Mice in your camper? That’s the last thing you want before a trip. I’ve had it happen—chewed wires, torn cushions, and that awful smell. I knew I had to find a way to keep mice out of my camper during storage. The good news? It’s easier than you think! I’ll share simple tips that work, so you can store your camper worry-free and avoid any nasty surprises.
Why Do Mice Invade Campers?
Mice don’t mean to be a nuisance—they just want food, warmth, and a safe place. When it gets cold, your camper feels like the perfect home. It’s dry, cozy, and keeps them safe from predators.
Even if you don’t leave food inside, tiny crumbs, spills, or even scented soap can attract them. Mice can squeeze through the smallest gaps—sometimes as tiny as a dime! Vents, loose seals, and small cracks give them easy access. Once inside, they chew wires, nest in insulation, and leave a mess. That’s why sealing your camper is a must before storing it!
How to Keep Mice Out of a Camper During Storage
A. Sealing Entry Points
Mice are sneaky. If there’s a tiny gap, they’ll squeeze through! I once found chewed wires in my camper—what a mess. The best fix? Seal every opening before storage.
Check everywhere. Look under the camper, around vents, doors, and any spot where light shines through. Even a hole as small as a dime is big enough for a mouse!
Close these gaps with steel wool, foam, or metal mesh. Steel wool works best—mice hate it. Don’t forget hidden spots like pipes, power hookups, and slide-out seals. A little effort now saves a big headache later!
Keep Food and Water Away
Mice love food. If they smell it, they’ll come running! I once left a snack wrapper in my camper—big mistake. Months later, I found chewed bits everywhere. Never again!
No food, no mice. If you can, take all food out. If you must keep some, use airtight containers. Mice have strong noses—they’ll sniff out even sealed snacks!
Clean up everything. Wipe counters, sweep floors, and check under cushions. Even tiny crumbs or spills can invite mice. A spotless camper keeps them away!
Dry it out. Mice need water too. Drain your tanks, fix leaks, and wipe sinks dry. No water means fewer reasons for them to stay.
A clean, dry camper is a mouse-free camper. Take a little time now, and you won’t have problems later!
How to Keep Mice Out of a Camper in Winter
When winter hits, mice start looking for warm places to hide. Sadly, your camper might be their ideal home. But don’t worry! You can keep them out with just a few easy steps.
Seal Every Small Gap
Mice can fit through tiny spaces. Once, I thought my camper was sealed, but found a tiny hole near the vent. That’s where they got in!
Check everything—vents, doors, pipes, and the camper’s bottom. Even a small gap is big enough for a mouse to slip through. Use steel wool, foam, or metal mesh to close any holes. Steel wool is great because mice won’t chew through it.
Remove Food and Water
Mice will stay if they find food. Take out all food—even dry snacks—and clean every surface. I once left a dog food bag in my camper and found chewed bits everywhere months later. Never again!
Clean up crumbs and spills—mice love those tiny leftovers. Drain water tanks, fix leaks, and wipe sinks dry. Without food or water, mice will have no reason to stay.
Use Strong Repellents
Mice hate certain smells. Peppermint oil, dryer sheets, and mothballs are great for keeping them away. One winter, I soaked cotton balls in peppermint oil and placed them around the camper. It worked wonders!
You can also try ultrasonic devices that make sounds mice dislike. They work best with other methods.
Store Your Camper Properly
Where you park matters. Avoid grass and wooded areas—mice love hiding there. Instead, park on gravel or concrete. If you can, lift the camper on jack stands. This makes it harder for mice to get in.
Cover tires, vents, and openings with protective covers. Mice love chewing rubber and plastic, so blocking access is important.
Check Regularly
It’s a good idea to check your camper every few weeks. Look for droppings, chewed wires, or nests. If you catch any signs of mice early, you can stop a bigger problem.
By following these simple steps, you can keep mice out all winter. A little effort now will save you headaches later!
What to Do If Mice Have Already Gotten Inside
Uh-oh. You walk into your camper, and something smells bad. Then you see it—tiny droppings, chewed wires, or torn fabric. Not good. But don’t worry! You can fix this fast.
Step 1: Look for Signs
Mice leave clues. Watch for these:
✔ Droppings – Small black pellets in corners or near food.
✔ Chewed Wires & Fabric – Mice love to gnaw on plastic, wires, and cushions.
✔ Bad Smell – A musty, sour odor means they’ve been here.
✔ Nests – Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation in hidden spots.
If you spot any of these, it’s time to act!
Step 2: Get Rid of Mice
Now, let’s evict them.
🪤 Set Traps – Use snap traps, electronic traps, or live traps. Place them near droppings or chewed areas. (Peanut butter works best!)
🚫 Skip Poison – Poisoned mice crawl into walls and die there. Trust me, you don’t want that smell!
👀 Check Traps Daily – Mice multiply fast. The sooner you remove them, the better.
Step 3: Clean Everything
Mice carry germs, so cleaning is a must!
🧼 Wear Gloves & a Mask – Droppings can spread disease. Stay safe.
🗑 Throw Out Nests & Droppings – Use paper towels to pick up messes. Seal and toss them in the trash.
🧴 Disinfect All Surfaces – Mix bleach and water (1 part bleach, 10 parts water). Wipe counters, drawers, and floors.
🌬 Air Out the Camper – Open windows and doors to let fresh air in.
Step 4: Keep Mice Out for Good
Now, make sure they don’t come back!
✔ Seal All Openings – Check vents, doors, and undercarriage. Use steel wool or mesh.
✔ Remove All Food – No food, no mice. Clean every crumb.
✔ Use Repellents – Try peppermint oil, dryer sheets, or ultrasonic devices.
✔ Check Often – A quick check every few weeks stops surprises.
Mice in your camper? No fun. But with these steps, you’ll get rid of them—and keep them out for good. Now you can enjoy your next trip stress-free!
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.