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Topic: Docking lights for rat deterrent (Read 1194 times) previous topic - next topic

Docking lights for rat deterrent

Hi all, first time ft owner of about 11 mos. Now workamping at brownsville,tx state park. Ranger warned of rodents. I have 60watt trouble lamp with timer over engine.
What about my 12v docking lights for use nightly for about 3months? Or use rope lights,and halogen lights? Thanks
Tom Shannon
Ham Radio W7OT
1996 u295 (SOLD)
2007 Kia Spectra Ex 5spd (kiki)
Now in Apt

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #1 –
Tom,

I wouldn't use the docking lights for rodent control. If you want lights I would go with rope lights or independent flood lights.  Lots of folks use Fresh Cab rodent stuff, fox urine crystals, peppermint oil on cotton balls, Irish spring soap bars, and even dryer sheets.  Different things seem to work best for different people like boxers or briefs.

Have you stuffed stainless steel wool around the hoses/cables where the cable tray comes through the front and rear bulkheads? If not that is a great entry place for those little devils. We have all the cable tray penetrations stuffed with stainless steel wool so if they get in one compartment hopefully they will be trapped in that compartment. You can get SS wool in the kitchen section of most grocery stores and it come in a 3 pack.  Some people have used spray foam around these penetrations.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #2 –
Pamela and Mike, thanks for reply. Will look for foam and ss wool. Thanks again !!
Tom Shannon
Ham Radio W7OT
1996 u295 (SOLD)
2007 Kia Spectra Ex 5spd (kiki)
Now in Apt

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #3 –
Anything that wants in will gnaw through the foam.  Steel wool will work better.  I am not convinced the lights will keep rats, mice, snakes and everything else that the light sellers claim out of your space.  Lots of anecdotal stories.  If  you have no rodent problems and you have lights on then they must work?  If they seem to work for you then OK.  Just try to get some that don't make your coach look like a circus wagon.  We have seen some horrible examples.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #4 –
I have successfully used sticky traps baited with peanuts.
I put them in the bay where the power cord comes in.
I did that after I found some mice had gotten in.
Under the refrigerator is another target area
 I also baited under the sink and caught several before I started in the bay.
Eric & Nancy
1999 36 Ft. U320 WTFE
2016 GMC Terrain

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Lots of anecdotal stories.  If  you have no rodent problems and you have lights on then they must work?  If they seem to work for you then OK.  Just try to get some that don't make your coach look like a circus wagon.  We have seen some horrible examples.
Garish strings of lights placed around/over/under the coach will positively repel rodents of all sizes, up to and including pachyderms.

Oh, you want proof?  Ever seen a elephant in a RV park?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #6 –
In an RV park? No.  But just up the street we have had elephants, alligators, wild dogs, hippos, camels, sasquatch and a flying pig and lots more.  All courtesy of a local metal sculptor.



Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Garish strings of lights placed around/over/under the coach will positively repel rodents of all sizes, up to and including pachyderms.

Oh, you want proof?  Ever seen a elephant in a RV park?

  Some lights may repell humanoids.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #8 –
I would say if you leave your docking lights on all night, you might find yourself being asked to leave. No one needs those bright lights shinning all night. Might even see those rats wearing sunglasses when they come past you.
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #9 –
Many thanks for the replies.
 I bought 2 walmart 500w halogen flood lights.
Placed rear one shining foreward behind rear flap. Front flood shines towards rear. Only myself and fellow worksmper here, with same floods.
Also 100w bulb in engine compartment with timer.
Tom Shannon
Ham Radio W7OT
1996 u295 (SOLD)
2007 Kia Spectra Ex 5spd (kiki)
Now in Apt

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #10 –
Quote from: bobnkathy –
I would say if you leave your docking lights on all night, you might find yourself being asked to leave. No one needs those bright lights shinning all night.

That's rude, mostly done by rookies who have not learned "campground manners".  :P
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Docking lights for rat deterrent

Reply #11 –
I would go with the "sticky board" traps and a Daisey Red Ryder.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.