My wife and started at ground zero of RV life and care, but your time and effort sharing your experience is gold for many people I'm certain. Thank you Jerry...
Thanks for the tips, as always. Diatomaceous Earth is also a great alternative for a safer powder. We have a little dog that does get up under the RV, so we cannot use the Sevin Dust. For the ones that get through anyway, we use a safe home made formula that is inexpensive and safe: You can make a solution with your favorite generic blue window cleaner 50%, mixed with white dish soap (Ivory or generic), and about 2 Tbsp of Vinegar in a spray bottle. It is great because it kills them instantly, is safe even in your kitchen area, and cleans as you use it. You simply wipe up the bugs and dirt all at the same time!
Great tips Barbara. We were in a remote location and needed something in a pinch. Comet cleanser sprinkled on the pads and all things going vertical into the 5th wheel worked well too.
That's overkill. Just spray all the connector points with some kind of coating spray so the ants cannot climb up the material. That way you don't have to keep applying stuff over and over. I don't know what particular spray will work, you'll have to find that out on your own.
In Western Australia we use talcum powder or baby's powder.The ants will not cross it because it clogs the pores in their body where they breathe . It's Eco friendly and cheap to purchase. Chris from Western Australia.
I have been using Ortho Home Defense for five years. I have not seen an insect in the unit since I started using it. It seems to survive rain and lasts a long time, You can also use it inside as long as you let it dry before you and your furry friends re-enter. Great stuff.
When I am in an area where insects are an issue I tape around my slides on the inside. Don't forget tape under the slide carpet lip and the wood trim on the bottom of the kitchen and bathroom slides. Being an experienced RVer, I add foam around add of the water lines and pipes coming through the floor. Don't forget to seal around the washer prep too. I also seal with silicone around the heat ducts in the floor. And the AC ducts in the ceiling. Most of the time they're just stapled and/or taped. Foil tape works but can come off after a few years. If it is taped well, you could leave it alone for a few seasons. The check to ensure the adhesive hasn't broken down. Anywhere I see a potential entry point, I seal it up. This also includes where the walls meet the floor and ceiling inside of the cabinets. Sometimes they don't put any edging or trim in the cabinets. Really determined insects will come in the refrigerator vent and drain tube of the washing machine floor pan. Don't add anything to the drain tube. If a leak occurs. An added screen or sponge will likely get clogged with lint, hair, and dust that collected in the pan overtime. There is little you can do about these area. By all means don't use any bait if there are no insects present. You'll only attract them. Many powders like this do harm other beneficial insects. This particular powder has a delayed response. As such honey bees will collect it and return to the hive. This will wipe out an entire hive. We lose too many bee to agricultural insecticides. Let's not add to the problem when there are other ways to combat the issue. Diatomaceous earth is a great product. As always read and observe the warning and proper usage labels. I do love the feeding pucks. You must remember to keep them away from wild animals and pets that love to chew or may chew when they see a ant going into it. Use Command velcro strips to elevate off the ground away from pets and wild animals. Once you find an ant trail into your home or RV, clean the area to get rid of the hormone trail they left. These trails actually identify what they are for. Some trails lead to where they leave their dead and dying, their poop piles, food sources, and satellite colonies. Breaking the trail to your home or RV will help with the issue. If you find carpenter ants in your home, you may have water damage. I had carpenter ants inside my home but couldn't identify the source. I thought it was the deck rotting despite the fact it was only five years old and resealed every other spring. So I decided to rebuild the deck. Well it was an excuse to change the deck a little(new wrought iron railing and accents, built in accent lighting, a second staircase, and multi tiered design with kitchen, gas fireplace, and a gas fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Yummy. Anywhooters... While rebuilding my deck a year later, the contractor saw and followed a few ants that were on the deck. They led him to the siding under the formal dining room windows on the South side of the dining room. After pulling some of the stones and siding off, he discovered the new windows were leaking because they accidentally missed several 1-2 inch sections, on the top of the exterior trim around the windows, without caulking. It was if they were running low. all of the dining room windows had very thin caulking. Two other windows in the library also had thin caulking with gaps. Luckily those were not on the south side of the house and didn't leak. This wet wood started the rot process which the ants could smell. They moved in and began going to work. The four sets of windows in the dining room span 12 feet. The way it was framed the water ran down and across the entire length and soaked the plywood sheathing, 2x6 studs, and insulation below. The ants were coming in the house via the electrical outlets, small gaps between the hardwood floors and trim and around the wet bar plumbing on the other side of the dining room wall. Wherever they was a tiny hole or gap, they got in. I had no idea this was even wet. Anywho, I guess, double check your new windows are sealed properly 😎. Cheers from Seattle.
