Termites in the Camper??

[joeshmoe]

So, in the past, we've had the subterranean variety-the really tough kind to get rid of-and have treated accordingly. For a couple months now, I've been finding wings and some bodies in the driveway and around the outside of the camper. Yesterday, I had the side fridge vent cover off and was cleaning inside when I see several, barely noticeable, teeny-tiny objects scampering around. I look closer...sure enough. Termites! What to do?

I've read about and heard of freezing them, but obviously, that ain't gonna happen this time of year, around here. I've also heard about using pulse voltage (need to unplug or remove all electronics). It's recommend specifically for isolated or limited areas that need to be treated, like a camper, I guess. Anyone dealt with this before?
Even that's an option, how do I keep from re-infestion? They just live in the ground when there's nothing to chew on.

[joeshmoe]

Dog Folks wrote:

The OP Should have an expert(Local Ag extension office is good) determine if they are subterranean by looking at a sample of the insect. If so, no worries.

Ag? That would be the local Agriculture office, I'm guessing?

[Reality_Check]

SCVJeff wrote:
And that's why they call you Reality Check.. :B

Best friends with Capt. Obvious... lol



The forums are a great resource, entertaining, full of life and of course, massive miss information. I'm always amazed at questions that pop up and the answers that come out of left field. If one can weed through the posts from people who like to tell 'their' story vs those offering solid advice...one does well.

We all have a talent, earned somewhere. Some of us are jacks of lot's of trades, masters at none, some are experts and beyond within a certain field. Trick to good writing is only offering advice that is truly based on something other than you like telling stories.

Makes good reading, albeit frustrating at times.

Kudos to experts continuing the effort. Per Dog Folks, he often doesn't post because it seems that it's useless. I assure him, it is not. There are enough of us on here that weed through the responses to make it worthwhile even if we often don't point it out.

Of course, I'm not an expert on anything except my opinion.. Carry on.

[Dog_Folks]

Dave Pete wrote:
With all due respect I might suggest something that works on warts. Written in Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain it enlists the use of an old Oak stump of water and I have found it very effective on most things you want to get rid of. But what do I know? I'm just a DIYer. 😉

Funny. What do you know? Obviously, nothing that you care to share with us. :B

[Dave_Pete]

With all due respect I might suggest something that works on warts. Written in Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain it enlists the use of an old Oak stump of water and I have found it very effective on most things you want to get rid of. But what do I know? I'm just a DIYer. 😉

[Dog_Folks]

With respect also: Yes, FreeLanceing, local knowledge matters. BUT Subterranean termites function basically the same throughout the country.

My comments were for subterranean termites.

The OP lives ins an area where Drywood Termites are also common. They do not need contact with the soil. Swarm out at night, and they could infest the truck camper, however it is unlikely. Best control is fumigation. Soil treatment will NOT work as they have no contact with the soil.

FYI Local knowledge: You do not have Drywood Termites in the Grand Haven Mi. area.

"Flyers" do have wings, for a short time. They leave the colony, and fly up into the air. They are weak fliers and often are just blown around in the prevailing wind. They fall to the ground and break off their wings while they seek a mate and a place to start their colony.

The OP Should have an expert(Local Ag extension office is good) determine if they are subterranean by looking at a sample of the insect. If so, no worries.

Happy camping to all.

[FreeLanceing]

With all due respect to the expert, does local knowledge matter. We have lots of termits locally. Throw down a 2x4 in late spring and in 2 weeks you will have thousands of them. I have witnessed the exit of flyers on several occations. They come out of the ground and they just keep coming. I used to panic. Don't the flyers have wings? ours do. The little white workers that do all the damage must have a path to ground. A tunnel of soil, wood, some way to get back underground. If I were the OP I would look for the path to ground. Carpenter ants are another story. Big black ants that love wet wood. They destroy framing members for lunch. Guesing you don't want either in a camper.

[Dog_Folks]

Reality Check wrote:


LMAO..... Now the fun part; ten more answers will follow from people who will determine that DIY experience trumps this.

Well written sir.

Bingo. That is EXACTLY why I rarely post here, concerning pests.

Everybody thinks they know entomology and pest control. It normally is not worth the trouble.

Thanks for recognizing that.

[SCVJeff]

And that's why they call you Reality Check.. :B

[Reality_Check]

Dog Folks wrote:
If they are subterranean termites, these could be alates or "swarmers". They are trying to start new colonies. They released into the air in great quantities. 99% do NOT establish new colonies. They are weak fliers, often just being blown with the prevailing wind.

To start a new colony they need: A high amount of moisture. A rotten piece of wood or very soft soil to dig into. A rotten log or piece of wood that is water saturated, laying of the ground works best.

As these conditions probably do not exist in your camper, I would do NOTHING with pesticides. They will soon dehydrate and die.

Simply vacuum them up if you like. I know that they are scary, but the chance of infestation is virtually nil. IF your camper has not moved there may some migrating factors.

But what would I know? I only spent 35 years in professional, commercial pest control. PM me if you wish.

LMAO..... Now the fun part; ten more answers will follow from people who will determine that DIY experience trumps this.

Well written sir.

[trailgranny50]

Termites should be sitter to get rid of in your camper. Suck em up and fumigate. If they are in fact carpenter ants it takes more but same process and use some diatomaceous earth sprinkled all over inside. It will get spiders as well. Good luck.

[Dog_Folks]

If they are subterranean termites, these could be alates or "swarmers". They are trying to start new colonies. They released into the air in great quantities. 99% do NOT establish new colonies. They are weak fliers, often just being blown with the prevailing wind.

To start a new colony they need: A high amount of moisture. A rotten piece of wood or very soft soil to dig into. A rotten log or piece of wood that is water saturated, laying of the ground works best.

As these conditions probably do not exist in your camper, I would do NOTHING with pesticides. They will soon dehydrate and die.

Simply vacuum them up if you like. I know that they are scary, but the chance of infestation is virtually nil. IF your camper has not moved there may some migrating factors.

But what would I know? I only spent 35 years in professional, commercial pest control. PM me if you wish.