Please don't apologize for telling us the other side of the story. It needs to be told. I have watched the Nomad videos for years, and they were not telling the other side of their story. Because of that, i just knew that is what i wanted to do I even bought a van. I have watched people sell their homes to go all out being a nomad and boondocking. To find out it's not their cut of tea. That they were not told the downside and the expense. Plus, trying to find a place to park for the night. Unless you have tons of money, you can't afford to pay the fee every night at State and National parks. Then they don't have a home to go back to or they get sick and etc. I was one of them. Until finally realizing I'm not a loner and I had more fear of just parking out in the woods all alone. Plus, I didn't realize how expensive it gets, not counting the breakdowns in the middle of nowhere. Getting sick and trying to find a place to stay while you recoup from being sick. Getting a bath, dumping your waste, and so on. Place to wash your clothes. Not enough space to keep enough food. Things to keep cold. So on so on
I agree with you when young with husband and baby we spent five years in a caravan. It was fun9 but like you have brought out it does have up and downs.
There is no way I would run and live in Van without doing research first becuase UA-camrs only show Sunshine lol. It' obvious. I knew what people show on UA-cam it's NOT all out there. It's for "likes and to subscribe" It's obvious NO WAY you can live in a Van like living in your home. You're traveling required a lots money etc. And not to mention safely wise. I can never do that first of all I am afraid of being alone especially at night. Nowadays it's even scarier. I don't care what anybody says...I love being in our home with my baby garden.
This really does work, tried and tested. Also humane mouse traps work best with chocolate raisins as bait, they love them. Release them at least half a mile away if you can, they have homing instincts!
Maybe, but not everyone wants the added results of owning a cat? More work than occasionally removing mice. Also, somehow I don't think a cat will necessarily prevent an occasional mouse in the walls of a van
Alot of work having a cat in a van. They can't just run around like a dog can, go on hikes .it's cruel. I have 2 cats and would NEVER do that to them. Seal up the gaps permanently with silicon after the mouse is caught. 😮
@@louise7552 slow down Karen, cats all have their personality, There's enough videos of happy trucking cats to prove you wrong no matter how "cruel" you want to make it sound. You don't have the universal truth about felines. Busya (Luna) would be miserable without a big garden (but then again, she's literally a 30kg domesticated panther *) while most turtleshell do fine with whatever they got as long as they don't have to share. And I got few here who would never leave my shirt pocket if they could still fit inside. (*) and before you open the flow of bullsh1t on this one too, she was a runt of a litter left to die and was rescued few days old by a vet assistante who raised her and is the. only mother she ever had. You can see in her behavior that she's a perfectly fine cat, litter trained, with 3am zoomies and rough play with her (Rottweiler) sister.
My goodness! With the week you had, my camping days would be over. Mice, a huge spider and a snake. It would have been much too much for this city girl. You are so brave..
Lights under your van and in your engine compartment. They also make sound machines only they can hear they don't like. All food needs to be in containers. I keep my bread in the refrigerator it last longer and they can't get to it.
You never have just one mouse. They breed wholesale once they get cosy. We had a huge rat land on our van and we panicked when it started scratching to get in. We drove off through the night to be rid of it. We only hoped it had wings! You can get a pest deterrent device. They can hear it and we cant but it keeps them away. Van life is hard. We done 3 years and half and winter has been tough here in the UK. Just finding safe and legal park ups is stressful some days and nights without the whole utilities thing. People dont see the tired, sleepless us. At least we dont have snakes to worry about! Nice to see someone being real.
Thanks so much Lizzy. OMG I would die if there was a Rat. Mice are bad enough! Yeah, I've heard its getting harder in the UK. I know what you mean about tired and sleepless.
I had mice in my big Bounder but trapped them. In my current smaller rig I have never had a mouse but have had an occasional water bug which freaks me out. None lately thank God! They say spray the peppermint around your tires and any openings and plug the openings with steel wool. Also rodents don’t like lights so many install LED light strips under the vehicle and having them flash is even better. Also leaving your engine hood up keeps it bright enough to deter them from chewing wires or building nests. Some add a light for night hours. Hope these suggestions help.
Appreciate you showing real van life. Yeah, I heard mice can be a problem, but that big a$$ spider would definitely have given me the willys. Wouldn’t be able to sleep after seeing that and hoping there wasn’t another that would crawl on me in the night.😳🫣😬
NOPE, its probably the same mouse. I have RV'd for many years and unless you drive that mouse over a mile away from your campsite, that mouse will return to your home or RV every single time.
My husband does that with snakes in our yard. However, he goes 5 miles to an open field to release them. He swears any closer and they will return. 🤷🏻♀️
There is no way I could live in van. I am claustrophobic. But, I do enjoy watching how people adjust their lives to living in a small space. I have learned a lot.
Funny thing is I moved back into a house and felt more trapped than ever. I a van you spend far more time outside than inside plus you are usually travelling.
That's my thing too, considered a bus but still same problem plus it's bigger with it's own set of headaches. Only reason I'd considered those things is to scout out a new permanent place to live.
Put steel wool in those cracks to keep the mouse actually out of that. Use peppermint if you must, but I've seen mice. Eat peppermint, so doubtful that it really works. Also, you're just letting the mouse. Go in a place where he's gonna come right back.. You must go at least a mile away from your home. In order to be able to make sure that that particular mouse doesn't make it back into your van.
My mom swears by the electronic little gadgets you plug in and it emits a sound they don't like. Ever since she started using them she hasn't had a problem. She just uses one in each area of the house. Amazon sells like 6 for $30.
@@heenanyou Her dog and cat don't seem to notice them. I think the website says it's okay for pets. Mice have pretty high voices so I assume the tone is beyond what regular pets can hear.
@@heenanyou Ultrasonic tone can't be heard by pets. (Mom's dog and cat seem unphased). It works on spiders, mosquitos, ants too supposedly, says amazon.
@@sundoesshine8583 I am sure you are right but I would need more proof before I would take a chance on my already-crazy cats being affected. For now I will stick with my glue pads for insects and traps for mice. Thanks for trying to help.
Yes. Steel wool everywhere u see an opening. I used to have a cabin in the mountains and someone told me about the steel wool and I put it everywhere there were openings, under bathroom and kitchen sinks, etc. Never saw a mouse or mouse droppings. It works ! But of course, if your van door remains open, they will get in !
My advice just go to Bunnings and get a tube of gap filler. Carefully go through the whole interior and fill in any gaps, no matter how harmless the gaps look.
@@krisgen29put gloves on and painting clothes, gap fill a little, then smooth out, if too much wipe with rag. Then do a bit more. It can dry very quickly if it's hot.
I loved traveling but my biggest mistake was not maintaining a home base to come home to. There arrives the moment when the body says “ go home”. Awakening to that moment without having a home base is disastrous! You also need a place to recharge or recuperate when you’re ill. That happens too. It’s better to have that sorted out prior to any emergency. These preparations are more important than you would imagine.
I really agree with you. I'm so grateful that we have maintained a home base. We are rarely here but it's good to come back to when we need to visit family and friends.
Thank you for your honest video. First one I've watched tell the truth. I learned so much more from you then all the others I have watched. Your awesome.
Thanks Sue (and Nigel), good to hear some home truths. We are off just after Christmas and you guys are our first go to when we are researching an area. We also have been enjoying watching your Europe travels you are presently doing. You guys are terrific. We are just sad that we won't be seeing you on the road for our Aussie adventures next year. Love that you are adventurous. We are 60, bikes are loaded, kayak on the roof, hiking boots (and walking poles haha) packed. Want to thank you both for all the work and time you put into your videos.
