Monarch SE 2004----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 3 Exterior & Interior | 137
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 pest 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.
Fleas can be removed by properly treating pets with a veterinarian-approved
treatment and a thorough cleaning of 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 insure 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.