Monaco 2009 Knight Owner's Manual page 71

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 faucets. Reduce moisture
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, compartment
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
motorhomes 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.
Insects:
Eliminate insects when signs of infestation
appear. If unable to identify the type of insect,
purchase sticky traps from the hardware store
and place the tape where the insects have been
seen. Once a sample is caught, seek assistance
in identifying the insect to determine what will
be required to remove the infestation.
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. 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 to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Determine what food items are generating the
flies and discard that item in an outdoor trash
receptacle. 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. The colony must be destroyed
to eliminate all ants. 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 by thoroughly cleaning 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 ensure 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.