You gave me a good laugh this morning, especially when you said you were releasing the mouse in the town. Glad to hear you were the last solo being left in the van.
I had several mice in my van during which time I was able to observe the ingenious method the little buggers traversed the various pathways….usually the cavities within the side pillars and also the areas between the ceiling and wall junctions… 2 mice identified and eventually apprehended using a small bucket partially filled with water. The trick was to lure the mice using Vegemite as a bait … solid wire set across the bucket with a revolving soft drink can loaded with the bait. Simple ramp provided access with a 99% success rate! Nothing worse than scratching sounds during the night! Luv your channel GG
You have me good chuckle when you left the 2nd mouse out, and jumped out of your skin when it ran out. Enjoy this video, I have subscribed now, I Al 79 years old now living in the Florida Panhandle, with no back and very little legs…So I live my live by proxy letting y’all have the adventures.👍🏼👍🏼
Your cozy nest is so inviting that you had quite an interlude with nature's also cold, hungry creatures! As I write this, I'm in a big dust storm with big sideways gales and drops! Glad that you have hookups, tanks, built ins, recycling bins and that you're only solo for part of the time to make together time special, true gifts! Peanut butter and live traps work magic. Grateful hug coming your way! 🚐☕️🐁💜🫂🕉🕊
One of the nomads that I follow installed flashing lights on the bottom of their rig to deter mice. It's worked for him so far. Might be something worth looking into.
Those are extremely obnoxious for other campers, especially those of us who want to escape all the light pollution to which city folks seem to be addicted.
It never ceases to amaze me at the number of people who are not cut out for van life or for camping. It's like someone wanting to make a living selling his paintings but has no artistic talent. You have to love what you do. You should be good at what you do. If you don't, then do something else.
14:13 😂😂😂 this was the first video I ever watched of yours and it was the *right* one!! Lol!! 😂🙌🏻 Thank you for sharing this side of the coin-it was very helpful!🌸
Good tip is to not keep trash in your van overnight, don’t leave dirty dishes in your sink, ventilate all food smells out your van and do not leave doors open for any period of time unless entering or exiting. If there’s no holes or other gainful entry points you shouldn’t have any problems.
Those mice traps look interesting. Your experiences remind me that we need to check the motorhome for any openings/holes where mice could get in. Something to ponder……it might be useful to make up some dry premixes for bread, pancakes, scones etc. and put them in zip lock bags, then you just have to add the liquid to make them up when there is not much food left. Also Deb mashed potatoes can be useful in a pinch. Happy travelling.
WOW, this was Really an interesting video! Dealing with things like that lets u know about the pitfalls in Van, RV, or Travel Trailer Life. This has me rethinking ownership! Thanks. 👍💯
This is great to see, not many people do such an in depth video about the important everyday stuff, thank you for sharing. I love solo vanlife, I'm a loner, hence I love it, I also choose to not have a huge water tank then I can fill up my container by hand within minutes anywhere, My drinking water I buy at any supermarket. I shower by bird bathing and head to a plumbed shower in town every 2 weeks. As I am solo I don't need much water too often, once a week usually. Doggy bags daily for rubbish. Pee container down the flush toilet in public loo. Solar panel plus engine to charge power stations, when it's not sunny, turn on the engine, or drive somewhere and good to go, I can also plug into any power point I find if need be, usually at local parks. Only have electricity so I can be totally offgrid and free, (apart from the odd time I run the engine at a cost of $2 total to charge the power stations), always have cooking ability due to electric system, that way I don't have to remember to fill up gas bottles...lol... I had my first and only mouse since 2022 in Tassy this year April 2024, and it was due to staying somewhere longer than 2 days, I ended up getting the little alfoil pull tab baited small traps from Woolies and caught him within 2 hours of setting it, I was having dinner and he decided to join me and have his dinner that I set for him at the same time, then you eject him without having to touch anything, the key is to use gloves for everything so your smell doesn't go onto the trap and obviously to dispose of said mouse, they do get in through the engine bay, (my auto electrician spotted his tracks in May 2024 in the engine bay while doing some work for my Kia Carnival home on wheels) so if you're hanging somewhere longer than 1 day, keep your bonnet up and place peppermint oil everywhere, and put all packeted foods in plastic containers. Apart from that I find it so much easier than living in a sticks and bricks and definitely cheaper, especially when you never pay for a mortgage or rent.
I have been full time 4 years in a truck camper. I have owned a trailer and a fifth wheel before also. They ate the soap and peppermint didn't either. I have had one mouse in the camper but this time my traveling buddy took care of the problem. My cat loves to travel from forest to desert and enjoys several small critters. Mice moles lizards etc. A cat is the best mouse catcher. If the cat doesn't catch them then stop feeding it for a few days and instinct take over and no more mouse and she gets a treat and her food dish back.
That spider did it for me man no effing way Am I going to go anywhere or something that big. You're so kind to let the mice go but lol at the fact that they were keep coming back or that they kept showing up You're brave stay safe
We use Downy UNStopables granuales in fine mesh bags to get rid of mice in our cars. They hate the smell, but it's not a horrible smell, like moth balls.
Over here in the UK, someone ran into our parked up van, needed repairing! So off it went to be repaired. While it was there (for 2 months!) mice came in and demolished it!! It was awful when we got it back 🥺😡 Mouse droppings everywhere, eaten through our sleeping bags/bed/everything!! We were devastated!
Damn! All those critters! And that spider was huge! Yes I would say its been a rough week. I dont know how you close your eyes at night with spiders running around the size of baseballs. Good luck mate, as they would say in Australia.
Great video! Mice are a mess...I have been plagued by their eating the wiring on my car engine...I now feed them cornmeal and baking soda 1:1 mix...destroys their innards. Cheers!
Thank you for acknowledging that it is a privilege to have living in a van as an option. As much as I enjoy watching van life videos, I've also struggled with them too because of the elephant in the room.
Thanks for your comment Bronwyn. I think it’s such an important point to make, with everything going on in the world. I don’t take my privilege for granted that’s for sure.
Greetings from Oklahoma USA. Enjoyed your video, my first on your channel. Had a laugh, an 'oh no', and a fright as well when you let that one mouse out of it's trap. I'll bet you were glad when hubby got back!
Having had a mouse down by back as a kid I am afraid/very anxious with them so.....I learned a few things. Steel wool will stop the rodents in cracks & holes. Next, the oils you know about. Also lemon spray. Then moth balls do work....unfortunately I learned the hard way they cause liver disease/death in dogs should a dog eat them. I have heard there are new poisons on the market that create no smell speeding up mess when they die. Good Luck. I am currently living in a tent with an invasion. They have torn walls, crawl on top& chewed around stove pipe hole. I relate to nite anxiety.
Thanks for sharing about the not-so-glamorous side of van life and your experiences. I've seriously thought about van life myself as I do like camping as I enjoy taking my dog Elsa with me on camping trips but I think I like the comfort of home too much.
Wow, those are small LP tanks. On the mouse issue: use steel wool. You can find plain steel wool in hardware stores in the paint section (it's used for stripping furniture).
I live in a very old cobble foundation home. Every year we fight the mice.I live catch them. You have to let them go at least two miles from where you caught them. Also critter out spray works great. Essential oils they don’t like
Mice are a pain and will seek out warm places to nest and camping in a bush setting they will see the van as being like the Hilton hotel. One other aspect is not the damage they do but what they leave behind. Mice and rats are not house trained so tend to leave little calling cards and will urinate on things. I hope you wiped over all containers and spaces they have been with disinfectant. If they have been there for a while they will have bred so pretty soon a pair become many so keep up with the traps. If you can access the space where your wiring is do so just to check for any damage and to clean out any nests and put in a couple of traps. ( A job for Nigel when he gets back. ) All in all just another day in paradise eh.