Have you ever tried a shovel? In Florida ants are territorial. Scoop from one mound to the other and they will kill each other off. Works every time. Not chemicals at all. Takes 24 hours to work . Be patient.
I noticed this! We were in Savannah and the ants that invaded were fighting amongst themselves as they were carrying debris around! I was horrified but also amused. Good idea!
Thanks. We were at a COE park recently (video later this week). Ants were quite the challenge. Missed on little spot and inside they came. Aggressive little boogers.
I use Blue Dawn dish soap on those nasty red ants. I squirt it on the ant pile and bye bye ants. In the house you can mix it with water and spray it on them directly. It may work on sugar ants.
Thanks, that’s helpful! Also a good preventive measure for pet food dishes is to set the petfood dish in a larger dish with water in it to create a mote. They cant get to the food at all - ants can’t swim. So they cant get excited and send for help. WORKS!
I went one further I made a miniature American Gladiator set with ramps , spinning bats, water traps , and ladder rung challenges . And if they got to the end to really discourage them I left a pile of used loser scratch tickets . Even if one ant made it though he was so disgusted they would rather go on a plane to Afghanistan and live under Taliban rule than bother with my ant gladiator course again .
Jerry you are SO right, I didn't even think about 7 dust since we have owned our camper the last 4 years. Oh my goodness we where camping at Anastasia State Park in Saint Augustine and that was the first time we had an ant problem, But it was a big one. Our site was covered in ants, and like you said get out the spray and started spraying all around the jacks,tireshose and had them inside all around the sink.
Ortho Home defense is what we use. I buy a new gallon the beginning of each camping season. I use it around the tires, stabilizers,power cords. We have never had a single insect in the rv.
just treat with Ortho Home Defense with the wand, around the entire perimeter, and ground if you want, totally works, not one bug in the RV last summer. waterproof, so retreat every 6 months.
I use this too. Have to re-treat every time it rains and pretty much weekly, however, if I want them under control. I get black ants, crazy ants, carpenter ants, house ants and fire ants. Have to treat different areas for each. The hardest for me though is one side of my tires sit directly under my slide out, which makes getting all contact points very difficult. I finally ended up using the inside wand, which is much longer, in the refill for outside use. I think i manage to reach where the tires connect to the axle with that. I also have to soak my neighbors tree base because they climb the tree and drop onto my roof. They're just horrible. I even had quit eating at home and was placing my cat's food dish inside a dish with oil in it. But they still were coming in before I found Home Defense. I had a fountain and had forgotten to treat, and they had come in through the electric recepticle and had begun a nest inside the fountain. It's helped immensely. It even cut down on the spiders I had coming in. And not a single roach has been seen since.
Home Defense works really well. I got tired of messing with the Ortho spray pump batteries and started using a 2 gallon pump sprayer. I can spray everything in and around my camper in less than 5 minutes. Even after a few rains it still works, dries clear and doesn’t stain anything.
On my hose and power connections I use "Duct Tape" with the sticky side out (like fly-paper) woks like a charm and you are not touching any type of pesticide when its time to pack up
Thank you very much for all these solutions. I tip my hat to you sir. I just saw a big old black ant and everything is already in the Amazon cart and ready to go. I'll be Ant free very shortly. There's only one thing I want to add. PSA: The Amdro will not be safe for dogs. Most dogs probably wont eat the trap but I bet we all have come across that dog that eats everything 🤣. And Im assuming if they eat the trap some bad things can happen to them. I could be wrong because I'm not an expert or specialist but from hearing what you say that the product does to the ants I will assume that if a dog were to eat this it would be either poisoned or possibly have an organ have the same reaction but like I said I'm no doctor or anything. I'm just trying to make a point that seems to make sense so watch out for that. Everything else brother you nailed it. And honestly this is one of the best tutorial videos I've actually seen. You don't need fancy equipment and all that kind of stuff. You just get straight to the facts and demonstrate first hand of how to use it properly and you inform us of everything about the products that you using which is great. So Bravo 👏🙂
You don't need to waste it going around the tires, just put it on the axel.. the tires are connected to the axle not the body...personally, I put a sticky tar around the axle and it last for months....
Have used Sevin dust and liquid Sevin for years for ants and other crawlies around foundations without any problems. Thanks for the reminder and demonstration. Never had a problem with kids or animals.
