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Though small, mice can be surprisingly destructive, chewing through interiors, wiring, and even engines. This can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. The good news? Whether your equipment is stored outdoors, in a barn, shed, or garage, there are easy and highly effective ways to keep these pests out!
Why Campers, Cars & Equipment Are Perfect For Mice – How To Keep Mice Out!
Mice are nothing if not opportunistic. As the temperatures drop, they instinctively seek out warm, sheltered spaces to nest—and if that spot comes with a food supply, it’s even better!
Campers, cars, and lawn equipment in storage are prime real estate for these little pests. Enclosed spaces like engine compartments or vehicle interiors retain warmth and provide protection from the elements, making them irresistible to mice looking to escape the wind, rain, and snow.
What’s more, these spaces often come with an added bonus: perfect nesting materials. Soft, chewable items like fabric and insulation are ideal for building cozy nests. Campers, in particular, can be even more tempting if crumbs, leftover food, or pet food from summer adventures are still present. Once mice make their way inside, the damage can escalate quickly—and severely!
The Damage Mice Can Cause – How To Keep Mice Out of Stored Campers, Cars, & Lawn Equipment
Mice are capable of causing significant damage in multiple ways. For starters, they’ll shred upholstery, carpets, and insulation to gather materials for their nests. In the process, they leave behind droppings and urine, creating unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions. At best, this means a messy and time-consuming cleanup. At worst, it can permanently ruin seats, flooring, and other interior components.
As if shredding materials and leaving behind a mess wasn’t bad enough, mice also have a constant need to gnaw to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Unfortunately, one of their favorite targets in cars, campers, and mowers is wiring. This habit can lead to serious and costly issues, from electrical failures to engine malfunctions.
So, how can you keep these destructive pests out? The good news is that with a few simple tricks, you can protect your equipment and avoid the hassle and expense of repairs!
How To Keep Mice Out of Stored Campers, Cars, & Lawn Equipment During The Winter
Before diving into the best tricks to keep mice out, it’s essential to tackle a few critical steps to set the stage for success.
1. Eliminate Food Sources:
For cars, campers, and trucks, thoroughly clean out every last crumb of food. Pay special attention to hidden areas like under seats, in glove compartments, and storage bins. Even if mice can’t reach the food, the scent alone can attract them.
2. Deep Clean Crevices:
Take the time to vacuum between seat cushions, under seats, and in any small crevices where crumbs might hide. This simple step can go a long way in making your equipment less appealing to pests.
3. Remove Nesting Materials:
Clear out any napkins, tissues, paper towels, or other soft materials. Mice love using these to build cozy nests and will seek them out wherever they’re stored.
4. Seal Openings:
Make sure all windows, doors, and vents are closed tight. This prevents easy access for mice to sneak inside.
With the basics covered, it’s time to introduce a couple of tried-and-true tricks to keep mice out for good: mothballs and cinnamon & mint sprays or scent packets. These natural deterrents work like a charm to make your storage spaces less inviting to these pesky intruders!
2 Tricks That Keep Mice Out of Stored Campers, Cars, & Lawn Equipment During The Winter
#1 Moth Balls On The Tires
Whether you’re storing a car, camper, tractor, or riding mower, mothballs can be a game-changer in keeping mice at bay—especially around the tires. Tires are a common entry point for mice, as the tread provides an easy path to climb. Once they reach the top, they can sneak into side panels and quickly make their way inside the vehicle.
Here’s the trick: Place mothballs around the base and on top of each tire. The strong, pungent smell of mothballs is highly offensive to mice, making the tires an unappealing route.
For added protection, place a few mothballs in engine compartments. This not only deters mice from chewing wires but also prevents them from nesting in these cozy, enclosed spaces. With this simple step, you can block one of the most common ways mice gain access to your stored equipment!
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 incredibly sharp sense of smell, which makes strong scents like cinnamon and peppermint highly effective at keeping them away. Just like mothballs, these natural deterrents are something mice can’t stand—but they come with the added bonus of being safe, non-toxic, and pleasant for humans. This makes them especially ideal for use inside campers, cars, or other spaces where you don’t want the lingering odor of mothballs.
The best part? There are several excellent cinnamon and mint-based sprays and pouch products available that are both powerful and easy to use. Simply place or spray them in key areas like storage compartments, under seats, or along entry points to create a barrier mice won’t want to cross. It’s an effortless and effective way to keep your stored equipment mouse-free! 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.