Yes the entire van has had a thorough clean and disinfect. It’s been a couple of weeks since I filmed this video and no further mice thank god!! I did find some good they had been into so I think the wiring is safe.
I’ve had mine first in my ceiling (where they chewed wires and broke my locks) and then in my engine. I’m in my van nearly 24 hours and rarely ever hear them. A couple weeks ago two babies were on my B engine block. I removed them and the lower near nest I found. I can hear them every great once in a while behind my radio. You can’t get peppermint oil in an Amazon lock box. I’ve mixed baking soda with corn meal. I’ve sprinkled hot sauce and dried pepper powder all over. I’ve put out garlic cloves. I don’t think anything is working at all. I’ve even turned my radio on loud for 10 minutes and drive over bumpy roads at other times. Nothing is working. I have never seen any mouse droppings, and I don’t believe they’re inside my minivan.
I did return to my mailing address and bought peppermint oil. When putting it on cotton balls in my air vents I immediately heard a sound but never heard them leave. I’ve had no problem since then. I recently camped in a camp spot and put droplets around the tires. The next morning I saw a dead mouse nearby. I guess as it was approaching me it must have stepped in the droplets.
I know right. i hate it when people put down rat or mice bate because it not only kills them but anything that eats them i.e hawks, Owls, fox's, dogs, cats...etc. Tip get a Berkie and a pump and pump water directly from a river into your tank. Fill your Berkie and you will have fresh water all the time and water for your sink and toilet. I never pay for water. I fill barrels with tap water when i can and pump directly into a barrel from a river at other times. Good luck
@@deirdre444 In the Uk gas stations are stopping folks getting water and so we have put this in place. We bought a barrel for a caravan which normally sits outside. It is half the capacity of our onboard tank and so when it goes to half we pump the water from the barrel into onboard tank. We do not make it obvious when filling the barrel up but simply go to any public toilet and fill up the water barrel from a tap for the next refill for free as water should be. It will be far easier for your system as the water tank used onboard your van is far smaller. Never pay for water. Plenty of places to get it from with the right battery operated pump or a simple hose to fill water carriers ...ok... All the best... much love Heather also a camper dweller. Who knows when we visit America, if we ever do, given the political unrest over their at the moment, we might meet up. x I live in England atm, but I am a Highlander born and bred in Scotland for generations. Obviously then I live in the United Kingdom, made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Kind regards Heather
@@heathermallard9197 This water story deserves a video of its own. :) Yes, please let us know if you find yourself heading over this way. We live in the Pacific Northwest and would love to host your visit.
@@deirdre444 I will if we ever cross the pond i.e the Pacific i believe (Geography was never my strong point lol ) touch base and take you up on the offer. But i am not sure if we will be able to afford to take our camper van over by boat from the Uk...along with our dog and cat as its very expensive and a pretty basic passage that takes five days. We'll see. In the meantime please take care.. much love Heather and John x
Good on you Sue. Great, realistic video. I'm not planning to van life, just doing research and white there's a ton of these videos from US, there are basically none from AU. So good to stumble upon your channel.
Thanks for making it real! There is a housing crisis here in the uk too and I might yet end up in my Citroen belingo 😂. I don’t fancy all the scary insects you have out there 😂
I've had similar mouse/rat problems. Realise the Mercedes Sprinters have holes all around the van, under the plastic panels, that are covered with a plastic-paper like circular disc. These come off over the years and open up the van for small rodent entry. There's also two, one each side, vents at the back-side bottom ends, under the plastic trims, that are permanently accessible, with only rubber flaps to stop water in-flow when driving in water. This allows the mice to get into the back corner frames and into the van. I've also had rats mess around in my engine bay. Usually this happens when you stay long at a camp site with rats. They tried to nor off the black engine carpet to start chewing into the air filter box, and then possibly get into the van via air ducts. When recently renovating the van I made it mouse proof. I found the best way to get rodents away in the immediate, is using insect surface spray. Like spraying where they're hiding, and they will flee the van from where they got in. This may only last a few days. Don't buy any poisons as not only will you attract the rodents/rats, most not dying, it will kill birds if they can access to the product. There are homemade methods to kill the mice, like water traps, or plaster+bi-carb+flour baits.
Yeah I would never use poisons or baits. Number one because of the birds, but more importantly because I don’t want them to die in the wall cavity and stink out the van for days
@@nigelandsueadventures If you need to block off holes, use stainless steel saucepan scrubber pads, mixed with silicone if you want them to stay. There's another two entry hole for wires, under the vehicle, at the back ends, which I blocked off with these pads.
There is a product called Critter Ridder from Home Depot that helps! Critters love to chew on wires covered with soy in Asian made cars! I spray it on wheel wells and where wires are under the hood! It kept a brazen, challenging squirrel from getting on my deck! I screamed when you screamed, but mine was twice as load!😂
Ah mate, been there before! I solo travel with 2 dogs, it's hard work doing it all yourself and looking after the pups, but all worth while when you find that cracking free camp 👌 the freedom is unmatched
The non harm mouse trap cage box works, once caught it's best to use steel wool in any open area. I successfully caught a couple of mice in a new house , they came out of scurrying the walls to where i sat the box outside by an opening between bricks lol. Then i stuffed every gap all around the house outside with steel wool or chicken wire.
Your post popped up in my list today, and I'm glad it did! I enjoyed your explanation of the realities of solo van life. It must be scary at times on your own. We have an ultrasonic mouse repeller in our loft as we had problems with the little darlings when we moved here. It is quiet, and we don't notice it at all, but it has kept the rodents out of the house. It's human and pet safe. I'm not sure how much electricity it uses, though. Best wishes from the UK.
Thank you! Maybe put the cotton balls in some type of screened enclosure? I have been investigating van life for travel and this is very helpful to see some negatives.
We had a huntsman spider drop on hubby's lap while driving , he calmly pulled over and delt with it. So glad I wasnt driving I would scream and panick and cause an accident. Since them its my priority to keep us spider free.😂
I saw a mouse trap that one RVer did religiously. They took a 5 gallon bucket, put some water in the bottom and a stick ramp to the top coated and peanut butter. The mice would crawl up onto the stick to get the peanut butter and then fall into the water and drowned. They had this bucket under their rig all the time everywhere they went. and it kept the mice out of the rig
Thank you for such a realistic view of what van-life is because people have a lot of un-realistic ideas of how glamerous the van life really is!!! I have lived in an apartment most of my life and now have been forced to moved int a hotel. I have let everything GO including most of my belongings and SADLY my pets that I had since the Pandemic. I am looking to move into van-life!!! :)-
I wish you well and hope that you can recover your pets when you live in a van (or at least enjoy some animal company - I miss owning a dog, and love occasionally house-sitting for that fix!)
Glad you didn’t harm the little mice. Even in sticks a brick homes people have mice problems. I’ve even known someone who had a raccoon family under there home in the city. Spider issues too, but none as big as that spider. Once I was watching another video of an Rv dweller who had a big spider like the one in your video, She asked some guys to remove it and when they went into her Rv she could her them screaming. I don’t blame them. I definitely think you have more issues living in a vehicle traveling about. Thanks for sharing!
Hi your post popped up randomly and I watched this video with interest. I live in a van part time and do house and pet sits part time. I am currently in Victoria and have a mouse problem. The problem is in the house I am sitting not my van. Hopefully the mice will stay out of my van.I am awake in the ealy hours of the morning and can hear a mouse in the wardrobe of the room I am sleeping in. Those traps look great. I will get a couple. Thanks for sharing.