Dale I read your comment and got a giggle because for a second I thought you means “never had a problem with kids or animals” because you use sevin dust 😆😆😆
I use a plastic rectangle bucket from dollar store....fill with water....place water hose and sewer connection in the middle of water (do not let hoses touch the sides!) and the ants do not come in via the hoses. Will now use the seven dust around the tires from now one as well as the electrical cord. on the electrical cord make a cone of plastic like a dog cone so they do not chew on their feet. lightly grease with petroleum gel and sprinkle the dust on the underside...attach to electrical cord just off the ground and use velcro to make a seal tight ...sprinkle a little dust on the top part for the tenacious ones ....when you move remove cone to plastic bag to use again...wipe cord clean with a paper towel (use gloves to handle) Maybe put double sided tape on electrical and coat with the dust....and maybe an old water hose cut to fit around the tires with adhesive sprays on with the dust on it to go around the tires. Maybe attach wood strips together to fit around the tires like a horseshoe with a strip of sticky tape with the dust on it...slip in from back of tires and add the fourth piece in the front of the tires with magnets to complete the rectangle.Ants are not fun and I will find an easy solution to do the tires. too old (69 years young female soloist full timer) to be under the coach sprinkling dust. Will take a picture when done and let you know.
I have found that lavender baby oil works well. You apply it on areas that the ant cross to enter RV and the ant do not like to cross it. I also put a little on a paper towel and wipe the counter tops at the end of cleaning after dinner. The ant do not like the smell of lavender baby oil. Lavender baby oil is good smelling and safe for humans and pets.
WD40, we have ant mounds in SC, spray WD 40 in the top hole and cirle around rhe mound, and the entire mound of ants leave, so i spray the ground around my rv ground points of contact.
I had the idea of using a garden shepherd's hook stuck into a weighted umbrella holder halfway from the camper plug in and the shore power/ water inlet. Then coil up the excess water hose and power cable and lay it on the hook. It keeps it off the ground and i spray the hook with ant spray every so often. That will stop at least 2 way ants can travel to get in/on the camper.
I’m allergic to Sevin dust, very itchy face and swollen throat. Comet is what I use. I dusted around outside on tires & hoses and over ant mounds. I reapply after a rain. 2 cans of Comet @ Dollar Tree store.
We always use dish soap works like a big blessing and it's okay for the environment... I've even gotten up under on to the axles basically any thing that touches the ground and you won't have to deal with mice or rats... as well
Thanks for the info. We also use the spray called Ortho home defense. Its like an invisible spray. We apply the same as you do with the powder. Safe Travels!
Thanks much for the comment. A little reasoning behind the dust. A little goes a long way. The little shaker will last us for months of use and handy as we change locations week by week. A light dusting around entry points to the RV, jacks, hose, etc., stops entry almost immediately. It also disrupts the ant trail preventing a return later. The granules would be a good option if parked or stored for a long period giving a nice punch over a month.
I watched another video that said that you can use powdered cinnamon at your strategic points and the ants avoid your RV. This is, I'm told, an old beekeepers trick to keep the ants away from the hives and you know how ants love the honey.
I have puppies I don’t want them getting into that stuff . What we do is Spray mr clean in those same places harmless to all animals . At home if we have a ant nest all I do is spray mr clean on the ant 🐜 nest an the ants die .where I got this info I googled natural way to kill ants an keep them away . Have heard you of this technique before . Safer then poison powder .
Terro Liquid Ant Bait indoors is reported to be pet safe. Be patient if used around infestation. The ants will go into a feeding frenzy. Give it 24 hours and they’ll go back to nest and die. We’ve used around our cats for several years with no issue. Use diatomaceous earth outdoors around jack footing, tires, power cable, water hose, etc. Just remember to retreat after rain and ground dries.
Good video those ants can wreak havoc on us RV'ers. As another user has mentioned I have also heard diatomaceous earth works. Have not tried it though so can't say first hand. Love your videos - thumbs up. Happy travels, Lou.
Another great video I listen to you I've already these things down so I don't have the problems thank you you are an RV expert I listen to my elders now I wish I would have listened to him when I was younger but I'm listening to everything you have to say
maybe a good idea to have soft brush to brush that mountain of sevin dust around the wheels...I am sure a "white wash" of the dust works as well as a ridge of the stuff... Could last you a whole year then...or two..
Love the videos and congratulations on your channel. It's so cool to hear you talk, it makes me miss home. I live in Tacoma but I'm from a deeply southern town in NC. My wife and I are in the process of transitioning to full time and your videos are very helpful and insightful - Thank you!! I have a question about the blocks you have on the front legs. Would it be possible to get a schematic or plan, they look like they would perform extremely well. Good luck and we look forward to more videos because we "Love RV Life" too!!!
Hi Andy. Glad we can send a little southern twang your way. These blocks are great. A little heavy, but nice to have the added stability in the front of the RV. Here's a link to a blog with diagram you can download for the construction of the pads. ilovervlife.com/heavy-duty-rv-jack-pads/ Safe travels. Jerry...
