Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Rats in eurocamp mobile

135 replies

bec81 · 10/08/2024 00:47

Help, I'm freaking out. We are staying in a eurocamp mobile home, campsite in Holland. Eurocamp has accommodation on site, but another company run the site, which is brilliant. We're on day 3. This afternoon and evening we have had a rat coming into the cupboard. When we saw the signs first (bread eaten in cupboard) we went to the eurocamp reception. We were told, tough sh*t that's camping, and that the campsite is full, they can't move us. They put in a plug in noise thing and left us to it. He has since been back, full on gnawing and clattering about in/around the same kitchen cupboard (which has been emptied out), mm from my 6 year olds sleeping head. I'm on high alert, staying in the kids room, I know I won't sleep a wink waiting for him to return. I can't stay here tomorrow. The kids will be devastated if we have to go home tomorrow, they've been absolutely loving it and have so many plans for the next week. What can we realistically do if they won't move us and we can't stay here? We don't have money to stay somewhere else and hope for eventual (probably unlikely) reimbursement.

OP posts:
sarahjaneg · 10/08/2024 08:43

I think I know what campsite you're on, we went last year, had the best time and can totally see why your kids will be disappointed to leave early...but I'm petrified and wouldn't have been able to stay there either..
I joined a Facebook group for tips etc when we were going, wonder if you joined that it might help, there may be people with the same problem?.
We also found the staff onsite rude and unhelpful, really off as everywhere else we went the people were wonderful.
Really hope you get it sorted out x

VJBR · 10/08/2024 08:38

bec81 · 10/08/2024 01:25

I haven't seen him, no. But I've seen the previously sealed pack of burger buns that were half demolished, and heard the rummaging in the cupboard and gnawing of teeth.

The kids would be freaked out if they knew. We are most definitely not rat people and they would be very aware of the threat they pose in general.

Show quote history

With all due respect how do you know it is a rat if you haven’t seen it. Could it be a mouse?

Original poster
bec81 · 10/08/2024 08:36

HappyMum123456 · 10/08/2024 05:27

We had a bad experience with Eurocamp in France a couple of years ago (accommodation was right next to a septic tank 🤢). We were also told the site was full. After several calls to the number they’d left us we turned up at the Eurocamp reception and asked for the manager. We waited until they located him, and he was able to move us straight away. They even helped us move. Persistence may be key. There’s always enough turnover of guests at these sites for some movement. Good luck!

Thanks for this. I'm hoping I will be sending a similar update later today.

OP posts:
Gobbolino7825 · 10/08/2024 08:12

I worked for Eurocamp one summer as a student, decades ago - the whole place was pretty much run by students! There is a good chance whoever you spoke to did not have the knowledge or ability to help you if they were just a campsite worker. There will be an area manager who looks after several campsites- you need to escalate it to them as they will have the a ability to relocate you to a different campsite if yours is fully booked up. Also call customer service phone line in the meantime. Good luck!

Original poster
bec81 · 10/08/2024 08:11

StarlightLady · 10/08/2024 03:50

OP, who did you book the accommodation through? Did you pay by credit card? If so, on arrival or in advance?

Booked it with eurocamp and paid by debit card in full in one go months ago

OP posts:
Original poster
bec81 · 10/08/2024 08:10

Firefly1987 · 10/08/2024 03:10

If you've not seen it it could just be a mouse. Not great but a lot better than a rat! There will be droppings so you should be able to see if they are rat or mice droppings. I wouldn't bother myself over a mouse, a rat I would be out of there and telling them they're probably in violation of something and it's a health hazard etc.

Definitely not a mouse. I've lived in houses with mice without much problem. Id prefer them to not be in my house like, but wouldn't be ending a holiday over it. The thumping and gnawing definitely wasn't a mouse

OP posts:
Tapandsink · 10/08/2024 08:08

bec81 · 10/08/2024 08:06

We booked it directly through eurocamp website, in February or March and paid it off in full then.