Are there pets in the house? I'm surprised there are mice with other animals. But then again, I had a RAT in a house I was sitting with a dog once! You can get those traps from Mitre10 hardware stores, I'm not sure if they have the same ones at Bunnings.
You have a beautiful van. There are similar challenges when living in a house. Things wear out . Things break. There are events beyond your control. Things are never as bad at it seems. It could have been a rat. If you have clean water and a place to dispose of waste and you have food with containers to seal it up those things are a plus. You have a roof over your head and work. You have good health and your gifted with intelligence and talent. Those annoyances that are a nuisance will pass.
I have nothing but admiration for people who embark on van journeys.........its not all happy, fun days as some people imagine it to be......Good Luck to Sue and Nigel and for God's sake lets hope they have plenty of hobbies to pass time away.
Orh crikey, mice, Huntsman, and a Red Belly! David Attenborough eat your heart out! You are so cool and handled these Aussie critters with admirable calm! 🇦🇺 T
Ya there are downsides of constant travel and all the little things that add up over time. I did 1.5 yrs in travel mode with no “home” …I missed having the luxury of one solid place Thx for sharing! Feeling you as we experienced so much of these kinds of annoying experiences too. Blessings on your journey! ❤
Hi Sue & Nigel - As I’ve been following some awesome American RVers - it’s a pleasant change to see the Aussie viewpoint from your travels. Appreciate your posts. Thank you!
Hi Sue - Welcome and I actually live in Ontario 🇨🇦 We are having our spring season here. I understand about the mice and snakes and spiders as I grew up on my late dad’s Scottish ancestral farm. We have a few poisonous snakes and spiders here but not as many species as in the SE and SW USA or as in your hinterlands, etc. Yes - I follow on UTube those who must live in their RVs and even their vehicles because of our housing situations. Love your Aussie accent. I became hooked on it ever since Paul Hogan and the Crocodile Dundee movies. Have a good day! Cheers from Canada! 😊 PS: I liked the humane way you disposed of the mice. Mickey Mouse would be proud! Just kidding!
@@janeburton7647 Hey Jane, if you liked Paul Hogan in Crocodile Dundee, have you seen any of his earlier stuff? He had a very popular show here in the 70s. My favourite skit is up on UA-cam, if you search "Strop's Hangover Cure" - this is an absolute classic. And yes, Strop actually drank that concoction.
Thank you did making such a practical and educational video! I have been planning to travel in Australia in a camper van, and I need honest videos like this as my guide. Thanks a million!
Also for mice Irish Spring Bar Soap. Use a potato peeler to shave off slices to stick in places as you do like the peppermint cotton pieces. Soap may last longer than peppermint oil. I know mice qlso like to eat the wrapping of wires in vehicles under the engine hood. Also if you are parked somewhere and if it's possible you can sprinkle Borax around your perimeter and mice generally won't cross it because they do not like the borax on the pads of their feet. Borax is a neutral PH and earth friendly. I have had success with this inside garage. Just ideas if you're interested to try. I love that you don't kill the mice. ✌️💚🕯️
We must have special mice. We get mice in our trailer every winter. They ate the Irish Spring soap and made a nest with the cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil. I’ve also tried dryer sheets but they don’t work either. Now I’m relying on old fashioned mouse traps again.
The first one was the biggest one. You got the mom out, that drew out the rest. You got lucky getting the mom out and the others followed quickly bc they were depending on her for food. So they came out. Otherwise they'd hunker down if they had enough hoarded. Glad you got that handled. Keep some of those traps left out all the time. Can't hurt.
Thank you for helping the rodent growth on the road . Also nice of you to think of us in town and bringing some to us. The rodent shortages have been a problem.
Please don't apologize for telling us the other side of the story. It needs to be told. I have watched the Nomad videos for years, and they were not telling the other side of their story. Because of that, i just knew that is what i wanted to do
I even bought a van. I have watched people sell their homes to go all out being a nomad and boondocking. To find out it's not their cut of tea. That they were not told the downside and the expense. Plus, trying to find a place to park for the night. Unless you have tons of money, you can't afford to pay the fee every night at State and National parks. Then they don't have a home to go back to or they get sick and etc. I was one of them. Until finally realizing I'm not a loner and I had more fear of just parking out in the woods all alone. Plus, I didn't realize how expensive it gets, not counting the breakdowns in the middle of nowhere. Getting sick and trying to find a place to stay while you recoup from being sick. Getting a bath, dumping your waste, and so on. Place to wash your clothes. Not enough space to keep enough food. Things to keep cold. So on so on
Thanks for sharing your story too. Thankfully we did not sell our house, but you’re right, a lot of people do! I hope you’re in a good place now
Yes!! With you! And tiny living as well is not for everyone long term. It’s not fun after a long time
I agree with you when young with husband and baby we spent five years in a caravan. It was fun9 but like you have brought out it does have up and downs.
There is no way I would run and live in Van without doing research first becuase UA-camrs only show Sunshine lol. It' obvious. I knew what people show on UA-cam it's NOT all out there. It's for "likes and to subscribe" It's obvious NO WAY you can live in a Van like living in your home. You're traveling required a lots money etc. And not to mention safely wise. I can never do that first of all I am afraid of being alone especially at night. Nowadays it's even scarier. I don't care what anybody says...I love being in our home with my baby garden.
@@nigelandsueadventures If people have enough money to keep this as a hobby..
Instead of cotton balls try filling the gaps with steel wool. They can't chew through it. Another great video :)
Great tip! Thanks so much
Actually I have heard mice can chew through steel wool, but they don't like aluminum foil balls. 😊
This really does work, tried and tested. Also humane mouse traps work best with chocolate raisins as bait, they love them. Release them at least half a mile away if you can, they have homing instincts!
Can you adopt a cat? That should keep the rodents away.
Maybe stick peppermint scented cotton wool within some steel wool?
Owning a cat is an effective way to deter mice from your home. Additionally, having a cat can provide companionship and comfort.
Maybe, but not everyone wants the added results of owning a cat? More work than occasionally removing mice. Also, somehow I don't think a cat will necessarily prevent an occasional mouse in the walls of a van
Mouse, spider, cockroaches, postman, germans…
Cats are the ultimate killing masheens…
Alot of work having a cat in a van. They can't just run around like a dog can, go on hikes .it's cruel. I have 2 cats and would NEVER do that to them. Seal up the gaps permanently with silicon after the mouse is caught. 😮
@argon62 well I hope you have a backyard and indoor area for night time.😊
@@louise7552 slow down Karen, cats all have their personality, There's enough videos of happy trucking cats to prove you wrong no matter how "cruel" you want to make it sound. You don't have the universal truth about felines. Busya (Luna) would be miserable without a big garden (but then again, she's literally a 30kg domesticated panther *) while most turtleshell do fine with whatever they got as long as they don't have to share. And I got few here who would never leave my shirt pocket if they could still fit inside.
(*) and before you open the flow of bullsh1t on this one too, she was a runt of a litter left to die and was rescued few days old by a vet assistante who raised her and is the. only mother she ever had. You can see in her behavior that she's a perfectly fine cat, litter trained, with 3am zoomies and rough play with her (Rottweiler) sister.
My goodness! With the week you had, my camping days would be over. Mice, a huge spider and a snake. It would have been much too much for this city girl. You are so brave..
Lights under your van and in your engine compartment. They also make sound machines only they can hear they don't like. All food needs to be in containers. I keep my bread in the refrigerator it last longer and they can't get to it.
What's wrong with complaining sometimes? Everyone does that live a way more comfortable life.
