Want a few simple but effective tips to keep mice and the damage they cause out of your stored camper, car or lawn equipment this winter?
As the weather grows colder, mice love to look for warm, enclosed spaces. And unfortunately, campers, cars, lawn mowers and every type of power equipment that you store for the winter can become a prime target for them to take up residence!
Mice might be small, but they can be incredibly destructive creatures. Ones that if they find a way inside of your equipment can cause thousands of dollars in damage to interiors, wiring, and engines. But whether you store your equipment outside, in a barn or shed – or in a garage, there are few simple but incredibly effective methods that can keep them out!
Why Campers, Cars & Equipment Are Perfect For Mice – How To Keep Mice Out!
One thing is for sure, mice are opportunistic creatures. As temperatures drop, they quickly start to look for any space or place that offers warmth and protection. And if that same space happens to offer a source of food, it’s even more inviting!
Campers, cars, and lawn equipment that are in storage are perfect shelters for mice because the enclosed spaces inside the engine compartment or inside of the vehicle itself retain heat. They also provide protection from wind, rain and snow.
But even more, they often also contain the perfect supply of materials for building nests. Soft and chewable materials like fabric and insulation are ideal for building nests. And in the case of campers, any crumbs, leftover food, or even pet food left from summer’s camping activities is a real bonus. And once mice find a way inside – the damage can be swift and severe!
The Damage Mice Can Cause – How To Keep Mice Out of Stored Campers, Cars, & Lawn Equipment
Mice cause a lot of damage in a lot of different ways. For starters, they will shred upholstery, carpets, and insulation when looking for nesting material. Even worse, as they do, they leave behind their droppings and urine. At the least it can cause awful odors and a lot of clean-up. But often, it completely ruins seats, flooring and more.
If that wasn’t enough, mice are constantly gnawing in an effort to keep their teeth from overgrowing. And what do they gnaw? One of their favorite choices in cars, campers and mowers is the wiring. This can result in serious and expensive electrical issues, engine malfunctions and more.
So how can you keep them out? Well, the answer might be easier than you think with just a few simple tricks!
How To Keep Mice Out of Stored Campers, Cars, & Lawn Equipment During The Winter
Before we get to a couple of secrets that work like a charm to deter mice, there are a few critical things that are important to take care of to ensure success.
When it comes to cars, campers and trucks, it’s vital to make sure you clean out every crumb of food. Pay special attention to hidden areas under seats, in glove compartments and in storage bins. Even if a mouse can’t get to the food item, smelling it will draw them in.
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Take time to vacuum in the crevices of seats and underneath to get rid of any possible crumbs. This little step can save a lot of trouble down the road!
Last but not least, make sure you clean out any napkins, tissues and paper towels. These materials make excellent nesting supplies for mice. And they will quickly find and use them to create their homes. For all vehicles, always be sure to close windows and vents to prevent easy entry.
Now it’s time to use a couple of tricks that will keep mice out for good – mothballs and cinnamon & mint spray and scent packets!
2 Tricks That Keep Mice Out of Stored Campers, Cars, & Lawn Equipment During The Winter
#1 Moth Balls On The Tires
Whether you have a stored car, camper, tractor or a riding mower, placing moth balls on the top and around the bottom of each tire can do wonders in keeping mice away. Tires are an easy way for mice to get in.
In cars and campers, they can use the tread to easily climb up to the top of the tire. From there, it makes it easy for them to gain entry into side panels – and continue right on inside. But there is a quick way to stop this with moth balls!
Mice hate the pungent smell of moth balls. And by simply putting them on the tires of stored equipment, you eliminate an easy point of entry. You can place a few in the engine compartments of mowers, tractors, cars and trucks as well to keep mice from chewing wires and building nests there.
One note with moth balls, they should be used with caution. They can be toxic to pets and children, so always use with care. Affiliate Product Link: 36 Pack Natural Mice Repellent for Car Engines, Peppermint Oil Moth Balls
#2 Using Cinnamon & Mint Spray & Pouches – How To Keep Mice Out of Stored Campers, Cars, & Lawn Equipment
Mice have an acute sense of smell. And just as they do with mothballs, they detest the strong scent of cinnamon and peppermint. These natural deterrents are safe, non-toxic, and easy to use. Especially when it comes to protecting the inside of campers and cars where you might not want the mothball odor to linger!
The good news is that there are some powerful, all natural cinnamon & mint spray & pouch products on the market that work incredibly well to keep mice out. And are they ever easy to use! Affiliate Link: Grandpa Gus Cinnamon Spray & Pouches For Mice
Mint spray can be used to protect from mice damage all over. Use the spray to coat entry points, around tires and near engine bays. You will need to reapply throughout the winter to keep the scent strong and effective.
The pouches are great for putting inside of cars and campers to fill the interior with minty, cinnamon freshness. Freshness that mice simply can’t stand! Place these pouches in your camper, car, or lawn equipment, focusing on target areas such as under seats, near wiring, and in storage compartments.
The scent remains effective for weeks, requiring minimal maintenance. It’s also perfect for families with pets or children, as they don’t contain harmful chemicals. Again, you will need to put new packets in when the scent starts to wear off.
By the way, cinnamon and mint are also highly effective in deterring spiders too. See: 2 Simple Ways To Keep Spiders Out Of Your House – With Cinnamon!
Here is to keeping mice out of your stored campers, cars and equipment this year – with ease!
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This Is My Garden is a garden website created by gardeners, for gardeners. Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books and speaking for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. They publish three articles every week, 52 weeks a year. Sign up today to follow via email, or follow along!