Monaco 2008 LaPalma XL, Owner'S Manual

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9
2 0 0 8 l a Pa l m a X l
eXterIor & InterIor care — 3
Fruit flies invade the motorhome by attaching
to fresh fruits and vegetables. Determine what
food items are generating the flies and discard
that item in an outdoor trash receptacle. 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. The colony must be destroyed
to eliminate all ants. Keep ants away from the
sewer hose by spraying the hose ends with a
soap and water solution.
Fleas can be removed by properly treating pets
with a veterinarian approved treatment and by
thoroughly cleaning the motorhome. Vacuum
vinyl areas and tile floors to remove dust, flea
larva and flea eggs. Follow by thoroughly
washing those areas with soap and water.
Carpets must be vacuumed and treated with a
residual flea control product labeled safe for
indoor carpet and furniture use. Perform the
cleaning treatment daily for three days to ensure
that all fleas have encountered the treatment.
Flying outdoor insects are attracted to
bright light. Yellow porch light covers on the
motorhome work to discourage insect invasion.
During nighttime hours insects will be attracted
to docking lights, or other bright exterior
lighting.
If the presence of moths is detected inside
of the motorhome, usually by holes appearing
in material, clean the affected clothing and all
other items stored in the same area. Follow
by completely cleaning the closet, dresser or
storage area. If cracks are detected, seal the
cracks and treat the area with a properly labeled
indoor pest control product.
Birds:
Even birds can be considered pests,
particularly when the motorhome is parked in
the flight path of a flock. Bird droppings are
hard to remove and will leave stains. Prevent
permanent staining to the motorhome roof by
regularly cleaning the surface to remove all bird
droppings.
Damage from Pests:
Lizards have been known to crawl into the
inverter and short out the circuit board. Lizards
can be captured using glue traps. To remove
the lizard from the trap, dissolve the glue with
vegetable oil and release it outside and well
away from the motorhome. A scorpion will
glow blue-green in UV light. If the presence
of scorpions in the motorhome is suspected,
investigate with an UV black light during the
nighttime hours.
Best sources of information about common
household pests:
The Internet is a great place to find
information about common pests. The National
Pest Management Association website can be
useful resource about common pests. Another
good source for information are colleges and
universities with entomology (study of insects)
departments.
Electronic pest control devices can be costly
and most likely will not work on all types of
rodents and insects. When calling on the services
of a professional to combat pest infestation, call
a reputable business that is licensed in handling
pesticides. Check references. Explain that you
are seeking assistance for a motorhome, as
treatments may differ from standard household
jobs.
If a pest problem is suspected in the
motorhome, consider professional pest control
help.