Hot peppers (dried) or bay leaves can help in future.
You never have just one mouse. They breed wholesale once they get cosy. We had a huge rat land on our van and we panicked when it started scratching to get in. We drove off through the night to be rid of it. We only hoped it had wings! You can get a pest deterrent device. They can hear it and we cant but it keeps them away. Van life is hard. We done 3 years and half and winter has been tough here in the UK. Just finding safe and legal park ups is stressful some days and nights without the whole utilities thing. People dont see the tired, sleepless us. At least we dont have snakes to worry about! Nice to see someone being real.
Thanks so much Lizzy. OMG I would die if there was a Rat. Mice are bad enough! Yeah, I've heard its getting harder in the UK. I know what you mean about tired and sleepless.
Haha it's likely the same mouse that wants you as their family cos they know you want company lol...
I had mice in my big Bounder but trapped them. In my current smaller rig I have never had a mouse but have had an occasional water bug which freaks me out. None lately thank God!
They say spray the peppermint around your tires and any openings and plug the openings with steel wool. Also rodents don’t like lights so many install LED light strips under the vehicle and having them flash is even better. Also leaving your engine hood up keeps it bright enough to deter them from chewing wires or building nests. Some add a light for night hours.
Hope these suggestions help.
Appreciate you showing real van life. Yeah, I heard mice can be a problem, but that big a$$ spider would definitely have given me the willys. Wouldn’t be able to sleep after seeing that and hoping there wasn’t another that would crawl on me in the night.😳🫣😬
Love the video hitting the road in my sprinter soon any help is appreciated I'm a new bee.
NOPE, its probably the same mouse. I have RV'd for many years and unless you drive that mouse over a mile away from your campsite, that mouse will return to your home or RV every single time.
Poison or mouse trap. Duh
That snake would’ve appreciated that mouse.🤭
@@bettiej5762 i was thinking the same thing!
My husband does that with snakes in our yard. However, he goes 5 miles to an open field to release them. He swears any closer and they will return. 🤷🏻♀️
She should keep you as a friend! I would 😊
There is no way I could live in van. I am claustrophobic. But, I do enjoy watching how people adjust their lives to living in a small space. I have learned a lot.
Funny thing is I moved back into a house and felt more trapped than ever. I a van you spend far more time outside than inside plus you are usually travelling.
That's my thing too, considered a bus but still same problem plus it's bigger with it's own set of headaches. Only reason I'd considered those things is to scout out a new permanent place to live.
Appreciate your sharing. Total eye opener.
Peace, Good Vibes & safe travels
Put steel wool in those cracks to keep the mouse actually out of that. Use peppermint if you must, but I've seen mice. Eat peppermint, so doubtful that it really works. Also, you're just letting the mouse. Go in a place where he's gonna come right back.. You must go at least a mile away from your home. In order to be able to make sure that that particular mouse doesn't make it back into your van.
I freaked when I saw the huntsman. I hate those things they scare the life out of me. So glad you are safe and didn't have to burn the van down.
I did consider it for a while haha
😂😂 That is hilarious! That’s how I was thinking when I saw that spider 🕷️
My mom swears by the electronic little gadgets you plug in and it emits a sound they don't like. Ever since she started using them she hasn't had a problem. She just uses one in each area of the house. Amazon sells like 6 for $30.
But what do they do to your pets?
@@heenanyou Her dog and cat don't seem to notice them. I think the website says it's okay for pets. Mice have pretty high voices so I assume the tone is beyond what regular pets can hear.
@@heenanyou Ultrasonic tone can't be heard by pets. (Mom's dog and cat seem unphased). It works on spiders, mosquitos, ants too supposedly, says amazon.
@@sundoesshine8583 I am sure you are right but I would need more proof before I would take a chance on my already-crazy cats being affected. For now I will stick with my glue pads for insects and traps for mice. Thanks for trying to help.
Fully debunked by yt Shawn the rat catcher
Oh you have me in tears here.......... you are telling my story when I am camping/traveling in my van!!
Yes. Steel wool everywhere u see an opening. I used to have a cabin in the mountains and someone told me about the steel wool and I put it everywhere there were openings, under bathroom and kitchen sinks, etc. Never saw a mouse or mouse droppings. It works ! But of course, if your van door remains open, they will get in !
Glue the steel wool in around the edges too
My advice just go to Bunnings and get a tube of gap filler.
Carefully go through the whole interior and fill in any gaps, no matter how harmless the gaps look.
also, you can do this at night and have the lights on so you can see the gaps
Add steel wool to this. Foolproof!
Will gap filler be messy when it needs to be removed? Will gap filler remove easily?
@@krisgen29 gap filler is permanent, not meant to be removed. If done well you won't see it anyway
@@krisgen29put gloves on and painting clothes, gap fill a little, then smooth out, if too much wipe with rag. Then do a bit more. It can dry very quickly if it's hot.
The snake would be the end of me. The spider, ❤too. You are a brave lady.
for me the end were human thieves, human intruders, ZERO sense of safety at night. Hours searching a safe place to sleep at night.
I loved traveling but my biggest mistake was not maintaining a home base to come home to. There arrives the moment when the body says “ go home”. Awakening to that moment without having a home base is disastrous! You also need a place to recharge or recuperate when you’re ill. That happens too. It’s better to have that sorted out prior to any emergency. These preparations are more important than you would imagine.
I really agree with you. I'm so grateful that we have maintained a home base. We are rarely here but it's good to come back to when we need to visit family and friends.
Thank you for your honest video. First one I've watched tell the truth. I learned so much more from you then all the others I have watched. Your awesome.
You are so welcome Vicki, thanks for watching
This video is SO INFORMATIVE and EYE OPENING. Thank you for being honest as we don’t see that side to the other videos on van
Thanks Sue (and Nigel), good to hear some home truths. We are off just after Christmas and you guys are our first go to when we are researching an area. We also have been enjoying watching your Europe travels you are presently doing. You guys are terrific. We are just sad that we won't be seeing you on the road for our Aussie adventures next year. Love that you are adventurous. We are 60, bikes are loaded, kayak on the roof, hiking boots (and walking poles haha) packed. Want to thank you both for all the work and time you put into your videos.
Oh thank you so much Simonette! We have often spoken of getting a kayak. We probably have room for an inflatable one. Maybe Christmas??
You gave me a good laugh this morning, especially when you said you were releasing the mouse in the town. Glad to hear you were the last solo being left in the van.
Thank goodness!! Glad you had a laugh 😆
Love the honesty of your Vanlife. Keep the videos coming.
I had several mice in my van during which time I was able to observe the ingenious method the little buggers traversed the various pathways….usually the cavities within the side pillars and also the areas between the ceiling and wall junctions… 2 mice identified and eventually apprehended using a small bucket partially filled with water. The trick was to lure the mice using Vegemite as a bait … solid wire set across the bucket with a revolving soft drink can loaded with the bait. Simple ramp provided access with a 99% success rate! Nothing worse than scratching sounds during the night! Luv your channel GG
You have me good chuckle when you left the 2nd mouse out, and jumped out of your skin when it ran out. Enjoy this video, I have subscribed now, I Al 79 years old now living in the Florida Panhandle, with no back and very little legs…So I live my live by proxy letting y’all have the adventures.👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks Noel, glad you got a laugh. I'm glad that we can show you some awesome places in the world - plenty more adventures to come. Take care :-)
Your cozy nest is so inviting that you had quite an interlude with nature's also cold, hungry creatures! As I write this, I'm in a big dust storm with big sideways gales and drops! Glad that you have hookups, tanks, built ins, recycling bins and that you're only solo for part of the time to make together time special, true gifts! Peanut butter and live traps work magic. Grateful hug coming your way! 🚐☕️🐁💜🫂🕉🕊
One of the nomads that I follow installed flashing lights on the bottom of their rig to deter mice. It's worked for him so far. Might be something worth looking into.