So far we have only spoken to night staff and night manager. Reception is opening now, hopefully we'll get better response from them. Eurocamp at home (Ireland) opens in an hour so will call them straight away at 9.

Show quote history

I think this is the key OP. The people you've spoken to aren't 'Eurocamp' as such, they're fallible individuals who have made a poor customer service decision. Generally Eurocamp are one of the better companies for customer service (though not as good as they were) so I imagine you'll get it sorted today. If you're not happy with the response, ask for the complaint to be escalated.

Supersoakers · 10/08/2024 08:07

Horrible but I wouldn’t be cutting the holiday short if the kids are having a great time.

Original poster
bec81 · 10/08/2024 08:06

BossMadam · 10/08/2024 01:59

How did you book the holiday? Can you contact Eurocamp HQ in the UK first thing tomorrow and very forcefully tell them this is unacceptable and a health hazard and it needs sorting out immediately. Tell them you will be putting it on SM, and what you were told by the site, and seeing if the media pick up the story if you aren’t moved within an hour.

Whoever you spoke with at Reception is talking BS as no one would accept a rat being in their holiday accommodation, especially where they are sleeping! Did you speak to the most senior person? I bet they wouldn’t sleep in there.

In fact if there is an inside area open, like the reception area?, I’d decamp with pillows and blankets with DC to sleep on the chairs and tell everyone why you are there. Shout it from the rooftops in fact.

Edited

We booked it directly through eurocamp website, in February or March and paid it off in full then.

So far we have only spoken to night staff and night manager. Reception is opening now, hopefully we'll get better response from them. Eurocamp at home (Ireland) opens in an hour so will call them straight away at 9.

OP posts:
Londonrach1 · 10/08/2024 08:02

Nope not normal for camping at Eurocamp. We camp regularly there and never seen a rat. Back to reception and take it higher....that's awful

MadameMassiveSalad · 10/08/2024 07:58

Oh god about to go to a EC 😳🐀
Will be on the lookout now for rodents!
Are you in a tent op or a wooden chalet type thing?

dontstopmenowimhavingagoodtime · 10/08/2024 05:29

HappyMum123456 · 10/08/2024 05:27

We had a bad experience with Eurocamp in France a couple of years ago (accommodation was right next to a septic tank 🤢). We were also told the site was full. After several calls to the number they’d left us we turned up at the Eurocamp reception and asked for the manager. We waited until they located him, and he was able to move us straight away. They even helped us move. Persistence may be key. There’s always enough turnover of guests at these sites for some movement. Good luck!

That's exactly what I think!

HappyMum123456 · 10/08/2024 05:27

We had a bad experience with Eurocamp in France a couple of years ago (accommodation was right next to a septic tank 🤢). We were also told the site was full. After several calls to the number they’d left us we turned up at the Eurocamp reception and asked for the manager. We waited until they located him, and he was able to move us straight away. They even helped us move. Persistence may be key. There’s always enough turnover of guests at these sites for some movement. Good luck!

SwingTheMonkey · 10/08/2024 05:19

I literally live on a farm. I’m used to rodents, although I wouldn’t put up with them in my house - we use a rat man to control the population. I absolutely wouldn’t expect anyone to feel at home with rodents on holiday. They can and do carry disease.

dontstopmenowimhavingagoodtime · 10/08/2024 05:11

@LameBorzoi do you honestly believe that eurocamp haven't got the ability to sort this out?

I don't believe they don't have one single empty accommodation, because things like this happen and units become unusable.

Failing that, they could employ a pest control firm, who could come and deal with the issue, put in preventive measures and they could then reimburse OP for the lost food and inconvenience.

So far, they've done nothing. Not good enough.

OP is leaving tomorrow if not sorted, so telling her to not give it headspace and sort it out herself is not an option.

LameBorzoi · 10/08/2024 05:02

Mummyoflittledragon · 10/08/2024 04:50

You are not the only one with experience of living on a farm and having rats around the place. Obviously I wouldn’t move out if this were my actual home. But why should op put up with it on holiday? The caravan should be fully usable and not infested with vermin.

