When we think of pest control for our living space, we all can identify the home and workplace as obvious areas of concern. For many, though, “living space” includes a recreational vehicle! Why wouldn’t we want to protect this part-time living space just as thoroughly? Here are a few tips for pest control for RVs and campers.
Just because we spend relatively short periods of time enjoying our favorite pastime, doesn’t mean the vehicles we use are not always at risk from pests. In particular, RVs kept in storage lots face a constant threat of unwanted guests. These “vacationers” may take the form of roaches, ants, spiders, and even termites. The good news is these pests can be well controlled and also prevented.
Recreational vehicles are attractive to pests for the same reason homes are: food and shelter.
For the sake of convenience (and a speedier getaway next time) kitchen cabinets in RVs are frequently left stocked with food items. Often they are sealed nonperishables, which is great! But occasionally, the “good stuff” also gets left behind–creating an excellent opportunity for enterprising ants and roaches.
Pest control for RVs gets even a bit more complicated than that, because they are often left unattended for long periods of time–and frequently near areas bugs naturally call home.
Unpaved storage lots offer many opportunities for pests to enter your RV. Many facilities are merely fenced-in grassy lots, which can be problematic because it’s difficult to mow properly. Left unchecked, grass and weeds can grow to touch the chassis and body of an RV. For bugs, it’s a short trip from there to the interior.
Another problem is that an RV may sit unused for long stretches. This gives bugs a prime opportunity to move the family in. Colonies of ants and roaches will thrive when undisturbed in the sheltered environment of your RV.
Storing your RV on a concrete pad near your home will prevent pests more effectively, as it may benefit from the pest control measures used to protect the house. For instance, ants that feed on bait near the house will not be alive to come into the RV. The closer the RV is to the home, the more effective the treatment can be.
The ideal time to discover that there are vacationers already using your RV is not the first night out with your new wife…and no bug spray in the cabinet. Sure, it may make for a memorable first trip, but it might also be the last one of your marriage!
Even if you’ve been married for years, one ill-fated palmetto bug in the RV may mean you’ll never be “On the Road Again.” You may even be forced to sell the rig by “upper management”! The horror!
I’m just saying…it could happen.
If you want your next RV trip to be as fun as it looks in the magazines, remember three things:
- Remove all perishable food before you put the RV in storage
- Periodically trim tall grass and weeds surrounding the vehicle
- Have a preventative treatment done to control unwanted guests.
We offer pest control for RVs and campers of all shapes and sizes. These programs include one-time treatments and annual plans, and we serve both travelers passing through our area and area residents. We can meet you at any area campground, your home, or storage lot, or you can come by our office. Just give us a call at 386-673-1557.
Eschew my (hard-won through personal experience!) advice, and your camping trip memories may not be the happy ones you were counting on.
Todd Stebleton is the owner and operator of Universal Pest Control, a family-owned business for over 25 years in Ormond Beach, Florida. He and his wife Natalie are proud to have built a company focused on conducting business with honesty and integrity: keeping customers first, protecting the environment, and providing trustworthy, personal service.
Universal: Honest, Environmentally Friendly Pest Control