Those are extremely obnoxious for other campers, especially those of us who want to escape all the light pollution to which city folks seem to be addicted.
It never ceases to amaze me at the number of people who are not cut out for van life or for camping. It's like someone wanting to make a living selling his paintings but has no artistic talent. You have to love what you do. You should be good at what you do. If you don't, then do something else.
14:13 😂😂😂 this was the first video I ever watched of yours and it was the *right* one!! Lol!! 😂🙌🏻
Thank you for sharing this side of the coin-it was very helpful!🌸
Haha, that would be funny right? Middle of the Main Street!
It's good to know the other side of van life because its reality... its all interesting to know, so thank you for this video
Good tip is to not keep trash in your van overnight, don’t leave dirty dishes in your sink, ventilate all food smells out your van and do not leave doors open for any period of time unless entering or exiting. If there’s no holes or other gainful entry points you shouldn’t have any problems.
Mice and others enter via the engine compartment.
Those mice traps look interesting. Your experiences remind me that we need to check the motorhome for any openings/holes where mice could get in. Something to ponder……it might be useful to make up some dry premixes for bread, pancakes, scones etc. and put them in zip lock bags, then you just have to add the liquid to make them up when there is not much food left. Also Deb mashed potatoes can be useful in a pinch. Happy travelling.
That’s a clever idea! And yes they are great traps especially if you don’t like dealing with squished dead mice!
I have a tarantula in my van her name is itsy bitsy😂 I'm so Glad I'm not afraid of mice or snakès also.😊
WOW, this was Really an interesting video! Dealing with things like that lets u know about the pitfalls in Van, RV, or Travel Trailer Life. This has me rethinking ownership! Thanks. 👍💯
This is great to see, not many people do such an in depth video about the important everyday stuff, thank you for sharing.
I love solo vanlife, I'm a loner, hence I love it, I also choose to not have a huge water tank then I can fill up my container by hand within minutes anywhere, My drinking water I buy at any supermarket. I shower by bird bathing and head to a plumbed shower in town every 2 weeks. As I am solo I don't need much water too often, once a week usually.
Doggy bags daily for rubbish.
Pee container down the flush toilet in public loo.
Solar panel plus engine to charge power stations, when it's not sunny, turn on the engine, or drive somewhere and good to go, I can also plug into any power point I find if need be, usually at local parks.
Only have electricity so I can be totally offgrid and free, (apart from the odd time I run the engine at a cost of $2 total to charge the power stations), always have cooking ability due to electric system, that way I don't have to remember to fill up gas bottles...lol...
I had my first and only mouse since 2022 in Tassy this year April 2024, and it was due to staying somewhere longer than 2 days, I ended up getting the little alfoil pull tab baited small traps from Woolies and caught him within 2 hours of setting it, I was having dinner and he decided to join me and have his dinner that I set for him at the same time, then you eject him without having to touch anything, the key is to use gloves for everything so your smell doesn't go onto the trap and obviously to dispose of said mouse, they do get in through the engine bay, (my auto electrician spotted his tracks in May 2024 in the engine bay while doing some work for my Kia Carnival home on wheels) so if you're hanging somewhere longer than 1 day, keep your bonnet up and place peppermint oil everywhere, and put all packeted foods in plastic containers. Apart from that I find it so much easier than living in a sticks and bricks and definitely cheaper, especially when you never pay for a mortgage or rent.
I have been full time 4 years in a truck camper. I have owned a trailer and a fifth wheel before also. They ate the soap and peppermint didn't either. I have had one mouse in the camper but this time my traveling buddy took care of the problem. My cat loves to travel from forest to desert and enjoys several small critters. Mice moles lizards etc. A cat is the best mouse catcher. If the cat doesn't catch them then stop feeding it for a few days and instinct take over and no more mouse and she gets a treat and her food dish back.
If I stopped feeding my cat for a day or two, she'd piss all over my bed.
I’m no spring chicken and watching any RV life vids remind me how difficult it really is. Was never full time. I can only imagine. 😳
That spider did it for me man no effing way Am I going to go anywhere or something that big. You're so kind to let the mice go but lol at the fact that they were keep coming back or that they kept showing up You're brave stay safe
Note to self…. Forget about van life 😂😂😂. But seriously thanks so much for sharing this not so glamorous side of van life. You are appreciated
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the comment 🧡🙏
Loved the video Sue - I laughed out loud when you kicked the trap, it sprinted out and you let out a yell 😂
Yeah they always shock me!
Absolutely lovely video and exactly how I imagine Australia being. Hi from Mississippi in the 🇺🇸!!
Hello there! Glad you enjoyed it. There’s plenty more Australia content on our channel too!
We use Downy UNStopables granuales in fine mesh bags to get rid of mice in our cars. They hate the smell, but it's not a horrible smell, like moth balls.
Boy what a real reality video. Thank you for that. I can’t imagine one mouse I would lose my mind.
I hate them, but I feel like I kind of got used to them in the end!!
Steel Wool in holes rather than cotton... You're providing all of their nest material, which I'm sure they appreciate. Keep at it!
Those you try to keep out enter via the engine compartment.
Over here in the UK, someone ran into our parked up van, needed repairing! So off it went to be repaired. While it was there (for 2 months!) mice came in and demolished it!! It was awful when we got it back 🥺😡 Mouse droppings everywhere, eaten through our sleeping bags/bed/everything!! We were devastated!
Damn! All those critters! And that spider was huge! Yes I would say its been a rough week. I dont know how you close your eyes at night with spiders running around the size of baseballs. Good luck mate, as they would say in Australia.
Thank you for your honesty. I started solo van life this summer and it’s SO much harder than all the accounts make it out to be. Truly.
Yes, it's not all sunsets on the beach!! I still think its a good way to live though.
You are very brave Sue , good luck with your next adventure 🥰🥰
Great video! Mice are a mess...I have been plagued by their eating the wiring on my car engine...I now feed them cornmeal and baking soda 1:1 mix...destroys their innards. Cheers!
Thank you for acknowledging that it is a privilege to have living in a van as an option. As much as I enjoy watching van life videos, I've also struggled with them too because of the elephant in the room.
Thanks for your comment Bronwyn. I think it’s such an important point to make, with everything going on in the world. I don’t take my privilege for granted that’s for sure.
Greetings from Oklahoma USA. Enjoyed your video, my first on your channel. Had a laugh, an 'oh no', and a fright as well when you let that one mouse out of it's trap. I'll bet you were glad when hubby got back!
I'm always glad when he gets home! Thanks for watching.
Sue, absolutely loved your video. So funny and yet so real. We have experienced all those things in our travels.
Glad you enjoyed it! I think having a mouse is a real right of passage for an Aussie road trip!
Having had a mouse down by back as a kid I am afraid/very anxious with them so.....I learned a few things. Steel wool will stop the rodents in cracks & holes. Next, the oils you know about. Also lemon spray. Then moth balls do work....unfortunately I learned the hard way they cause liver disease/death in dogs should a dog eat them. I have heard there are new poisons on the market that create no smell speeding up mess when they die. Good Luck. I am currently living in a tent with an invasion. They have torn walls, crawl on top& chewed around stove pipe hole. I relate to nite anxiety.
Love that you use 'Have a heart' traps
Thanks for sharing about the not-so-glamorous side of van life and your experiences.
I've seriously thought about van life myself as I do like camping as I enjoy taking my dog Elsa with me on camping trips but I think I like the comfort of home too much.