Great video! Thanks. I stayed in my camper 1st night and woke up to those darn pesty sugar ants!! So I am definitely planning on getting this product. Looks like this works good 😊
Understand. Never had an issue. We have 2 black cats that travel with us. Maybe the scent keeps them away. Check under the RV. If you see openings large enough for a mouse, then stuff it with steel wool. It bothers the mice teeth. Others have shared that moth balls are a good deterrent. Bars of soap, not so much. If they’re inside. A couple old school spring traps with a little cheese still works great.
Mystery Pacific Northwest ..excellent suggestion..many years ago I started putting honey out in one area away fro. The house. I used to have alot of any problems but never did again. Remember you are going to their homes...no need to kill them.
We never leave food if we're out of the RV for weeks at a time. We have two kitties, Mink and Molly. We think the kitty scent has created a deterrent for mice. Knock on wood, we've never had an issue.
Many years ago a coworker told me to pour rubbing alcohol on ants, flies, roaches, spiders you name it it’s dead! The only improvement I made was to put it in a spray bottle. Never a fear of something poisonous on dishes or anything else we would come in contact with. Granted it only kills those that you directly spray but doesn’t prevent more from coming in.
Just a strange observation.... I don't understand the objection to using a boric acid solution (and no, I would NOT suggest mixing it with sugar!) but instead use Sevin.... ;-)
Hooray and thank you!!! When I was growing up we used “anti ant” on a cotton ball. Mama placed anti ant cotton balls in all our window sills and strategic areas in the kitchen. ??Do you remember this product?? It was banned after it was used to poison unsuspecting husbands, if I recall correctly.
We travel with two cats. Never had an issue. Think the cat scent may have some impact. If one did come inside, it would offer a brief moment of very aggressive entertainment.
Great videos but way way way way to long could just sprinkle 7 dust around jacks and wheels and use ant pucks at all slide out and doorways and bazinga a quick 2-3 minutes and done but was informative
We have never had a mouse issue. We have two black cats that protect the home front from these critters. Plus they are great companions during their off time.
Hi Mike. Good question. For some reason the ants have no interest in the hotels when used out side. Not sure why unless there are other food sources of more interest. The kids and pets have no business around the jacks or the tires. Also such a small amount used and not spreading everywhere where we walk.
Yeah we use that Sevendust also and we also use those home insect killers in a spray bottle gallon spray jug that’s for home defense It keeps insects away and last for months and that works pretty good. Usually sprays it in the same general area as you’ve shown.
Good question. This is a preventative measure for the outside and not effort to attract ants. I've used borax and powdered sugar for an inside infestation. The little ant traps are something simular, just a little more self contained.
Good suggestions. I would probably try diatomaceous earth first before Sevin, but my previous two generations of gardeners have used Sevin for years with good results.
yes it works in garden just great BUT the Honey Bees pick it up and take back to hive it kills them there not in the garden, so you don't see the damage it does to the hive. There will bee piles of dead bees at the hive. please don't use Sevin dust.
Them little buggers get in my laptop. I'll be messing on it and I'll start seeing something crawling on my keys and screen and it'll be them little sugar ants. Guess I've got too many crumbs in my laptop.....:)
Knock on wood, we've never had and issue with mice. Not sure why. We camp in heavily wooded State and Federal parks. Guess our day hasn't come yet. Or maybe, the kitty scent of Mink and Molly, our 2 black cats are the deterrent. Others have shared that steel wool in large cracks works. A bar of Safeguard soap if you have a larger openings. Also heard moth balls work too. Jerry...
@@iLoveRVlife Thanks for the tips. I've been fighting ants and mice. I used to use 7dust everywhere in the barns and stables but for some reason...that totally slipped my mind. I'm getting some today. I saw on another video about using comet on the points of contact with the ground as you have done with the seven dust and I tried it. It actually works. First hand experience with the steel wool around openings for elect. and water etc. It does work. Haven't seen a mouse since installing. I'm not sure if the bar of soap will work unless it is made without tallow or lard. The mice were actually eating my bars of dial soap. I researched and found that they were attracted to the tallow. Anyway, I ramble..sorry. Thanks again for the video, God bless and happy trails.
Hi Matt. A little Sevins goes a long way and it works. For mice, you can't beat steel wool. They hate it. Guess it like you or I chewing aluminum foil. Glad you found the channel. Thanks for them comment. Jerry...
