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To control pest infestation, eliminate those factors that attract pests, and take immediate steps to remove a pest
as soon as the presence is detected. There are a number of steps that can be taken to help in controlling pests:
Reduce clutter inside the motorhome and storage bays. All storage items, particularly food (including pet
food), should be kept in tightly sealed containers. Seal all cracks and holes, and insure that window, door
and vent screens are securely in place.
Routinely clean the motorhome, including storage bays. Wipe down the water bay. Promptly remove
all crumbs from areas where food is regularly prepared and eaten. Garbage should be placed in a sealed
container and removed to an outside receptacle daily. Only put out pet food that will be immediately eaten.
Keep foods such as flour, cereal, spaghetti and pet food in re-sealable containers with tight lids.
Sweep and vacuum often (especially in eating areas) to help eliminate food sources for some pests.
Seal cracks, crevices, and other gaps especially around doors and windows. Make sure all windows and
doors are screened and fit the screens snugly in the frame.
Many pests need moisture to successfully live and reproduce. Limit access to water or moisture sources
by sealing cracks and leaks in pipes and faucets. Reduce moisture in the motorhome by controlling
condensation, immediately wiping up spills and promptly repairing leaks. Be extra alert around areas that
attract rodents and insects, including the sewer hose, fresh water hose, bay doors and items that may be
leaning against the outside of the motorhome, such as fishing poles and golf clubs.
When the motorhome is stored outdoors, clear the surrounding area of all rodent friendly hiding places
- shrubs, trees and clutter. Completely seal the underside of the motorhome. Wire mesh will work well to
prevent points of entry, but beware of blocking necessary air vents. Prior to operating the motorhome after
storage, remove all insect and animal nests that may have developed around vents, engine compartments,
and the exhaust pipe and in the wheel wells.
Rodents:
Rodents may chew through wires or build nests in components of the motorhome. Signs of rodent
infestation include droppings, shredded material or chewed furniture fabrics and vinyl. Rodents like to build nests
with wire insulation, and are commonly attracted to the outside coating of 110 wiring more than 12-Volt wiring.
NOTE
Although the back cap on most motorhomes is well sealed, rodents are capable of chewing through
the foam insulation and that area should be routinely inspected.
If there are signs of rodent infestation around the motorhome, place traps or poisons in suspected areas. Keep
the traps and poisons safely away from pets and children. Cheese is not the best bait for a rodent trap. Use peanut
butter or chocolate in small amounts. Place the bait on the trigger of the trap to induce the rodent to climb onto the
trigger to reach the bait. Rodents do not limit invasion to unused vehicles.
Insects:
Eliminate insects the moment a sign of infestation is spotted. If you are unable to identify the insect,
purchase some sticky traps from the hardware store and place the tape where you have seen the insects. Once
caught, seek assistance in identifying the insect and determining what will be required to remove the infestation.
Regularly inspect the exterior of the motorhome for signs of a budding wasp nest, and promptly destroy small
nests before they become too large.
Spiders can be in any structure. Since they are predators and feed on living prey, this would indicate other
smaller pests may be found. Immediately remove spider webs. Some types of spiders like to nest on top of the
diesel tank and around the diesel hoses. Dispense of spiders using a vacuum. Use care to capture the spider and
egg sacs. Throw the vacuum bag away in a sealed bag.
Fruit flies invade the motorhome by attaching themselves to fresh fruits and vegetables. Determine what food
items are generating the flies and discard that item in an outdoor trash receptacle. Any remaining fruit flies can
be eliminated with a homemade trap. Pour a few ounces of vinegar into a cup and cover the cup with plastic
wrap. Secure the wrap with tape or a rubber band and poke a ¼” hole in the plastic. Place the trap in the area
where fruit flies are present. Ants live in colonies. Only a fraction of the ant colony will leave to seek food.
Spraying pesticides will only kill the ants that are away from the colony. To eliminate all ants, the colony must be
destroyed. Keep ants away from the sewer hose by spraying the hose ends with a soap and water solution.
