Monaco DIPLOMAT 2004 Owner's Manual page 146

DIPLOMAT 2004
3 •146
Regularly inspect the exterior of the motorhome for signs of a budding wasp
nest, and promptly destroy small nests before they become too large.
Spiders can be in any structure. Since they are predators and feed on
living prey, this would indicate other smaller pests may be found. Immediately
remove spider webs. Some types of spiders like to nest on top of the diesel tank
and around the diesel hoses. Dispense of spiders using a vacuum. Use care to
capture the spider and egg sacs. Throw the vacuum bag away in a sealed bag.
Fruit flies invade the motorhome by attaching themselves to fresh fruits and
vegetables. Determine what food items are generating the flies and discard that
item in an outdoor trash receptacle. Any remaining fruit flies can be eliminated
with a homemade trap. Pour a few ounces of vinegar into a cup and cover the
cup with plastic wrap. Secure the wrap with tape or a rubber band and poke a
¼" hole in the plastic. Place the trap in the area where fruit flies are present.
Ants live in colonies. Only a fraction of the ant colony will leave to seek
food. Spraying pesticides will only kill the ants that are away from the colony.
To eliminate all ants, the colony must be destroyed. Keep ants away from the
sewer hose by spraying the hose ends with a soap and water solution.
Fleas can be removed by properly treating pets with a veterinarian-approved
treatment and a thorough cleaning of the motorhome. Vacuum vinyl areas and
tile floors to remove dust, flea larva and flea eggs. Follow by thoroughly
washing those areas with soap and water. Carpets must be vacuumed and
treated with a residual flea control product labeled safe for indoor carpet and
furniture use. Perform the cleaning treatment daily for three days to insure that
all fleas have encountered the treatment.
Flying outdoor insects are attracted to bright light. Yellow porch light covers
on the motorhome work to discourage insect invasion. During nighttime hours
insects will be attracted to docking lights, or other bright exterior lighting.
If the presence of moths is detected inside of the motorhome, usually by
holes appearing in material, clean the affected clothing and all other items
stored in the same area. Follow by completely cleaning the closet, dresser or
storage area. If cracks are detected, seal the cracks and treat the area with a
properly labeled indoor pest control product.
Even birds can be considered pests, particularly when the motorhome is
parked in the flight path of a flock. Bird droppings are hard to remove and will
leave stains. Prevent permanent staining to the motorhome roof by regularly
cleaning the surface to remove all bird droppings.
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR CARE