Plenty of RVers love having guests over to check out their rig. But when those guests are small, furry, and uninvited, things can go wrong fast.
This is especially true when they won’t take the hint and leave! That’s what happened to one unfortunate RVer, who revealed the tale while seeking advice from the sages of Reddit.
Let’s discover how this unpleasant situation occurred and what to do if you find a squirrel in your RV!
How Did the Squirrel Get in the RV?
There are two primary ways anything can get into an RV; through the windows or other ventilation holes or by chewing or scratching through the exterior portion of the roof or walls. The squirrel, in this unlucky RVer’s case, breached the exterior underbelly near the furnace, hanging out in the walls for a while before chewing into the RV’s living space.
What Has the Owner Tried to Get Rid of It?
The owner had already tried a few solutions by the time they went to Reddit for advice. These solutions included luring it out with peanut butter and peanuts, then plugging exterior holes with hardware cloth. Unfortunately, the food didn’t work, and the squirrel continued chewing new holes as fast as the RVer could find and plug them. With such an uncommon situation, they were already out of ideas!
Pro Tip: Use this guide on How to Identify Rodent Droppings if you find some suspicious droppings in your camper.
How to Get Rid of a Squirrel in Your RV
Fortunately, we can learn from this tale of woe and be ready if we ever encounter a similar invader in our rigs. Here are some of the most straightforward ways to remove a squirrel from your RV.
Remove Any Possible Food Source
In many cases, squirrels try to get inside your rig because they’re hungry and looking for food. Food smells emanating from the area or scraps you leave around may suggest to animals that there’s more food inside. Be diligent in cleaning up your food waste and ensuring you’ve adequately secured all trash. When leaving your RV vacant for extended periods, clear out all remaining food, even food you think is secure. With less opportunity, marauding squirrels will probably look for meals elsewhere.
Seal Your RV Exterior
In many ways, this is the most critical step of all. A determined squirrel or critter can widen and exploit even a tiny hole. Spend some time carefully checking the entirety of your RV’s exterior, including the roof and underneath. You should promptly and firmly secure any holes or gaps. Once again, as with removing food sources, a tightly-sealed RV presents more work than most animals are willing to do. They’ll have to go elsewhere for a place to hang out.
Peppermint Oil
We might find the smell and taste of peppermint a refreshing addition to mints, gum, and other treats. But squirrels, mice, and other animals can’t stand it! Applying peppermint oil with a spray or on cotton balls or cloths in affected areas can repel invaders. The best part is that it’s all-natural, without harsh chemicals.
Mothballs
Mothballs are suitable for keeping away much more than just moths. Squirrels and rodents don’t like the strong smell and chemical presence, causing them to steer clear. If there are particular problem areas that animals seem to target, stashing a few inside the hole before sealing can provide an extra layer of protection.
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an item that seems to have a million uses. Surprisingly, it can also repel squirrels! They hate the pungent, long-lasting odor of cider vinegar, providing another all-natural way to keep animals away with something that may already be in your kitchen cabinet.
Ultrasonic Repellents
Those looking for a high-tech, chemical-free way to send squirrels and other critters packing can try one of the numerous ultrasonic repellents on the market. These devices either run on batteries or plug into your rig’s electrical system and work by emitting sound waves at a frequency that’s inaudible to humans and pets but drives rodents wild. They require a bit of upfront investment and a steady power supply, but many find them very effective.
Dryer Sheets
The same item that provides your clothes with delightful freshness serves as a powerful squirrel deterrent. Like peppermint, mothballs, and vinegar, the pungent smells overwhelm the animals’ powerful noses, sending them running. You can even pair the sheets with other smelly items we’ve already discussed. Best yet, it’s a prevalent item that many people already own.
Contact a Pest Control Company
When all else fails, it’s time to bring in a professional. Pest control companies deal with these situations daily. They know all the tricks and have all the necessary equipment, taking what could be a frustrating and challenging process and taking care of it in a snap. While they’re the most expensive option, they’re also the only surefire way to guarantee you’ll eliminate your invading squirrel.
Pro Tip: We took a closer look to uncover Does Irish Spring Soap Keep Mice Away?
What Are the Possible Cons of Squirrel Repellents?
Like any treatment, the squirrel repellents we’ve discussed have their downsides. Squirrels are crafty little creatures, so if you don’t place your repellent isn’t exactly right, you may be wasting it. In addition, squirrel repellent can also drive away or cause issues for animals we enjoy having around, like deer, birds, pets, and others. Finally, most methods cost at least some money, and if your choice doesn’t work, you’re out of cash. For specific techniques, this can become costly.
Prevention Is the Best Cure
There’s no shortage of ways to remove a squirrel from an RV or camper. But in reality, the best way to get the little critters out is to keep them from getting in, to begin with! Be diligent about checking your rig for holes and checking for animals looking to get in. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s true regarding keeping squirrels out of your rig.
Are there any tips or tricks you’ve heard that you would add to the list?
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