Monaco Cayman 2005 Owner's Manual page 125

Guidelines to help control pests:
• Reduce the clutter inside the motorhome and storage bays. All storage items, particularly
food (including pet food), should be kept in tightly sealed containers. Seal all cracks and
holes, and insure that window, door and vent screens are securely in place.
• Routinely clean the motorhome, including storage bays. Wipe down the water bay.
Promptly remove all crumbs from areas where food is regularly prepared and eaten.
Garbage should be placed in a sealed container and removed to an outside receptacle daily.
Only put out pet food that will be immediately eaten.
• Keep foods such as flour, cereal, spaghetti and pet food in re-sealable containers with tight
lids.
• Sweep and vacuum often (especially in eating areas) to help eliminate a food source for
pests.
• Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps around doors and windows. Ensure all windows and
doors are screened and that the screens fit snug in the frames.
• Many pests need moisture to successfully live and reproduce. Limit their access to water
or moisture sources by sealing any cracks and leaks in pipes and faucet's. Reduce mois-
ture in the motorhome by controlling condensation, immediately wiping up spills and
promptly repairing leaks. Be extra alert around areas that attract rodents and insects,
including the sewer hose, fresh water hose, bay doors and items that may be leaning
against the outside of the motorhome, such as fishing poles and golf clubs.
• When the motorhome is stored outdoors, clear the surrounding area of all rodent friendly
hiding places - shrubs, trees and clutter. Completely seal the underside of the motorhome.
Wire mesh will work well to prevent points of entry, but beware of blocking necessary air
vents. Prior to operating the motorhome after storage, remove all insect and animal nests
that may have developed around vents, engine compartments, the exhaust pipe and in the
wheel wells.
Rodents:
Rodents may chew through wires or build nests in components of the motorhome. Signs of rodent
infestation include droppings, shredded material or chewed furniture fabrics and vinyl. Rodents like to
build nests with wire insulation, and are commonly attracted to the outside coating of 120 Volt AC
wiring more than 12 Volt DC wiring.
NOTE:
Although the back cap of the motorhome is well sealed, rodents are capable of
chewing through the foam insulation and that area should be routinely inspected.
If there are signs of rodent infestation around the motorhome, place traps or poisons in suspected
areas. Keep the traps and poisons safely away from pets and children. Cheese is not the best bait for
a rodent trap. Use peanut butter or chocolate in small amounts. Place the bait on the trigger of the
trap to induce the rodent to climb onto the trigger to reach the bait. Rodents do not limit invasion to
unused vehicles.
Cayman 2005
Exterior & Interior Care --- Section 3
125