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.

[covered_wagon]

I would never use pesticide in a small livable space like a camper. There are enough chemical villians everywhere in food water and air. Go ahead with the experts ..... I'll stay with a light spray of antifreeze or wd 40. Furthermore termites like wood that starts breaking down from the micro organisms that can live in moisture conditions. Antifreeze will stop the wood breaking down. Rot. and kill the termites. Antifreeze is a good wood rot arrestor because it is compatible with moisture and kills living things. I did not go to exterminator school.

If worried about WD fumes or antifreeze fumes/ vapors then use a high concentration of water and dishsoap. Dishsoap kills most bugs but, Chevron doesn't want to tell you that. Neither does an exterminator.

[joeshmoe]

vern kelly wrote:
Lizards love um! Get a pet lizard! Most likely nothing to worry about. Just keep an eye on it. Spring rains is when the fliers swarm.

LoL. We have them everywhere here. I'm mean they're all over the place. Maybe that's telling me something.

[vern_kelly]

Lizards love um! Get a pet lizard! Most likely nothing to worry about. Just keep an eye on it. Spring rains is when the fliers swarm.

[joeshmoe]

James' wrote:
Tent your camper using "Vikane" other wise known as Sulfuryl fluoride. It would cost you very little to have done and Vikane has no half life meaning once the wraps are off and aired out there is no residue or smell.

Just did quick search of Vikane. Looks like I'd have to call someone in to apply it? I really don't want to pay someone to come out.

After thinking about it for a while now, there likely little damage that can be done inside of a year. I'm thinking maybe heading to the mountains during winter and freeze them out once a year. That should stop the cycle for awhile, at least till they come out again in the spring. Maybe?

[joeshmoe]

SCVJeff wrote:
Just curious: Why would the OP living in California care about an exterminator 3000 miles away?

"Serving NY & NJ Counties:
Putnam
Westchester
Rockland
Bergen
Manhattan
Hudson"

The think the travel and fuel service charges are gonna be a deal breaker. :E

[James_]

Tent your camper using "Vikane" other wise known as Sulfuryl fluoride. It would cost you very little to have done and Vikane has no half life meaning once the wraps are off and aired out there is no residue or smell.

[JumboJet]

The positive side of termites: Look at it this way - let them do their job - the termites will lighten the TC.

[covered_wagon]

WD-40 lightly spray soaked into the wood they are munching is my guess.

[covered_wagon]

Dog Folks wrote:

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.

I've seen just as many mistakes from professionals also. If you listen carefully there are little bits and pieces of useful information from just about everyone. Sometimes a very good clue to giving direction for more research can be had by the least of the experts.

[SCVJeff]

Just curious: Why would the OP living in California care about an exterminator 3000 miles away?

[jerryhalle]

There are many home remedies that works on termites and other insects. For example, keeping home clean and free of sustenance morsels. Furthermore, fixing all the gaps of their entrance. However, these solutions are temporary. Besides, termites are an extremely adaptive species and are very persistent in getting what they want. Hence, a professional pest exterminator like Exterminator Katonah is must to getting rid of them.

[SCVJeff]

Reality Check wrote:

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.

this was a good one.. Way before I read to the bottom and not looking at the author I knew this guy obviously knows wazup. After that its funny to see who comes along to take exception.. Better than a good movie at times 🙂

[joeshmoe]

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.

No sweat. It's the internet. It's the freedom to say what we want want even if we're wrong. Obviously, that brings on issues. To me, it's only text on a screen.
Thanks to Dog Folks for his professional advice.

[Dog_Folks]

joeshmoe wrote:

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?

Sorry for the abbreviation, but yes, Agricultural office. They are so often hidden gems of information and expertise, often right in your home town and free!!