For mice we bought a product called mouse-away. It's granuals you put in little Sachets( little cloth bags with a drawstring) and place them in the under bay compartments, engine bay, wet bay, generator bay. Mice don't like it. It smells like peppermint. Haven't had a problem in the nearly 3 years we've had our coach. I think it works on any rodent squirrels, rats, mice etc.
You bet. It's inexpensive. A little goes a long way. And it just works. Spent late spring and early summer at the beach. Ants everywhere, but none entered the RV. Just remember to sprinkle after the rain.
My wife and started at ground zero of RV life and care, but your time and effort sharing your experience is gold for many people I'm certain. Thank you Jerry...
Thanks so much Grant. Great to hear you’re finding the videos helpful.
Thanks for the tips, as always. Diatomaceous Earth is also a great alternative for a safer powder. We have a little dog that does get up under the RV, so we cannot use the Sevin Dust. For the ones that get through anyway, we use a safe home made formula that is inexpensive and safe: You can make a solution with your favorite generic blue window cleaner 50%, mixed with white dish soap (Ivory or generic), and about 2 Tbsp of Vinegar in a spray bottle. It is great because it kills them instantly, is safe even in your kitchen area, and cleans as you use it. You simply wipe up the bugs and dirt all at the same time!
We also spray the areas that you do with Home Defense Max when it is in storage.
Great tips Barbara. We were in a remote location and needed something in a pinch. Comet cleanser sprinkled on the pads and all things going vertical into the 5th wheel worked well too.
Won't powders like this blow all over the place in windy climates?
It doesn’t. A little goes a long way.
That's overkill. Just spray all the connector points with some kind of coating spray so the ants cannot climb up the material. That way you don't have to keep applying stuff over and over. I don't know what particular spray will work, you'll have to find that out on your own.
In Western Australia we use talcum powder or baby's powder.The ants will not cross it because it clogs the pores in their body where they breathe . It's Eco friendly and cheap to purchase. Chris from Western Australia.
Great tip Chris.
I have been using Ortho Home Defense for five years. I have not seen an insect in the unit since I started using it. It seems to survive rain and lasts a long time, You can also use it inside as long as you let it dry before you and your furry friends re-enter. Great stuff.
Good tip John. Thanks
When I am in an area where insects are an issue I tape around my slides on the inside. Don't forget tape under the slide carpet lip and the wood trim on the bottom of the kitchen and bathroom slides.
Being an experienced RVer, I add foam around add of the water lines and pipes coming through the floor. Don't forget to seal around the washer prep too. I also seal with silicone around the heat ducts in the floor. And the AC ducts in the ceiling. Most of the time they're just stapled and/or taped. Foil tape works but can come off after a few years. If it is taped well, you could leave it alone for a few seasons. The check to ensure the adhesive hasn't broken down. Anywhere I see a potential entry point, I seal it up. This also includes where the walls meet the floor and ceiling inside of the cabinets. Sometimes they don't put any edging or trim in the cabinets. Really determined insects will come in the refrigerator vent and drain tube of the washing machine floor pan. Don't add anything to the drain tube. If a leak occurs. An added screen or sponge will likely get clogged with lint, hair, and dust that collected in the pan overtime. There is little you can do about these area. By all means don't use any bait if there are no insects present. You'll only attract them.
Many powders like this do harm other beneficial insects. This particular powder has a delayed response. As such honey bees will collect it and return to the hive. This will wipe out an entire hive. We lose too many bee to agricultural insecticides. Let's not add to the problem when there are other ways to combat the issue. Diatomaceous earth is a great product. As always read and observe the warning and proper usage labels.
I do love the feeding pucks. You must remember to keep them away from wild animals and pets that love to chew or may chew when they see a ant going into it. Use Command velcro strips to elevate off the ground away from pets and wild animals. Once you find an ant trail into your home or RV, clean the area to get rid of the hormone trail they left. These trails actually identify what they are for. Some trails lead to where they leave their dead and dying, their poop piles, food sources, and satellite colonies. Breaking the trail to your home or RV will help with the issue.
If you find carpenter ants in your home, you may have water damage. I had carpenter ants inside my home but couldn't identify the source. I thought it was the deck rotting despite the fact it was only five years old and resealed every other spring. So I decided to rebuild the deck. Well it was an excuse to change the deck a little(new wrought iron railing and accents, built in accent lighting, a second staircase, and multi tiered design with kitchen, gas fireplace, and a gas fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Yummy. Anywhooters... While rebuilding my deck a year later, the contractor saw and followed a few ants that were on the deck. They led him to the siding under the formal dining room windows on the South side of the dining room. After pulling some of the stones and siding off, he discovered the new windows were leaking because they accidentally missed several 1-2 inch sections, on the top of the exterior trim around the windows, without caulking. It was if they were running low. all of the dining room windows had very thin caulking. Two other windows in the library also had thin caulking with gaps. Luckily those were not on the south side of the house and didn't leak. This wet wood started the rot process which the ants could smell. They moved in and began going to work. The four sets of windows in the dining room span 12 feet. The way it was framed the water ran down and across the entire length and soaked the plywood sheathing, 2x6 studs, and insulation below. The ants were coming in the house via the electrical outlets, small gaps between the hardwood floors and trim and around the wet bar plumbing on the other side of the dining room wall. Wherever they was a tiny hole or gap, they got in. I had no idea this was even wet. Anywho, I guess, double check your new windows are sealed properly 😎.
