Forum Discussion

UltimateSVT's avatar
UltimateSVT
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016

Storage, bugs, critters & unwanted guests

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum. My wife & I just purchased this 2016 Dutchmen/Coleman 274BH. I always knew we had ample space to store it on the side of the house but after just 2 days at home, I'm already starting to notice 2 frogs crawling up the sides of the camper onto the roof & one jumping underneath the camper as well.

I live in Lehigh Acres, FL. This city is fairly new & there are tons of vacant lots with overgrowth. As you can clearly see in the picture that's the case with the empty lot next door to my home.

What ideas can you guys give me? Frogs don't bother me in general but they love to crawl into tight spaces & I foresee a HUGE issue in the next few weeks.

Any help/ideas are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

photo 20160419_200047_zpsi9le2kws.jpg
  • UltimateSVT's avatar
    UltimateSVT
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    I'm trying to upload the picture from my photobucket acct but it won't allow me.
  • UltimateSVT's avatar
    UltimateSVT
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    This is the direct link. This is where the camper is parked.

    http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y383/Rockysplaycare/20160419_200047_zpsi9le2kws.jpg
  • drumming102's avatar
    drumming102
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    I got ya.



    Use https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/201045551/Forums/PhotoUpload/RV.NET-Photo-Upload.html next time
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    I don't know how any mechanical barrier would help there. If you remove the food source or add a noxious-to-them chemical, critters will depopulate to a better area.
    I guess if it was me, I'd try some mild stuff first like diatomaceous earth or pepper powder.
  • UltimateSVT's avatar
    UltimateSVT
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    Thanks Drumming102.

    Westend, the problem I have is even if I spray or irrigate the lawn with any type of product, frogs tend to jump onto my carport or fence. I wouldn't want to remove the carport though. I actually extended the height for the very purpose of keeping the roof away from the direct sunlight.

    Whatever I do, I gotta do it quick, otherwise they'll create their own habitat on that camper. **** shame too, it's brand new.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    Other critters, possible. When you say frogs, do you mean frogs, or toads. Most frogs only live in or around pools or ponds. Toads, generally live anywhere in damp or wooded areas, and are fine friends because of the number of mosquitos and flying bugs they eat. They will not usually go inside, and do not make any type of nest, or hurt anything. If you have a pond or puddle near that water stays in, you may get a hatching of baby toads or frogs any time now. There will be millions of them, all over everything. they won't hurt anything, just looks at them as future mosquioto traps, and try to keep as many around as you can.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    They won't hurt the camper, and their habitat is in wet or damp areas. If your camper has wet or damp areas, the frogs are the least of your problems.
  • UltimateSVT's avatar
    UltimateSVT
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    I've never been too worried about the frogs/toads I have here. Not sure which they are. YES, they definitely help with the insect population which is why I tend to leave them alone. However if you look at the places where they usually tend to sleep, you will see some nasty brown residue left behind. I know because I have 2 outdoor outlets around my house with he caps you can open/close. One has a broken tab & they love sleeping in there. You can see the brown sludge that forms in that box. I can only imagine what can happen to a camper that won't be used but once every 8-12 weeks or so.
  • FDAER's avatar
    FDAER
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2016
    If you don't have pets try putting moth balls under/around the perimeter of your trailer. I do this in Oregon when I store the TT for the winter and never had a critter of any type inside. I would be worried about the frogs establishing a new home in your TT and attracting snakes inside. :E

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