Squirrels in the ceiling

[DFSR]

We have a 2011 3150rl, and I just got back from 2 weeks in the forestry reserve. So one morning I come back in after breakfast to see a squirrel running around inside my unit. After chasing him out, I see that he had been in the ac ducting and had chewed his way through one of the vent covers to get into the rv and try to find a way out. After inspecting all the vents and seeing that he had chewed on most of them before getting through the one, I searched high and low to find out how he got up there. It should be a sealed system should it not? I found nothing.. about a week later I had just gone to bed and I hear another one in the ceiling, I opened the door and started tapping in the ceiling to see if I could chase him out, as I had left the vent covers off. After working my way from the bedroom to the rear of the unit, I hear him run down the rear cap. I thought these should be insulated and mostly sealed, and how much space is there in the roof that they can run around up there.
Has anyone else ever had this problem?
Can someone tell me were to find replacement vents for the ac?
Any ideas on how to stop this from happening again..
Thanks everyone

[mlh]

We had one in the ceiling of the shop. The only way I know to get rid of him was to chase him out and shoot him. If you just chase him off he WILL be right back. Has found a really nice home and will not wont be leave.
Lynwood

[MidMOTraveler]

You better get on your roof and take the covers off the AC units.
A squirrel could possibly have chewed it’s way in.
Then by crawling around or making his own path gotten into the input side of the AC .
If a squirrel got that far you may be in for a flood next time it rains .
I had a starling that figured out how to get in one of mine but never into the duct work. Cleaned nest materials out 3 times and finally did resort to a 12ga solution.

[Sdgood1]

Are you sure your not just nuts?? I’m sorry just had to

[Dave W]

Another doorway in is through the pin box. We have had mice get in that way. Also, make sure that the belly cover is fully against the frame which was the doorway for mice last winter for ours.


Unfortunately for the rodent (yes, squirrels are rodents) the only way to permanently discourage one who has nested in the ceiling is his demise by whatever means.


Oh and welcom to MOC

[jcurtis934]

Try looking at the corolla st cover on the bottom. Obvious route into the rv and then wherever they want to go. Got hydraulic levelers? Look at the huge holes around them up into the basement area.

[mlh]

Unless you permanently get rid of him, as in shoot him he WILL be back. He has found a really nice place to live and will not leave on his own. If you live where you can’t shoot him a pellet rifle will take care of the problem.
Lynwood

[Dave W]

Originally Posted by mlh

Unless you permanently get rid of him, as in shoot him he WILL be back. He has found a really nice place to live and will not leave on his own. If you live where you can’t shoot him a pellet rifle will take care of the problem.

Lynwood

And if you don't have a pellet gun - get a pellet rifle. A.177 caliber is minimal but a .22 caliber version and with a scope will do it better. I have a Benjamin (Crosman) .177, low end 'break barrel' and it does a very nice job on varmits plus is also fun just to plink cans with.

[Creeker]

Something squirrelly about this entire thread...


Must say, its a first for me.

[mlh]

For those that have a rimfire and like to shoot try this. Put 25 dots like this . on a sheet of paper and see how many of them you can hit at 50 yards. You can put a 1/4 inch circle around them. A benchrest shooter will hit at least 22 usually 23 or 24. Try it it’s fun. but will drive you nuts. You will be lucky to hit 10.
Lynwood

[Razrbk]

Another option would be to trap it.

[Dave W]

Originally Posted by Razrbk

Another option would be to trap it.

With a squirrel you will need to take it at least 5 miles, 10 is better and to be almost sure it wont come back, a river between you and the drop off point.



Then there is the fact that in any particular state such as NY, it's illegal to trap, travel and release elsewhere unless you are a licenesed exterminator.

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by dcathcart4@shaw.ca

We have a 2011 3150rl, After working my way from the bedroom to the rear of the unit, I hear him run down the rear cap. I thought these should be insulated and mostly sealed, and how much space is there in the roof that they can run around up there.
Has anyone else ever had this problem?

I haven't had the problem with varmints but have fished a lot of wires through the rear cap in many 5'ers including my own. Trust me, a squirrel would have no problems getting around in there. The rear caps are not packed with insulation.

[Razrbk]

Originally Posted by Dave W

With a squirrel you will need to take it at least 5 miles, 10 is better and to be almost sure it wont come back, a river between you and the drop off point.



Then there is the fact that in any particular state such as NY, it's illegal to trap, travel and release elsewhere unless you are a licenesed exterminator.

Guess you could trap him and then shoot him,

[Our3231CK]

Wayne, can you send a photo of the results of the 12ga inside the Montana? before I go that route I'd like to see the aftermath clean up and repair, LMAO had to say it...

[DFSR]

Thanks for all the info, I am sure I got him out and moved the unit 50 miles so won't have to get it the gun.
And it sounds like sealing up the cap is another dyi project like so many others to bring the unit up to standard.
But I still need to replace the AC vent covers any thoughts on were to buy them?

[jcurtis934]

LaMesa rv carries the ac vent covers used in my monte. Key...look for "approved for use with dometic" verbal as others are slightly smaller. Their part number is 08-0211(grill2-a) if your vent cover doesn't have the three recessed dimples on the edge and 08-0216 (grill2d-a) if it does. Lamesa is www.lamesarv.com.

[Geezertrekker]

We too have had squirrels in the ceiling. With snow on the ground it was easy to track it. Came in through the framework where the hydraulic rod goes through frame then into the underbelly the up the wall just aft of the slide then into ceiling. Tried everyone’s suggested remedy but steel wool was the only thing that worked. If you try this to block hole be sure to clean the rod well before using the slide. Don’t want steel slivers in the hydrolic seals. Otherwise. Good luck.

[Graham]

A few years ago we had a squirrel in our Montana. We finally saw him go through the opening in the frame where the push-out rod goes through. We first heard him going through the ceiling. I eventually opened up the space under the shower and collected 2 full plastic shopping bags full of fir cones. I think he just wanted to go south with us that winter. I cleaned them all out one weekend and he had it all filled up again by the next weekend. That's when I discovered where he was entering. I have since made some thin aluminum plates that I put over the holes when the RV is parked (for the summer). I just take them off when we're on the move. So far, fingers crossed .... no more squirrels.

[laverdur]

Had a squirrel in the attic of my 2012 3150rl. I discovered it when I went to get a snack and heard it running around above the ceiling panels. Got on a stool and banged on the ceiling panels until I scared it out. Got under the rig to see how it could have gotten in. Lots of openings. The squirrel jumped up on the cable messenger for the entertainment slide and walked along the top to the opening that gave access to the corner of the end cap. From there it crawled up the corner or insulation and into the attic. We know this because my daughter set up a "squirrel watch" and saw the critter exit the hole and walk along the top of the cable messenger. I made a temporary plug for that hole with plastic shopping bags. When I got home I bought some 1/2" galvanized metal hardware cloth and cut pieces to fit every opening (all 22 of them). Attached hardware cloth with screws and fender washers. No more squirrels in 6 years.