Monaco 2008 Knight Owner's Manual page 70

exterIor & InterIor care — 3
Common pests include insects such as

ants, cockroaches, termites, flies, pantry
pests and wasps as well as wildlife such
as rodents, raccoons, bats, birds and
snakes. It is important to remember that
pests are searching for food, water and
a place to live. Eliminating any one of
those elements will help control the pest
infestation. Take immediate steps to
remove pests as soon as their presence is
detected.
Steps to help control pests:
Reduce 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.

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, 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.
20 0 8 K n I G ht
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 you are 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.