Now that winter has arrived,  some of you have your RV sitting in a covered garage somewhere. And hopefully it's not serving as a winter home for unwanted guests like mice, rats, and squirrels.   Rodents are notorious for chewing through vehicle wiring, plastic and rubber lines. They also leave a big mess behind, defecating on counter tops, floors, and even in beds. If you haven't taken preventative measures to keep rodents out, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise the next time you take your RV out for a trip.

So, what can you do to protect your RV from rodent damage?

1. When you're ready to store your RV for the winter, start by inspecting the underside of the vehicle. Look in all corners and crevices, especially where plumbing and wiring enter the RV. If you can see any daylight, mice can get in. Fill any holes or gaps with the strongest caulk.
2. Remove all food from the RV, even things like flour and sugar that are being stored in airtight containers. A ravenous rodent can do a lot of damage chewing through containers, and even wooden cabinets, to get food. Also be sure the floors and countertops have been well-cleaned so there are no remnants of food about.
3. If possible try to park or store your RV on a solid surface, like pavement or concrete. Avoid grass, fields, or wooded areas which harbor mice, rats, and squirrels.
4. If you don't mind the smell of mothballs you can scatter them throughout areas of the RV rodents are likely to hide, feed, congregate or nest in, including storage compartments and the underside.

If you don't like the smell of moth balls, try something like Fresh Cab, an all-natural blend of plant fiber and essential oils...recommended by Good Sam Club.