Tips to help keep mice out of RVs, campers, and motorhomes

Content Updated: October 8, 2025

Key takeaways

• RVs, campers, and motorhomes are ideal places for mice to seek shelter in the winter.
• Mice can enter through wheel wells, ventilation, and underneath the vehicle. They are also attracted to warm engines.
• Keeping a tidy space, sealing entry points, using repellents, and storing food properly can help keep mice out of RVs.
• Preparing your motorhome or camper for winter storage can help stop mice from nesting inside.

Jump to section:

• How to keep mice out of your RV
• Getting rid of mice in an RV, camper, or motorhome
• Help keep mice off your property

The old saying, “when the cat is away, the mice will play,” is often true. The minute humans turn their backs, mice can find a window of opportunity to invade our spaces in search of food and shelter. A motor home or camper is especially vulnerable to a mouse invasion, since these vehicles can stay stationary for long periods.

So, how do you keep mice out of an RV? When the weather gets cold, mice look for any chance to find a warm space for the winter, and your vehicle may offer the perfect accommodations. And while you leave your RV unattended, mice have plenty of time to ruin your home away from home. Learn how to keep mice out of your camper or motorhome with mouse control from Terminix.

How to keep mice out of your RV

Rodents can be destructive pests, so protecting your property is important. They may chew on furniture or wires and be attracted to any stored food you have on board. They may even die while inside, leaving you with a terrible odor. Avoid dealing with potential damage by learning how to keep mice out of campers.

Inspect and secure possible entry points

Keep mice away from a camper by securing the vehicle. Inspect the outside of the RV for any cracks or holes where mice can crawl inside. Mice can fit into spaces as small as one-fourth of an inch, so finding every entry point may be time-consuming. They commonly find their way inside through wheel wells, ventilation, and underneath the vehicle.

Mice are often attracted to warm engine compartments. Regularly check for signs of nesting materials near the engine bay and keep this area clean and free from debris. Another option is to place a cover over your RV or create a barrier using an aluminum fence around the wheels. The flashing may deter mice from climbing. The fence should be at least 24 inches tall and go around the perimeter of the vehicle.

Store food properly

Mice may have poor eyesight, but they make up for it with a good sense of smell. If you aren’t planning to use your camper for a while, remove stored food and any items that can be used as nesting materials, such as loose fabrics, string, artificial plants, cardboard, and many others. When your RV is in use, make sure to store food in airtight containers to keep mice out. Any provisions kept inside may entice mice to climb in for a free meal.

Keep a tidy space

One of the best ways to get rid of mice is to keep the RV clean. A tidy space may not keep mice away, but a cluttered space may attract them. Clutter can create hiding spots, allowing rodents to feel secure while they explore their surroundings. Piles of clothes, food wrappers, and unorganized items can provide ideal nesting areas.

Use mouse repellents and deterrents

Repellents and deterrents can help keep mice out of your RV. Soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them in areas where mice are likely to enter can help deter them. Dryer sheets are another household item that can serve as an effective repellent; their strong fragrances can make spaces less inviting for these pests. Other scents mice hate include vinegar, cayenne pepper, and even the scent of predators such as cats.

Additionally, ultrasonic pest repellers can help keep mice out of your camper. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but can be quite uncomfortable for rodents.

Prepare for winter storage

Storing your RV in a dry, secure location will minimize exposure to pests, and using a cover can provide additional protection. If you're in a pest-prone area, strategically placing traps around the perimeter can help capture any intruders before they get inside. You can also use dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing bags to help maintain a low-humidity environment, making it less appealing for pests to take up residence. Make sure to regularly check your RV every few weeks for signs of pest activity; look for droppings, nests, or any damage.

Getting rid of mice in an RV, camper, or motorhome:

If mice have already entered your vehicle, you may want to try setting traps. Be advised that rodenticide is not the best option. The mouse could crawl into a small space and die, leaving you with limited access to the carcass and an overpowering odor. Instead, place traps in the inside corners of the RV and near the wheels on the outside. Check them daily, and reset and discard any trapped mice.

If at-home traps are not working, it’s best to call a professional. Mice can be difficult to eliminate on your own, and with their rapid reproduction rate, an infestation can quickly escalate. A pest control professional is the best way to keep mice out of your camper or motorhome.

Help keep mice off your property

If you’ve seen mice around your property, be advised that they may try entering your home or recreational vehicle at any time. Considering their small size and aptitude for sneaky behavior, don’t be surprised to find one or more of these pests looking for a way in. Considering the mess they can make and unsanitary droppings they can leave behind, it’s a good idea to know how to keep mice out of an RV before they begin making themselves at home.