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Our gross neighbor left bugs behind, now we have them. HELP!

melissajean0
Explorer
Explorer
Our neighbor was a disgusting pig and has finally moved leaving roaches behind. There's no other spot to move to and other rv parks around us are full. I am assuming this rv park doesn't spray for pests. There are spiders, crickets, and flying insects everywhere. These roaches are now in our rv and I am doing everything I know to do to kill them and keep them out. They only seem to like to hang out around the sink. I make sure that trash is tied, that all food is either discarded or put away, and that's still not doing the trick. I see them in the sink sometimes and I wonder if they're coming up through the grey tank somehow. Anyway it's driving me insane. Not to mention that it really, really grosses me out to be around bugs. I would even say it's a borderline phobia. Anyone have any tips or products we can use. We did buy this thing that you spray the grass and it's supposed to get rid of bugs. So we may have that part covered, I just need to know how to get them out of the camper. Oh, we have also used that combat gel, which isn't really doing any good because they don't seem to be going in the places where it's laid. Maybe they are, and it's not working I don't know. But whatever is going on, wherever they are coming from, they're still getting in. Thanks for any help or advice. We are not gross people, I am a neat freak, but this is making me feel dirty and disgusting.
Husband: Jeremy; 1 Springer Spaniel; 1 Toy Schnauzer
F350 SD 4x4
Ford Edge
2008 Forest River Sandpiper
AL, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, MS, MO, NM, TN, TX, UT, WY, OK, KS
London, UK, Ipswich, UK.

25 REPLIES 25

Irelands_child
Explorer
Explorer
I guess that's worse then the extended stink bug family that move into our 5er when we passed through Virginia this fall.

RossAnabel
Explorer
Explorer
We have battled these little bastards at rental properties. They hang out by the kitchen stove due to the grease mainly. Many people don't realize how quickly it builds up in places not readily accessible like down the stove sides and hood. They need water, so will show up at the kitchen sink and bathroom also. I'm not sure is soap scum is in their diet but wouldn't doubt it. I'd also think that rotting wood caused by a leaky roof or water line /drain would make for suitable habitat.
So, make sure everything is clean, clean. No water leaks of any kind. Seal up any cracks where they like to hide. Use the gel in a syringe. Keep all food tightly sealed up. Clean the toaster. No pet food left out. No food out of the kitchen. Set of bombs. Every month reapply the gel with a different brand. Keep after them, it's a war, not just a battle.
Their flying ability is similar to that of a Flying Squirrel. They can travel on produce into your home, as eggs or babies, usually. Limit things that travel in and out of an infested area, such as a purse or winter coat. I had one drop out of a coat once as I gave it a good shake.
Good luck, they are beatable. Keep up the treatments to get the next few generations before they get established.
Ross

chops1sc
Explorer II
Explorer II
^Mythbusters did an episode on this. The conditions have to be just right but it can happen. Definitely turn off all appliances and flames.

JRandall
Explorer
Explorer
Don't know about the bugs, but if you choose the route of using an insect fogger, please turn off the propane water heater and fridge. Have heard of some that have been known to ignite the fog should it be thick enough.

laknox
Nomad
Nomad
bpounds wrote:
laknox wrote:
Don't know where you are, but here in AZ, we =do= have flying roaches. They don't do it often, but they definitely have the capability.

Lyle


I had no idea, but Google says you are correct. I guess that would explain the wings. :S


IIRC, all 6-legged insects have wings, either functional or vestigial.

Lyle
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
B&W OEM Companion & Gooseneck Kit
2017 KZ Durango 1500 D277RLT
1936 John Deere Model A
International Flying Farmers 64 Year Member

bpounds
Nomad
Nomad
laknox wrote:
Don't know where you are, but here in AZ, we =do= have flying roaches. They don't do it often, but they definitely have the capability.

