The goal of RV storage is simple. You want your RV to stay in great condition while it’s in storage, so you can easily head out on your next trip as soon as the time arrives. One of the worst outcomes of storage – and one that is sure to startle you – is having mice make their way into the vehicle.  

Fortunately, this can be avoided with a bit of care and attention to detail. Below, we’ll provide some basic tips on how to keep mice out of your RV even when it is stored for months at a time. If part of your RV storage strategy involves adding a new metal garage to your property to house the RV, be sure to work with American Steel Carports, Inc. on the project. The process begins with our Build & Price tool, and you are always welcome to contact us if you require any assistance.  

Seal Up All Entry Points 

Sealing entry points is the key starting point for keeping mice out of your RV. If you don’t want them to get in, you have to block off all of the obvious points where they could sneak through and get inside. Remember, mice have an incredible ability to squeeze through tiny spaces, so you need to pay attention to openings even as small as a dime or so.  

There are several options available to seal these spots. Caulking is suitable for particularly small openings, while expanding foam is a better choice for larger holes. If you take the time to inspect the entire RV and seal any visible openings, it will immediately become much less likely for mice to break in.  

Remove All Food When In Storage 

Another key point is to remove the motivation for the mice to invade – specifically, by removing the food. They are always on the lookout for their next meal, so when you take away any food sources, there won’t be much motivation for them to explore the RV.  

If your RV will only be parked for a day or two, it’s probably okay to leave some of your food sealed up. When you put the RV into storage for an extended period, however, be sure to remove every last piece of food from the space. Most RV owners who encounter mouse problems often make the mistake of leaving something for them to snack on along the way.  

Consider Rodent Repellant Options 

For additional protection against a mouse invasion, consider various deterrent options. There are traditional traps, of course, but those are usually reserved for when you know there is a problem already in place. If you just want to be proactive and keep the mice away, natural deterrents like peppermint oil or dryer sheets can help your cause.  

Keep the Area Around the RV Clear 

Mice thrive in places where they can hide. They don’t like being out in the open. One of the best measures to keep mice away from your RV is to keep the area around it as clear as possible. Don’t let the brush grow up near the sides of the RV, and certainly don’t let any trash pile up in the area. A bit of cleanliness goes a long way. Most likely, if the mice can’t get to your RV without going out in the open, they will likely just move along and look for other targets.  

Store Your RV Indoors 

The ultimate defense against mice is to keep your RV in an indoor space, such as a large metal garage. When parked in the garage, your RV will have another layer of protection against these critters. First, they’d have to make their way into the garage – where they could be spotted – and then they’d have to find an opening to get into the RV. It’s unlikely that they will go through that many steps in the hopes of finding food inside. They will probably stay out in the brush and undercover where they can look for other meal sources.  

Build a Custom Metal Garage for Your RV 

You don’t want to take any additional new friends out with you on your next RV adventure. Make sure to take some of the steps discussed above to make it far less likely that mice – or any other little critters – will be able to invade your space. Adding a new metal building can certainly help toward this end, so choose American Steel Carports, Inc. as your partner and get great value for your money. We’d love to serve you!