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When you make the significant investment to purchase an RV, you want to protect it from all types of damage, whether it’s on the road or in storage for the winter months. If you’re storing your RV for an extended period, you’ll want to be sure to protect it from rodents, which can cause serious, often costly damage. Follow these helpful tips to prevent rodents from getting into your RV.
Examine your RV closely for paths of entry. Get down to floor level and look closely for tiny holes under your cabinets, looking for areas that haven’t been adequately sealed. Even a small hole, the size of a nickel, is big enough for small rodents to enter. Check the outside of your RV as well, looking from below at areas that connect to the wall space.
Winterize your RV by cleaning it thoroughly. Before putting your RV in storage for the winter months, make sure you meticulously clean all of the nooks and crannies. Remove all food from the inside of your camper, including condiments and dry goods. Be sure to vacuum and mop all floors thoroughly, getting rid of any crumbs or food-related residue.
Watch closely for evidence of rodent entry. Mice, squirrels and chipmunks can enter your RV, and they usually leave telltale evidence behind. Watch for droppings, seeds acorn hulls, or other organic material. They generally enter looking for food sources, and it’s likely that you’ll notice chewed food wrappers if they’re present. Mysterious holes or stuffing pulled out of cushions can also be signs that rodents have entered and are attempting to create a nest.
Find the right materials to deter rodents. Regular or stainless steel wool are great way to plug holes that might serve as an entry point, as they will not chew through it. You might also want to consider using a product made from expandable polyurethane spray foam, which will fill potential entry points.
Use repellants, when needed. Some products naturally repel rodents, such as peppermint oil. Consider using peppermint-infused granules for extended storage, as they tend to retain the scent longer, helping to keep rodents out.
If rodent entry is already a problem, take the right steps to remove them. At the first sign of rodent entry, be sure to evict those unwelcome guests. When rodents gather nesting materials, they can chew through wires, destroy mattresses or cushions, and even chew through walls, causing a great deal of damage in a short time. You’ll want to set traps to remove the rodents as soon as possible. There are a wide variety of options available, many of which are self-contained. In general, once you’ve had a full week without any new rodents in your traps, you can assume that the infestation has been handled. Be sure to take appropriate steps as outlined above to prevent any additional entry.
Clean up after a rodent infestation has occurred. Rodent urine and droppings can contain viruses that can make you sick, so you’ll want to clean thoroughly. Always use rubber or latex gloves when cleaning, and utilize disinfectants or a bleach solution to help clean up any areas with signs of rodent activity, including countertops, floors, drawers, and cupboards.
No matter what type of RV you own, you want to make sure you have the insurance coverage to protect it from any damage you may encounter. If you’re thinking about increasing your coverage or just want to make sure your current policy is right for your needs, reach out to your local agent. They will work with you one-on-one and will find you the coverage to protect your valuable RV investment.
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