Show quote history

I'm may saying that she should "put up with it", but what is she going to do? Certainly try the refund and social media things, if it doesn't take up so much headspace that if ruins your holiday. I'm just saying that stressing about it will only harm herself.

Whenwillitgetwarm · 10/08/2024 04:54

Their urine can carry a multitude of awful diseases. You can not stay there with your kids. I agree with PP, time to go on insta, Facebook, even DM sad face.

Mummyoflittledragon · 10/08/2024 04:50

LameBorzoi · 10/08/2024 04:35

If you know enough about animal husbandry, you will be more disgusted by a cat on a kitchen bench than you would a rat.

My standards of living areas fine. I've just done more camping than most, and have lived on a farm.

Show quote history

You are not the only one with experience of living on a farm and having rats around the place. Obviously I wouldn’t move out if this were my actual home. But why should op put up with it on holiday? The caravan should be fully usable and not infested with vermin.

SwingTheMonkey · 10/08/2024 04:49

LameBorzoi · 10/08/2024 04:47

Well, she can ask. If they are full, they can't move her. And a full refund? In a hotel, yes, of course. In her shoes, I would ask. But I wouldn't let it ruin my holiday.

Show quote history

Ridiculous snobbery. Of course op should expect rat free accommodation. No different to a hotel.

Damsonjam1 · 10/08/2024 04:49

Definitely not normal. Is it rats or mice? You can tell by droppings. We've had mice in tent on camping holidays, sorted by not having any food left accessible. Never had them when staying in mobile homes. Never had rats and only ever saw them when we stayed many years ago at a site in Holland (Duinrell, which was otherwise fabulous). The site owner should be doing more to eradicate rats if these are your intruder. Lots of advice already. I would complain to site owner / higher up in Eurocamp as reps on site tend to be very junior. Personally I wouldn't abandon holiday. Good luck

LameBorzoi · 10/08/2024 04:47

SwingTheMonkey · 10/08/2024 04:36

Plug in deterrents won’t work. Op is quite within her rights to demand they move her, or refund her in full.

Show quote history

Well, she can ask. If they are full, they can't move her. And a full refund? In a hotel, yes, of course. In her shoes, I would ask. But I wouldn't let it ruin my holiday.

dontstopmenowimhavingagoodtime · 10/08/2024 04:37

sugarplum33 · 10/08/2024 04:27

Why on earth should OP have to traipse to the shops to buy steel wool or gaffa tape, she's paid for holiday accommodation which should be fit for purpose. Go and raise hell at reception OP!

Yep!

Honestly, some people accept shocking service for paid for accommodation etc.

So OP sorts it for eurocamp at her expense and time?

I don't think so.

SwingTheMonkey · 10/08/2024 04:36

LameBorzoi · 10/08/2024 04:31

Well, they have tried something to start with. And yes, they should do more. But getting hysterical and staying up all night and ruining the holiday isn't going to help

Show quote history

Plug in deterrents won’t work. Op is quite within her rights to demand they move her, or refund her in full.

LameBorzoi · 10/08/2024 04:35

SwingTheMonkey · 10/08/2024 04:26

Of course it’s unusable! There’s a rat in there which may carry diseases. I wonder about other people’s standards of living…

Show quote history

If you know enough about animal husbandry, you will be more disgusted by a cat on a kitchen bench than you would a rat.

My standards of living areas fine. I've just done more camping than most, and have lived on a farm.

LameBorzoi · 10/08/2024 04:31

SwingTheMonkey · 10/08/2024 04:25

I wouldn’t be scared of it, but would I fuck put up with it on a caravan with the explanation that it’s just one of those things. This is holiday accommodation op has paid for. That shouldn’t include vermin, with no attempt to rectify the situation.

Show quote history

Well, they have tried something to start with. And yes, they should do more. But getting hysterical and staying up all night and ruining the holiday isn't going to help