Part time on weekends and holidays might suit you really well Caroline!
I did this for two years in 2010 and 2015, you then knew what a mobile homeless life it was.
Definitely steel wool jammed in any cracks keeps them from getting in I have used it before around plumbing gaps under sinks etc
I've never seen that kind of mouse trap. It's great!
Wow, those are small LP tanks. On the mouse issue: use steel wool. You can find plain steel wool in hardware stores in the paint section (it's used for stripping furniture).
Don't let him out he will come straight back. Let him go on a drive
I live in a very old cobble foundation home. Every year we fight the mice.I live catch them. You have to let them go at least two miles from where you caught them. Also critter out spray works great. Essential oils they don’t like
Mice are a pain and will seek out warm places to nest and camping in a bush setting they will see the van as being like the Hilton hotel. One other aspect is not the damage they do but what they leave behind. Mice and rats are not house trained so tend to leave little calling cards and will urinate on things. I hope you wiped over all containers and spaces they have been with disinfectant. If they have been there for a while they will have bred so pretty soon a pair become many so keep up with the traps. If you can access the space where your wiring is do so just to check for any damage and to clean out any nests and put in a couple of traps. ( A job for Nigel when he gets back. ) All in all just another day in paradise eh.
Yes the entire van has had a thorough clean and disinfect. It’s been a couple of weeks since I filmed this video and no further mice thank god!! I did find some good they had been into so I think the wiring is safe.
Thanks for education on that I didn't know
I’ve had mine first in my ceiling (where they chewed wires and broke my locks) and then in my engine. I’m in my van nearly 24 hours and rarely ever hear them. A couple weeks ago two babies were on my B engine block. I removed them and the lower near nest I found.
I can hear them every great once in a while behind my radio.
You can’t get peppermint oil in an Amazon lock box. I’ve mixed baking soda with corn meal. I’ve sprinkled hot sauce and dried pepper powder all over. I’ve put out garlic cloves.
I don’t think anything is working at all. I’ve even turned my radio on loud for 10 minutes and drive over bumpy roads at other times. Nothing is working.
I have never seen any mouse droppings, and I don’t believe they’re inside my minivan.
I did return to my mailing address and bought peppermint oil. When putting it on cotton balls in my air vents I immediately heard a sound but never heard them leave. I’ve had no problem since then.
I recently camped in a camp spot and put droplets around the tires. The next morning I saw a dead mouse nearby. I guess as it was approaching me it must have stepped in the droplets.
I really appreciate that you're letting them go instead of exterminating them. They're just trying to survive like the rest of us. That's kind.
I know right. i hate it when people put down rat or mice bate because it not only kills them but anything that eats them i.e hawks, Owls, fox's, dogs, cats...etc. Tip get a Berkie and a pump and pump water directly from a river into your tank. Fill your Berkie and you will have fresh water all the time and water for your sink and toilet. I never pay for water. I fill barrels with tap water when i can and pump directly into a barrel from a river at other times. Good luck
@@heathermallard9197 Thank you for the tip and the thoughts. :)
@@deirdre444 In the Uk gas stations are stopping folks getting water and so we have put this in place. We bought a barrel for a caravan which normally sits outside. It is half the capacity of our onboard tank and so when it goes to half we pump the water from the barrel into onboard tank. We do not make it obvious when filling the barrel up but simply go to any public toilet and fill up the water barrel from a tap for the next refill for free as water should be. It will be far easier for your system as the water tank used onboard your van is far smaller. Never pay for water. Plenty of places to get it from with the right battery operated pump or a simple hose to fill water carriers ...ok... All the best... much love Heather also a camper dweller. Who knows when we visit America, if we ever do, given the political unrest over their at the moment, we might meet up. x I live in England atm, but I am a Highlander born and bred in Scotland for generations. Obviously then I live in the United Kingdom, made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Kind regards Heather
@@heathermallard9197 This water story deserves a video of its own. :) Yes, please let us know if you find yourself heading over this way. We live in the Pacific Northwest and would love to host your visit.
@@deirdre444 I will if we ever cross the pond i.e the Pacific i believe (Geography was never my strong point lol ) touch base and take you up on the offer. But i am not sure if we will be able to afford to take our camper van over by boat from the Uk...along with our dog and cat as its very expensive and a pretty basic passage that takes five days. We'll see. In the meantime please take care.. much love Heather and John x
Good on you Sue. Great, realistic video. I'm not planning to van life, just doing research and white there's a ton of these videos from US, there are basically none from AU. So good to stumble upon your channel.
Thank you so much!! Hope you enjoy the back catalogue of all our Aussie adventures.
Thanks for making it real! There is a housing crisis here in the uk too and I might yet end up in my Citroen belingo 😂. I don’t fancy all the scary insects you have out there 😂
Honestly though, that’s only the second time we’ve had a spider in the van in over 3 years!
I've had similar mouse/rat problems. Realise the Mercedes Sprinters have holes all around the van, under the plastic panels, that are covered with a plastic-paper like circular disc. These come off over the years and open up the van for small rodent entry. There's also two, one each side, vents at the back-side bottom ends, under the plastic trims, that are permanently accessible, with only rubber flaps to stop water in-flow when driving in water. This allows the mice to get into the back corner frames and into the van. I've also had rats mess around in my engine bay. Usually this happens when you stay long at a camp site with rats. They tried to nor off the black engine carpet to start chewing into the air filter box, and then possibly get into the van via air ducts.
When recently renovating the van I made it mouse proof.
I found the best way to get rodents away in the immediate, is using insect surface spray. Like spraying where they're hiding, and they will flee the van from where they got in. This may only last a few days.
Don't buy any poisons as not only will you attract the rodents/rats, most not dying, it will kill birds if they can access to the product. There are homemade methods to kill the mice, like water traps, or plaster+bi-carb+flour baits.
Yeah I would never use poisons or baits. Number one because of the birds, but more importantly because I don’t want them to die in the wall cavity and stink out the van for days
@@nigelandsueadventures If you need to block off holes, use stainless steel saucepan scrubber pads, mixed with silicone if you want them to stay. There's another two entry hole for wires, under the vehicle, at the back ends, which I blocked off with these pads.
Yeah that steel wool is a good idea!
There is a product called Critter Ridder from Home Depot that helps! Critters love to chew on wires covered with soy in Asian made cars! I spray it on wheel wells and where wires are under the hood! It kept a brazen, challenging squirrel from getting on my deck! I screamed when you screamed, but mine was twice as load!😂
The was great! Try storage containers with lids for all food.
Parts of Australia NSW especially, have had a mice plague. Make sure you don’t venture into those areas 😬
Ah mate, been there before! I solo travel with 2 dogs, it's hard work doing it all yourself and looking after the pups, but all worth while when you find that cracking free camp 👌 the freedom is unmatched
Ain’t that the truth 🧡🙏
Hi from New Zealand. Thank you x
The non harm mouse trap cage box works, once caught it's best to use steel wool in any open area. I successfully caught a couple of mice in a new house , they came out of scurrying the walls to where i sat the box outside by an opening between bricks lol. Then i stuffed every gap all around the house outside with steel wool or chicken wire.
Your post popped up in my list today, and I'm glad it did! I enjoyed your explanation of the realities of solo van life. It must be scary at times on your own.
We have an ultrasonic mouse repeller in our loft as we had problems with the little darlings when we moved here. It is quiet, and we don't notice it at all, but it has kept the rodents out of the house. It's human and pet safe. I'm not sure how much electricity it uses, though. Best wishes from the UK.
Thank you! Maybe put the cotton balls in some type of screened enclosure? I have been investigating van life for travel and this is very helpful to see some negatives.
