Our guide to preventing pests in motorhomes

Imagine packing up ready to go off on your holidays only to discover that a rat has chewed through some essential wiring, or you have insects nesting in the engine. Just like with all other enclosed spaces (houses, sheds, garages, cellars, outhouses, offices, prefabs) the problems caused for motorhome, campervan and caravan owners by rodents and other pests can be unhealthy, hugely inconvenient and sometimes rather costly to sort out. By having the right strategy and taking the right steps you will guard against potential illness, save yourself time and protect the investment in your motorhome.

How do I know there’s a pest problem in my motorhome?

There are some easy ‘tells’ for pest situations in your motorhome (or campervan or caravan). These are the things which indicate that you have a pest situation that you will need to take steps to sort out as soon as possible.

• Droppings (on the floor, or on surfaces and in kitchen cupboards)
• Gnawed cables, wires and upholstery
• Damage to stored items
• Chewed food
• Bugs around windows and doors
• Unusual smells and strange sounds
• Cobwebs on the ceiling and in corners
• Nests

What pests will invade my motorhome and how do I deal with them?

• Rats
• Mice
• Ants
• Spiders
• Flies
• Mosquitos
• Wasps
• Cockroaches
• Snakes

It is best to try and prevent any pests from getting into your motorhome, and there are various things you can do which will protect you from several different types of pest invasion. Making sure all gaps and cracks are sealed is a good start, along with ensuring that all window and door seals have integrity and are not past their usefulness. Using mouse-proof storage containers for your food is a great idea. Remember, many of the steps you take are for the motorhome itself, but once you’ve parked up somewhere you can also do things outside the motorhome – using citrus candles to repel insects, etc.

It’s important to note, in the unlikely event you discover a wasp nest on the interior or the exterior of your motorhome, that you should not try and sort it out yourself and should immediately ‘call in the professionals’. Removal of a wasp nest requires expertise and specialist equipment.

How did insects get in to my motorhome?

There are several ways that insects could have gotten in to your motorhome. You may think it is completely impenetrable, but there could be open cracks between wall panel pieces and tiny gaps where pipes pass through walls and furniture. They could also have gained entry through open doors or windows, through small gaps in corners etc. Fleas and other small insects will particularly look to seek shelter and move in during winter, and can do so through small holes in the flooring.

Reasons for pest control:

As we briefly mentioned above, there are health, time and financial benefits to ensuring that you control any pest situation. Taking steps to ensure you are pest-free will reduce potential damage and extend the lifespan of your vehicle. The most effective time to eliminate pests such as rats, spiders, insects and so on, is to catch the problem early. This gives you the best chance of completely eradicating it.

Tips for pest control:

Clean thoroughly:

If you are leaving your motorhome for any serious length of time (a couple of weeks, several months) then you should make sure you tidy it and clean it before you do. Pests do not like, or thrive in, clean environments, so proper cleaning will help you avoid pest infestation.

How to keep mice out of a motorhome:

Use mothballs! Mice and rats have a very strong sense of smell, and do not like mothballs. The smell repels them – and therefore, when you are intent on keeping mice or rats from invading your motorhome, mothballs are one of the best mouse repellents. There are other smells which will also do the trick: Peppermint, vinegar, pepper…

There are several ways you can put yourself in the best position to be protected against infestations of any kind. Obviously this can never completely preclude you from problems, as ‘these things happen’ from time to time, but you will be in the best position to enjoy peace of mind!