Lyle


I had no idea, but Google says you are correct. I guess that would explain the wings. :S
2006 F250 Diesel
2011 Keystone Cougar 278RKSWE Fiver

Quick_trip
Explorer
Explorer
You need to let the manager know of the situation so they can also have the lot next to you sprayed!
If both lots are sprayed, then the problem should go away!
Good luck & Drive Safe!

laknox
Nomad
Nomad
bpounds wrote:
This stuff is pretty good for dusting around the house.

Roach Prufe

But you won't really control the problem by spot treating around the house/RV. You need to get medieval on them for a period of time.

Bug bomb. Not just once. Do it once a week for a month. It will require you to be out of the coach for most of a day, and when you return you will need to wash down the counters and hard floor surfaces to keep your animals from licking it.

Outside, spray an insecticide. Not just plastic spray bottles. Get the stuff that goes on the end of a garden hose, and spray under and around your entire site. Not just once. Do it once a week for a month.

You'll have a pretty good handle on it by the end of a month. Then the various spot treatments will keep them away. Remember, roaches don't fly, so they are climbing up something to get into your coach, just like ants. Pay attention to treating around ground contact areas.


Don't know where you are, but here in AZ, we =do= have flying roaches. They don't do it often, but they definitely have the capability.

Lyle
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
B&W OEM Companion & Gooseneck Kit
2017 KZ Durango 1500 D277RLT
1936 John Deere Model A
International Flying Farmers 64 Year Member

bpounds
Nomad
Nomad
This stuff is pretty good for dusting around the house.

Roach Prufe

But you won't really control the problem by spot treating around the house/RV. You need to get medieval on them for a period of time.

Bug bomb. Not just once. Do it once a week for a month. It will require you to be out of the coach for most of a day, and when you return you will need to wash down the counters and hard floor surfaces to keep your animals from licking it.

Outside, spray an insecticide. Not just plastic spray bottles. Get the stuff that goes on the end of a garden hose, and spray under and around your entire site. Not just once. Do it once a week for a month.

You'll have a pretty good handle on it by the end of a month. Then the various spot treatments will keep them away. Remember, roaches don't fly, so they are climbing up something to get into your coach, just like ants. Pay attention to treating around ground contact areas.
2006 F250 Diesel
2011 Keystone Cougar 278RKSWE Fiver

RandACampin
Explorer II
Explorer II
How can you blame it on your neighbor? Bugs are everywhere.
HEY CHECK IT OUT!! http://www.rvingoutpost.com

Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Explorer II
i ;would go to a big box store (home Depot?) and get gallon of Home defense, read the directions and get it on.

Sometimes Wally World has that stuff also.

Halmfamily
Explorer
Explorer
Go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get some roach gel. It comes in syringes and you place small spots where you see them. They are attracted to it. Once they eat it they take it back there fellow roach mates and share it. They should all be dead within 36 hours. Works very well without the mess of bombs and sprays. If you can find the Advion brand it is what the pros use.
2008 GMC Sierra 3500 SLT DRW D/A 4x4 (Big All)
2006 Ford F350 PSD SRW King Ranch 4x4 (Henry) (Sold)
B&W Companion, 90 Aux Fuel Tank, Scan Gauge II, Curt f/m hitch, Swagman XC
2015 Forest River Sierra 360 PDEK
DW Diane, DS Michael, FB Draco and Sabian

powderman426
Explorer
Explorer
Try some 20 mule team borax. Cheap, safe and you can use what's left to wash your clothes. Here
Ron & Charlotte
WD8CBT since 1976
32' Gulfstream Ameri-Camp & 05 Ram QC LB

I started with nothing and I still have most of it left

I never fail, I just succeed in finding out what doesn't work

laknox
Nomad
Nomad
50/50 mix of boric acid and powdered sugar. Get a puffer for dust, and spray it in the walls and under sinks, in the basement and other storage, where the pets can't get to it. Remember, you're trying to kill animals that weigh a couple grams, at most. It doesn't take a lot to do the job. Pets (and people) are millions, to billions, of times larger so contact with a little won't hurt them.

Lyle
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
B&W OEM Companion & Gooseneck Kit
2017 KZ Durango 1500 D277RLT
1936 John Deere Model A
International Flying Farmers 64 Year Member