Cheers from Seattle.
Hi Cameron. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Dude get your own channel if you wanna write a book.
Have you ever tried a shovel? In Florida ants are territorial. Scoop from one mound to the other and
they will kill each other off. Works every time. Not chemicals at all. Takes 24 hours to work . Be patient.
Cool idea!
Wayne, you are savage!! Lol!! I never knew that but that’s a good idea. Kills each other and won’t touch your home:-)
Sounds like good entertainment for a boring afternoon... popcorn, a chair, and a magnifying glass to assist with the ones getting away...lol!
I noticed this! We were in Savannah and the ants that invaded were fighting amongst themselves as they were carrying debris around! I was horrified but also amused. Good idea!
Thanks. We were at a COE park recently (video later this week). Ants were quite the challenge. Missed on little spot and inside they came. Aggressive little boogers.
For >30 years we’ve done same thing outside but with Comet from the $ store. Much less expensive.
Good tip.
I use Blue Dawn dish soap on those nasty red ants. I squirt it on the ant pile and bye bye ants. In the house you can mix it with water and spray it on them directly. It may work on sugar ants.
Spicy Copper Spicy. If this works I’ll be shaking my head in disbelief how simple. Thanks.
Thanks, that’s helpful! Also a good preventive measure for pet food dishes is to set the petfood dish in a larger dish with water in it to create a mote. They cant get to the food at all - ants can’t swim. So they cant get excited and send for help. WORKS!
Thanks for sharing. Great tip.
I went one further I made a miniature American Gladiator set with ramps , spinning bats, water traps , and ladder rung challenges . And if they got to the end to really discourage them I left a pile of used loser scratch tickets . Even if one ant made it though he was so disgusted they would rather go on a plane to Afghanistan and live under Taliban rule than bother with my ant gladiator course again .
Jerry you are SO right, I didn't even think about 7 dust since we have owned our camper the last 4 years. Oh my goodness we where camping at Anastasia State Park in Saint Augustine and that was the first time we had an ant problem, But it was a big one. Our site was covered in ants, and like you said get out the spray and started spraying all around the jacks,tireshose and had them inside all around the sink.
We had the same thing at a campground down the road. A small amount, just a light dusting on the metal feet and jacks makes a huge difference.
Yes but after your video I know how take care of the now, Thank you !
Ortho Home defense is what we use. I buy a new gallon the beginning of each camping season. I use it around the tires, stabilizers,power cords. We have never had a single insect in the rv.
Thanks for the tip.
I agree, totally works and no bugs period.
I spray the house with the home defense and the camper also havent had any issues with it
Great tip. Thanks
just treat with Ortho Home Defense with the wand, around the entire perimeter, and ground if you want, totally works, not one bug in the RV last summer. waterproof, so retreat every 6 months.
I use this too. Have to re-treat every time it rains and pretty much weekly, however, if I want them under control.
I get black ants, crazy ants, carpenter ants, house ants and fire ants. Have to treat different areas for each. The hardest for me though is one side of my tires sit directly under my slide out, which makes getting all contact points very difficult. I finally ended up using the inside wand, which is much longer, in the refill for outside use. I think i manage to reach where the tires connect to the axle with that.
I also have to soak my neighbors tree base because they climb the tree and drop onto my roof.
They're just horrible.
I even had quit eating at home and was placing my cat's food dish inside a dish with oil in it. But they still were coming in before I found Home Defense. I had a fountain and had forgotten to treat, and they had come in through the electric recepticle and had begun a nest inside the fountain.
It's helped immensely.
It even cut down on the spiders I had coming in. And not a single roach has been seen since.
Home Defense works really well. I got tired of messing with the Ortho spray pump batteries and started using a 2 gallon pump sprayer. I can spray everything in and around my camper in less than 5 minutes. Even after a few rains it still works, dries clear and doesn’t stain anything.
I have used that for years. And yes, a farmer told me about it as well. Great video. Thank you
Thanks Mike
On my hose and power connections I use "Duct Tape" with the sticky side out (like fly-paper) woks like a charm and you are not touching any type of pesticide when its time to pack up
Thanks for the tip.
