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Topic: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson (Read 426 times) previous topic - next topic
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Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Even though we've had campers and RVs for some time, I had no idea this could happen, so maybe sharing this RV lesson will help others avoid the mistake.

I was happy to find safe parking for our Lazy Daze at a convention center in Los Angeles, but the only way to park was to back into the spot. I had to get as close as I could to an ivy-covered wall - I think it was ivy, anyway. The Lazy Daze was just touching the greenery.

We were in the convention center for about 12 hours. When we came back out armies of ants were marching their way up the LD and entering it through the vents in the bottoms of the rear sliding windows. Inside they had made their way to the kitchen and refrigerator already. Luckily they hadn't found the only accessible food in the highest cabinets and hadn't gotten into the fridge (maybe the seals won't let them in) - though the sink was already black with ants.

I vacuumed them up, but for 3 days we had to keep checking because they kept reappearing both outside and inside.

My takeaway is to never park so that the LD is touching plants. But, I don't know why ants couldn't crawl up the tires, too. I hate to think what would have happened had we spent the night!

Visions of the classic sci-fi flick Them! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4URRp39XOo

Jim & Deb
Santa Cruz, CA
2016 24' TK
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #1 –
We were invaded last year at "Gateway to Cape Cod". What was shocking is how fast and how many got inside. They came in via a sewer hose and up via the toilet area. Sprayed and that did the trick.
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #2 –
One thing I've found helpful is to sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth on and around all RV contact points, ie. tires, sewer hose, electrical cord, etc.

Works well on 'piss-ants' in temperate climates and it's the bomb for Fire Ants in the south.  8) 


Diatomaceous earth - Wikipedia
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #3 –
I've heard borax works well also. Where do you purchase Diatomaceous Earth, Steve?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #4 –
Had it happen to us too.  At a campground about 3 years ago the yard guy had cut the grass which only disturbed the ants.  They moved their hill over to the inside of one of the tires.  Decided they would climb into the coach and have a party.  When I went to bed I didn't look but just climbed under the sheets.  Didn't take long for them to crawl all over me and start biting.  Had to make a midnight run to wallyworld for ant poison.  Filled the vacuum bag up the next day after we got back from the hotel....
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #5 –
Thanks for the great tips we can use to prevent any future ant invasions!
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #6 –
Diatomaceous Earth,  I've found, can be purchased anywhere chicken feed is sold.  The chickens like to "bath" in it to keep the bugs away.

I could take orders and bring to Q (!!!)
2005 RB
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #7 –
"Where do you purchase Diatomaceous Earth, Steve?"

Readily available in Home Improvement stores, garden section!

Nice thing about it is it's biodegradable, non-toxic, etc. It's nothing but ground up rock.   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #8 –
I know that diatomaceous earth comes in a "Food Grade" variety for a non-toxic alternative for those who consume it for health purposes.

I've purchased it on line in 3-5 pound packages. Spread it around the foundation of the sticks & bricks to stave off all manner of pesky insects. Food grade was used to remove any health risks to our little dogs and the cat.

I would imagine it could be purchased at pool supply stores as it is used as a filter medium. A while back this topic was discussed on LDO about the time I started noticing ants parading about our LD tires.

I get along great ants and their industrious nature...as long as they stay out of my home.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #9 –
Hi All,

We use Diotomatious Earth around our home and yard all the time for various bugs.  Please do not use the kind from pool supply places since it is NOT food grade DE.  There is a difference and it is a caution.  Here is a link to explain:

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth vs. Pool Grade Diatomaceous Earth

It's a great product.
Annette

2019 TK on order
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #10 –
So where do you purchase the food grade DE, Annette?  Home Depot?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #11 –
Here in the mid-west we are able to get it at Farm King and Ace Hardware.  St. Gabriel is the maker of this product and don't think I've seen another brand anywhere.  Pretty sure Amazon has it also.
Annette
2019 TK on order
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #12 –
CORRECTION: Just checked Amazon and there are other brands!  Who knew!! 
Annette
2019 TK on order
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #13 –
Went ahead and ordered a 10 lb. bag from Amazon for home pest control use. Do you just sprinkle it around the perimeter of the house?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #14 –
The DE is a very fine powder.  Be careful not to inhale it.  We bought some that came in a bottle with a nozzle head that you squeeze and the fine powder is sprayed out.  It can get kinda messy dispensing.  You could put in a fine mesh screen like a kitchen sifter and put it anywhere around your home where you have pests. 
Annette
2019 TK on order
 
Re: Learned a valuable and surprising (to me at least) RV lesson
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
Nice thing about it is it's biodegradable, non-toxic, etc. It's nothing but ground up rock.  ;D

I find it a lot more interesting than that.  Diatomaceous earth is basically the accumulation of billions of the "shells" of the one celled algae known as the diatom.  Diatoms absorb silica from the water and secrete their external shells (tests) of basically glass.  Since diatoms have evolved greatly over time and in different environmental settings, they are very useful to geologists to identify the age and conditions that the deposit was created in.  Micro-photographs of diatoms can actually be fascinating and beautiful.  To insects, their remains in the form of diatomaceous earth or diatomite is basically like walking across broken glass, so they tend to avoid it.

http://www.micromagus.net/diatoms/circle02.jpg

Since I grew up living near a large deposit of fairly pure diatomaceous earth and geology/paleontology was a major interest of mine, I am fond of diatoms.  :D

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog