How to get rid of a few roaches while we live in the RV

[joebedford]

The latest problem that we have is some roaches. While it's fun watching the cats go after them (just like a laser pointer) I'd like to get rid of them. Our rig was stored for a few months backed into a slightly jungley area in FL. We must have picked up some passengers there. What do you use to get rid of roaches while we're in the RV? We've been wintering in our RV for over 20 years and have never had this problem before. I don't think there are a lot of bugs, but there's definitely more than one.

[valhalla360]

If you can go north in the winter and then let the rig freeze for a couple days, that will get them. We had a minor issue on our boat after transiting S. Carolina and couldn't fully eliminate them. Wound up storing her in Michigan for the winter and never saw another one.

[way2roll]

Never had roaches in an RV before, but living in the south and our property bordering on wetlands we get the occasional "palmetto" bug. Advion gel works better than anything I have ever tried. You can buy it on amazon. It's not a spray or kill on contact. It's a food that they ingest, and it will eventually kill all of them. Works in about 24-48 hours. Safe for pets (only affects things with an exoskeleton).

[joebedford]

I'll try that.

Does it do any good to fill the holes in the floor where the plumbing and wiring comes in from the basement? There are holes in the toilet area, galley, powder room and washing machine area. Plus others I've never seem?

[naturist]

Those holes are open invitations to mice, roaches, ants, etc. I would suggest loosely stuffing a little steel wool in the hole, then giving each a shot of spray foam to seal. Easily enough gouged out if you ever need to reopen to make repairs, but not possible for the varmints to chew through.

[way2roll]

Well, it's never a bad idea to seal any penetrations in an RV -  if anything for insulation purposes. RVs, just like a house will never be and should never be completely sealed. Bugs, including roaches can fit into a space as thin as a dime. I doubt sealing will have a lot of impact on bugs, but it will have a good impact on insulation.  Cleanliness and creating an environment they don't like is the best inhibitor. Bugs like moisture and food. Remove those 2 things and they go elsewhere. American cockroaches, unlike German cockroaches, don't really infest. For the most part they like a really wet environment and probably after any food or just exploring. Kind of like most other beetles and bugs. German cockroaches on the other hand can cause an infestation issue. When using Advion I put a small dab on a piece of cardboard and put it someplace the cat won't get to, like inside a drawer, under the frame rail etc. Doesn't take much. Do this weekly for 2 months. As you get rid of adults, they may have laid eggs and you need to get the babies as well when they hatch.