We had a huntsman spider drop on hubby's lap while driving , he calmly pulled over and delt with it. So glad I wasnt driving I would scream and panick and cause an accident. Since them its my priority to keep us spider free.😂
Yeah I certainly would not be calm either! Good for your hubby!
I think parking under a tree was the problem.
I saw a mouse trap that one RVer did religiously. They took a 5 gallon bucket, put some water in the bottom and a stick ramp to the top coated and peanut butter. The mice would crawl up onto the stick to get the peanut butter and then fall into the water and drowned. They had this bucket under their rig all the time everywhere they went. and it kept the mice out of the rig
Diving board lol.
To me, that would just be yet another thing to do.
Funny solution tho.
Gosh I hate mice...ugg
Disgusting
Thank you for such a realistic view of what van-life is because people have a lot of un-realistic ideas of how glamerous the van life really is!!! I have lived in an apartment most of my life and now have been forced to moved int a hotel. I have let everything GO including most of my belongings and SADLY my pets that I had since the Pandemic. I am looking to move into van-life!!! :)-
I wish you well and hope that you can recover your pets when you live in a van (or at least enjoy some animal company - I miss owning a dog, and love occasionally house-sitting for that fix!)
Crikey where the hell are you 😂 I’m not wanting van life at all now , I thought I might try it but forget it
You can also stuff your holes with steel wool, they don't like that. We've done that in our trailer, works every time.
Glad you didn’t harm the little mice. Even in sticks a brick homes people have mice problems. I’ve even known someone who had a raccoon family under there home in the city. Spider issues too, but none as big as that spider. Once I was watching another video of an Rv dweller who had a big spider like the one in your video, She asked some guys to remove it and when they went into her Rv she could her them screaming. I don’t blame them. I definitely think you have more issues living in a vehicle traveling about. Thanks for sharing!
Hi your post popped up randomly and I watched this video with interest. I live in a van part time and do house and pet sits part time. I am currently in Victoria and have a mouse problem. The problem is in the house I am sitting not my van. Hopefully the mice will stay out of my van.I am awake in the ealy hours of the morning and can hear a mouse in the wardrobe of the room I am sleeping in. Those traps look great. I will get a couple. Thanks for sharing.
Are there pets in the house? I'm surprised there are mice with other animals. But then again, I had a RAT in a house I was sitting with a dog once! You can get those traps from Mitre10 hardware stores, I'm not sure if they have the same ones at Bunnings.
Get some moth balls and put them on under your vehicle when you park, it repels rodents, snakes and sometimes people 😂
Also, a poisonous carcinogenic
You have a beautiful van. There are similar challenges when living in a house. Things wear out . Things break. There are events beyond your control. Things are never as bad at it seems. It could have been a rat. If you have clean water and a place to dispose of waste and you have food with containers to seal it up those things are a plus. You have a roof over your head and work. You have good health and your gifted with intelligence and talent. Those annoyances that are a nuisance will pass.
thank you so much Jeanie
I just found your channel and now watching my first video. I couldn't do it...mice, spiders and snakes. 🤞's crossed they are gone. 😊❤
I would say KEEP NO FOOD ZERO FOOD in your vehicle....
I have nothing but admiration for people who embark on van journeys.........its not all happy, fun days as some people imagine it to be......Good Luck to Sue and Nigel and for God's sake lets hope they have plenty of hobbies to pass time away.
I had NO idea a mouse can get in the RV! There’s no way, I could cope.
Really . How pathetic
There is a product here in the states called Fresh Cab. It's herbal, smells great and works
Orh crikey, mice, Huntsman, and a Red Belly! David Attenborough eat your heart out! You are so cool and handled these Aussie critters with admirable calm! 🇦🇺 T
Trust me I was not calm when I saw that huntsman!!
Ya there are downsides of constant travel and all the little things that add up over time. I did 1.5 yrs in travel mode with no “home” …I missed having the luxury of one solid place
Thx for sharing! Feeling you as we experienced so much of these kinds of annoying experiences too. Blessings on your journey! ❤
Thank you so much ☺️ 🧡
Great video, I like the mouse traps. Yikes how did you move on the huntsman spider?
Glue traps. Spray expansion foam in entry points. N do routine bug spray of your place. Try n find entry points on outside n seal with foam.
I’m sorry this happened to you. I HATE mice. 🐁 Have you thought about putting some sort of sealant in those cracks?
Hi Sue & Nigel - As I’ve been following some awesome American RVers - it’s a pleasant change to see the Aussie viewpoint from your travels. Appreciate your posts. Thank you!
Thanks Jane! Are you in Australia?
Hi Sue - Welcome and I actually live in Ontario 🇨🇦
We are having our spring season here. I understand about the mice and snakes and spiders as I grew up on my late dad’s Scottish ancestral farm. We have a few poisonous snakes and spiders here but not as many species as in the SE and SW USA or as in your hinterlands, etc.
Yes - I follow on UTube those who must live in their RVs and even their vehicles because of our housing situations.
Love your Aussie accent. I became hooked on it ever since Paul Hogan and the Crocodile Dundee movies.
Have a good day! Cheers from Canada! 😊
PS: I liked the humane way you disposed of the mice. Mickey Mouse would be proud! Just kidding!
@@janeburton7647 Hey Jane, if you liked Paul Hogan in Crocodile Dundee, have you seen any of his earlier stuff? He had a very popular show here in the 70s. My favourite skit is up on UA-cam, if you search "Strop's Hangover Cure" - this is an absolute classic. And yes, Strop actually drank that concoction.
@@nigelandsueadventures Appreciate the info about Paul Hogan. Cheers!
Nobody wants to live with mice, but bless your good heart for setting humane traps
Thank you did making such a practical and educational video! I have been planning to travel in Australia in a camper van, and I need honest videos like this as my guide. Thanks a million!
You're very welcome! Its a great way to see the country.
Also for mice Irish Spring Bar Soap. Use a potato peeler to shave off slices to stick in places as you do like the peppermint cotton pieces. Soap may last longer than peppermint oil. I know mice qlso like to eat the wrapping of wires in vehicles under the engine hood. Also if you are parked somewhere and if it's possible you can sprinkle Borax around your perimeter and mice generally won't cross it because they do not like the borax on the pads of their feet. Borax is a neutral PH and earth friendly. I have had success with this inside garage. Just ideas if you're interested to try. I love that you don't kill the mice. ✌️💚🕯️
We must have special mice. We get mice in our trailer every winter. They ate the Irish Spring soap and made a nest with the cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil. I’ve also tried dryer sheets but they don’t work either. Now I’m relying on old fashioned mouse traps again.
So annoying aren't they! I've never heard of that soap. Maybe it's only available in the UK?
@@nigelandsueadventuresIrish Spring is a really potent smelling soap but it’s a myth that it repels mice. They just eat it.
@@nigelandsueadventures I am so sorry... I feel silly I didn't think about that. . I am in the USA. Peppermint oil it is lol
@@RareBirdTracy no need to apologise! I've got it on the list for when we do VanLife USA!
We have had good luck with stainless steel wool for areas that need to be plugged.
Can you adopt a cat? That should keep the rodents away.
The first one was the biggest one. You got the mom out, that drew out the rest. You got lucky getting the mom out and the others followed quickly bc they were depending on her for food. So they came out. Otherwise they'd hunker down if they had enough hoarded. Glad you got that handled. Keep some of those traps left out all the time. Can't hurt.
Thank you for helping the rodent growth on the road . Also nice of you to think of us in town and bringing some to us. The rodent shortages have been a problem.
LOL !!!!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