Thank you very much for all these solutions. I tip my hat to you sir. I just saw a big old black ant and everything is already in the Amazon cart and ready to go. I'll be Ant free very shortly. There's only one thing I want to add. PSA: The Amdro will not be safe for dogs. Most dogs probably wont eat the trap but I bet we all have come across that dog that eats everything 🤣. And Im assuming if they eat the trap some bad things can happen to them. I could be wrong because I'm not an expert or specialist but from hearing what you say that the product does to the ants I will assume that if a dog were to eat this it would be either poisoned or possibly have an organ have the same reaction but like I said I'm no doctor or anything. I'm just trying to make a point that seems to make sense so watch out for that. Everything else brother you nailed it. And honestly this is one of the best tutorial videos I've actually seen. You don't need fancy equipment and all that kind of stuff. You just get straight to the facts and demonstrate first hand of how to use it properly and you inform us of everything about the products that you using which is great. So Bravo 👏🙂
Thanks a bunch. Good tips.
Nice to know the are options. We use comet around the wheels and that works pretty good.
Thanks for the tip.
You don't need to waste it going around the tires, just put it on the axel.. the tires are connected to the axle not the body...personally, I put a sticky tar around the axle and it last for months....
Great tip. Thanks.
The Loose Moose Where do I get the sticky tar?
I Love RV Life Buy the 7 dust in the bag and save your can to refill from the bag, it's cheaper. Great video.
Thanks much for the tip. Just a little bit of this stuff works and goes a long way.
Ants can climb on each other like a ladder if they need to. So around the tire; on the tire, inside the tire lol
Have used Sevin dust and liquid Sevin for years for ants and other crawlies around foundations without any problems. Thanks for the reminder and demonstration. Never had a problem with kids or animals.
Thanks Dale
Dale I read your comment and got a giggle because for a second I thought you means “never had a problem with kids or animals” because you use sevin dust 😆😆😆
I use a plastic rectangle bucket from dollar store....fill with water....place water hose and sewer connection in the middle of water (do not let hoses touch the sides!) and the ants do not come in via the hoses. Will now use the seven dust around the tires from now one as well as the electrical cord. on the electrical cord make a cone of plastic like a dog cone so they do not chew on their feet. lightly grease with petroleum gel and sprinkle the dust on the underside...attach to electrical cord just off the ground and use velcro to make a seal tight ...sprinkle a little dust on the top part for the tenacious ones ....when you move remove cone to plastic bag to use again...wipe cord clean with a paper towel (use gloves to handle) Maybe put double sided tape on electrical and coat with the dust....and maybe an old water hose cut to fit around the tires with adhesive sprays on with the dust on it to go around the tires. Maybe attach wood strips together to fit around the tires like a horseshoe with a strip of sticky tape with the dust on it...slip in from back of tires and add the fourth piece in the front of the tires with magnets to complete the rectangle.Ants are not fun and I will find an easy solution to do the tires. too old (69 years young female soloist full timer) to be under the coach sprinkling dust. Will take a picture when done and let you know.
Thanks for the tip Anne.
I have found that lavender baby oil works well. You apply it on areas that the ant cross to enter RV and the ant do not like to cross it. I also put a little on a paper towel and wipe the counter tops at the end of cleaning after dinner. The ant do not like the smell of lavender baby oil. Lavender baby oil is good smelling and safe for humans and pets.
Great tip
I know it's kind of messy but Vaseline works well with ants. It's nontoxic and takes a long time to dry out.
Interesting tip. Thanks much for sharing.
Ants won't cross it. They'll lay a blade of grass over it to cross tho. If you put borax in it and a little honey, they'll eat it and die.
Oh yeah, raid sucks. Everytime we would spray raid, I would instantly get nauseous and sick. So I definitely need an alternative lol
Hope this helps. A little goes a long way.
I use the gallon sized ZipLock bags to store Sugar, Cereal, Chips and other foods. Ants have never been a problem.
JamesAdam Lamb ..thank you.
WD40, we have ant mounds in SC, spray WD 40 in the top hole and cirle around rhe mound, and the entire mound of ants leave, so i spray the ground around my rv ground points of contact.
Great tip James. Thanks for sharing.
James Birney NO WAY. Thanks. Will try.
I had the idea of using a garden shepherd's hook stuck into a weighted umbrella holder halfway from the camper plug in and the shore power/ water inlet. Then coil up the excess water hose and power cable and lay it on the hook. It keeps it off the ground and i spray the hook with ant spray every so often. That will stop at least 2 way ants can travel to get in/on the camper.
