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Topic: critters in ceiling (Read 745 times) previous topic - next topic

critters in ceiling

We have a '99 U270.  We had a problem with mice - caught one indoors & 3 outdoors in one of our larger bays.  We haven't seen any signs since we got thing cleaned up about 2 weeks ago.  However, now we seem to have at least 1 rodent in the bedroom endcap.  Definitely NOT in the cupboards above the bed.  You can hear scurrying and what sounds like sliding and/or shredding noises while in the bedroom.  We have an electronic strobe & sound emitter in the engine compartment as a deterrent - obviously not working in this situation.  Has anyone had this happen, and how have you dealt with it?  Any ideas are appreciated.

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #1 –
We took a pool noodle, cut it to the length of the endcap, filled it with old-fashioned mothballs, and stuffed in in the endcap gap just above the engine bay cover (during the day when the critter wasn't at home).  Remove before driving the coach.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #2 –
I almost bought a very nice country coach years ago, then heard the mouse in the rear cap. OK thanks I'm good.
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #3 –
Stuff a leaf blower up around the taillights into the cap upper.  Let it run a while.
Repeat every couple of hrs.

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
Stuff a leaf blower up around the taillights into the cap upper.  Let it run a while.
Repeat every couple of hrs.


If Caramel is in Texas right now the critter may be thankful for the breeze.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #5 –
Not alone with critters crawling up the end cap above the coolant overflow and taillights. For a preventative, put a screen across the openings. Fit screen around engine air intake pipe on streetside.

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #6 –
Ours was a couple of racoons that made there way up there. Well about midnight there we were taking the cover off the back up camera area and low and behold there was a racoon looking back. After they decided to leave the next night after pepper spray treatment, we built plugs to block off that area similar to what Barry mentioned. Seems like somewhere in the past we posted pics. and dimensions of what we built out of wood so they could be left in all the time.

Pamela & Mike

Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #7 –
Herte is a link to thread as to how we plugged up those devil holes for those who ask for more info.
Busy squirrel

Pamela
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #8 –
Had a similar problem with a persistent raccoon.  After months of trying peppermint oils, strobe lights and all kinds of ideas, the one that worked was coyote urine.  Got from amazon.  Urine from a natural predator worked for us.  Looked up the sellers shop and they sell all kinds of urine.  After sprinkling a little on the ground below the engine bay, our problem was gone. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #9 –
Check out Grandpa Gus's site they have traps and sprays and they work,they have a sale going on now.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #10 –
I feel your pain. Just pulled 2 out of my driver side fuel bay they were playing cat and mouse with me going through the holes that the aqua height drains come from so they're living back in the aqua Hot area it seems although every morning is also are scratching above my head so far 3 dead mice in the last few days.  I tried spraying repellent around that didn't work. Of course I boondock alot so it is one of the problems with being out here. I went into town yesterday and got some rodent bait. Seems the old stuff I had they didn't care for anymore. The best results I've had so far is with physical traps baited with cheese or peanut butter. But they can just lick the peanut butter off without setting the trap so cheese I think is better although it dries out overnight.
I don't think I want to spend money on coyote urine but I have a big predator named chief that lives with me and he doesn't seem to keep them away even though he pees around the coach but maybe I should put a cup underneath in the next time he goes and sprinkle that in the engine compartment?
I like the idea of sealing up all the holes although it's a daunting task. Some of them are really difficult to reach.
It's a game of cat and mouse and I'm the cat.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Journey, Roam, Explore –
The best results I've had so far is with physical traps baited with cheese or peanut butter. But they can just lick the peanut butter off without setting the trap so cheese I think is better although it dries out overnight.
I don't think I want to spend money on coyote urine but I have a big predator named chief
I think bagged dog food is a major mouse attractant. As for baited traps, I also had a problem with mice licking the peanut butter off the traps without triggering them and solved that problem by jamming a small piece of cashew into the bait holder before applying the peanut butter. Before I tried the cashews, I jammed a short piece of a wooden toothpick in the bait holder. Both were successful in getting the mouse to trigger the trap but the cashew pieces worked better. 
Glue traps also work but they are a PITA. If I see evidence of a mouse I put out everything.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird
 

Re: critters in ceiling

Reply #12 –
Place some glue traps anywhere they might climb up and on top of the engine, leave some peanut butter and or bird seed as a lure near the glue traps. They'll find it.
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