Being one with nature is a perk of living life in an Airstream, but sometimes wildlife can get a little too curious about your travel trailer or touring coach. To deter wildlife from damaging your Airstream or ruining your vacation, consider these preventive measures.
How Do I Deter Wildlife From Damaging My Airstream While In Storage?
The best way to deter wildlife while storing your Airstream is to store your travel trailer in an enclosed, indoor facility.
If you are storing your Airstream in an outside facility, ask management what measures they have in place to prevent wildlife from disturbing their units. A few helpful preventive measures to look for when selecting a storage facility include installed motion sensor lights, motion-activated sprinklers, deer and/or snake fencing, and a cleared area free of debris (natural or man-made) and away from trees with low-hanging branches.
Before you put your Airstream in storage, consider these additional preventive measures to deter wildlife:
- Ensure your Airstream is completely free of food and crumbs.
- Inspect and seal any gaps or cracks in the Airstream's exterior and undercarriage.
- Place peppermint oil or scented dryer sheets inside your Airstream (some animals dislike the strong scent).
- Hang shiny objects, like CD discs or reflective “scare” tape, to the outside of your Airstream.
How Do I Deter Wildlife From Ruining My Airstream Camping Adventure?
Depending on the area of the country where you are adventuring, there are a variety of animals you may encounter. Consider the following the tips to prevent the type of wildlife that is causing problems:
Bears
- Store food and scented items in bear-resistant containers.
- Use bear-proof trash cans or secure garbage in airtight containers.
- Keep all windows and doors locked when the Airstream is unattended.
- Install battery-operated motion sensor lights around your Airstream.
- If you are in an area with the proper hookups, use a motion-activated sprinkler. Solar-powered, motion-activated sprinklers are available on the market.
Raccoons
- Seal any openings or gaps in the Airstream to prevent their entry.
- Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids or use bear-resistant containers.
- Remove any potential food sources, such as pet food or bird feeders, from the vicinity of your Airstream.
- If you are in an area with the proper hookups, use a motion-activated sprinkler to startle raccoons. Solar-powered, motion-activated sprinklers are available on the market.
Squirrels
- Trim tree branches that hang over or near the Airstream to prevent access.
- Seal any small openings or gaps where squirrels could enter.
- Place strong-smelling repellents, such as peppermint oil or mothballs, near potential entry points.
Mice
- Inspect and seal any gaps or cracks in the Airstream's exterior and undercarriage.
- Store food in airtight containers and keep the interior clean and free from crumbs.
- Place mouse traps or use humane traps to catch and release them away from the Airstream.
- Consider using peppermint oil or dryer sheets, as mice dislike the strong scent.
Snakes
- Keep the area surrounding the Airstream clean and free from debris where snakes may hide.
- Seal any openings, gaps, or cracks in the Airstream to prevent their entry.
- Remove any potential food sources, such as rodent populations, which can attract snakes.
Insects (Ants, Bees, Etc)
- Keep the Airstream clean and free from food crumbs or spills that attract insects.
- Store food in airtight containers to prevent access.
- Seal any small openings or cracks where insects can enter.
- Use insect repellents or natural deterrents, such as citrus peels or cinnamon, to discourage their presence.