse Free

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #7 – June 17, 2015, 12:31:24 pm

This ad shows an 80's FT on fire, I assume from mouse crap and mouse eaten wiring.  First time I have seen that photo.  Terrible.
Gary B

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #8 – June 17, 2015, 04:53:29 pm

We had red squirrels get into our TT and spend the winter.....caused thousands in damage.  We now use the Irish Spring, as already posted, we put 2 bars in each compartment and I cut down the 2main trees they were nesting in.  No problems with out FT...so far!

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #9 – June 18, 2015, 03:57:54 pm

Thanks to all for the tips. I used steel wool, spray foam (rodent resistant), two dogs, energized lead pellets and I hope the problem is solved. Thanks again, Mark

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #10 – June 18, 2015, 05:37:16 pm

I wired a five meter LED 12V light strip into the engine compartment and leave it on all the time as a varmint deterrent. Seems to work well in conjunction with the steel wool, bottom 1/4 of aluminum pop cans containing cotton balls and 100% pure peppermint oil.

Liked Steve & Michelle's idea of brass wool instead of steel wool because brass dos not rust.

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #11 – June 19, 2015, 08:08:00 am

Energized lead pellets are the best!

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #12 – June 19, 2015, 09:46:47 am

Careful when applying the energized lead pellets, they can do damage to expensive tires 

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #13 – June 20, 2015, 07:27:40 am

In my "rodent wars' of 10 years ago, in addition to the steel wool and foam at the tray ends, I also inserted fine mesh woven steel wire into the vent hoses.  It seemed that the small varmints came into the utility bay along with the electric cable and then made their way into the inside of the coach using the heating vents as a highway to all sections of the coach.  Found a stash of pinon nuts under the couch!  That is when I ramped up my rodent campaign.  No troubles since.  andy1

Quote Selected

Re: Rodents

Reply #14 – June 21, 2015, 02:01:22 am

Nitehawk, the brass wool may be best and least cost, do not know.  But I found very cheap stainless steel on amazon, so if that works for someone, give that a try.  I use the peppermint oil that someone suggested some threads ago, and lights under the engine area.  LEDs

Quote Selected