Field Mice / Cleaning Camper

[fanofmickey]

DH and I just purchased a used camper this week (moving up to hybrid model from pop-up). The canvas pop-outs have some fairly substantial damage done by field mice when the camper was closed up and not used for about 18 months, so it went unnoticed for quite a while. As a result, we are having the canvas ends replaced (thanks to Tigger1 for asking the question below, and to tim5055, just down the road from me a bit, for replying!).

When I mentioned to the rep at Bear Creek that we were replacing due to field mice damage, he told me that field mice leave a scent wherever they have been, and that the field mice in my area will smell it and go to the "nesting area". Obviously, I don't want to incur this damage again.

So, he suggests pressure washing the unit, including the under carriage, with just soap and water. My question to you campers: Is there something stronger to wash the camper with? My initial thought was ammonia, but that smell might attract other things since it can smell like urine. DH thought maybe bleach, but I would be a little leery of spraying bleach through the pressure washer onto the entire camper (might bleach some of the colored parts?). We would appreciate any help that you experienced camper owners can give us.

I continue to be amazed at the things that I learn from this DIS site!

Donna

 

[Randbo51]

Hi, Donna,

When I wash the inside and outside of my popup, I use Simple Green. It does a great job and leaves a nice, fresh smell. I think I have used it on my canvas too with no adverse staining effects. You could try it on a small out of sight patch to make sure before you wash the entire camper.

I mixed it with water in a spray bottle and use it inside to clean counter tops, etc. too.

Good luck!

 

[welovedis]

I don't know the answer, but we have a PU that suffered a small hole from (we think) one mouse this past winter. We've thoroughly cleaned it with Simple Green and hope not to have that experience again.
Two simply great sites that I've used lots getting used to my PU & asking questions (like this one) are:
Pop Up Explorer
and
Hybrid Explorer


GL with your new-to-you hybrid!

 

[mrsgus06]

I'm sorry, this has absolutely nothing to do with the problem, but now you have that toddler song running through my head;

Little Bunny Foo Foo, hopping through the forrest,
Scooping up the field mice and bopping them on the head.

I need a good dose of It's a Small World to clear my thoughts.