Great tip. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. You made me giggle when you mention getting the raid. LoL Great information!
And your so right. Grandpas always had his 7 Dust.
Thanks.
The window glass cleaner "Glass Plus" kills ants dead! A safe alternative inside the home. That specific brand works best.
Bridie Hammerschlaagen vinegar alcohol and ammonia in glass cleaner. Just various concentrations. Some use 1-2 drops soap per pint.
Thank you!!! Happy RVing!!!
Glad you found it helpful.
I’m allergic to Sevin dust, very itchy face and swollen throat. Comet is what I use. I dusted around outside on tires & hoses and over ant mounds. I reapply after a rain. 2 cans of Comet @ Dollar Tree store.
Thanks Sandy. Heard about good results with Comet too.
We always use dish soap works like a big blessing and it's okay for the environment... I've even gotten up under on to the axles basically any thing that touches the ground and you won't have to deal with mice or rats... as well
How do you use that and what kind do you use"?
Thanks for the info. We also use the spray called Ortho home defense. Its like an invisible spray. We apply the same as you do with the powder. Safe Travels!
We’ve used the same inside in corners the critters make it inside. We keep a small amount just in case.
Great video! Thank you! Laughed hard at "they explode!!"
Thanks
Sevin also makes granules that are water activated and they typically last about a month. Great awareness video. Thank You
Thanks much for the comment. A little reasoning behind the dust. A little goes a long way. The little shaker will last us for months of use and handy as we change locations week by week. A light dusting around entry points to the RV, jacks, hose, etc., stops entry almost immediately. It also disrupts the ant trail preventing a return later. The granules would be a good option if parked or stored for a long period giving a nice punch over a month.
I use Bay leaves inside in kitchen areas and so forth. They work for me. Thanks
Thanks for sharing the tip.
Thanks for taking the time to share this info
Thanks
I watched another video that said that you can use powdered cinnamon at your strategic points and the ants avoid your RV. This is, I'm told, an old beekeepers trick to keep the ants away from the hives and you know how ants love the honey.
Interesting. I'll give it a try.
On the electrical and water hose I used double sided sticky tape as close to the camper as possible and it seemed to do the job.
Good tip. Thanks
Try comit cleaner ( dry ) and sprinkle around tires .
That works too.
Thanks, Jerry!
Glad to help.
Even before you revealed what it was, I knew it was going to be Seven Dust. My dad swore by that stuff for the garden
Little goes a long way. Simple and works.
Great information Jerry. Thank you.
I'm getting some of this today!
Glad we could help.
I have puppies I don’t want them getting into that stuff . What we do is Spray mr clean in those same places harmless to all animals . At home if we have a ant nest all I do is spray mr clean on the ant 🐜 nest an the ants die .where I got this info I googled natural way to kill ants an keep them away . Have heard you of this technique before . Safer then poison powder .
Thanks for sharing. We’ll give it a try.
Are the ant baits and the powder dog safe, too?
Terro Liquid Ant Bait indoors is reported to be pet safe. Be patient if used around infestation. The ants will go into a feeding frenzy. Give it 24 hours and they’ll go back to nest and die. We’ve used around our cats for several years with no issue. Use diatomaceous earth outdoors around jack footing, tires, power cable, water hose, etc. Just remember to retreat after rain and ground dries.
Spray home defense on everything touching ground to rv!!! Been doing for years and no problems! Middle Ga. Boy! Farmer 40 yrs.
Great tip.
The things touching the ground like tires and jacks,spray them with poison.the tires especially.
You bet. Thanks
Do you need to redust your Outside Hoses after A Rain Storm?
I do. It will wash away.
Good video those ants can wreak havoc on us RV'ers. As another user has mentioned I have also heard diatomaceous earth works. Have not tried it though so can't say first hand. Love your videos - thumbs up. Happy travels, Lou.
Thanks Lou for the kind comments.
DE is great and it will not harm people or animals.
Works til it rains. People even eat it in the pure form but some brands add poison.
Another great video I listen to you I've already these things down so I don't have the problems thank you you are an RV expert I listen to my elders now I wish I would have listened to him when I was younger but I'm listening to everything you have to say
You’re very kind Mark. Thanks.
maybe a good idea to have soft brush to brush that mountain of sevin dust around the wheels...I am sure a "white wash" of the dust works as well as a ridge of the stuff... Could last you a whole year then...or two..
Mountain? Maybe the camera angle. Just a light dusting.
Awesome! Thank you!
Glad we could help
Pour a little cokeacola in a saucer and count the number of roaches and ants that over eat and die. I’d set it outside.
Just had this issue. Thanks for sharing. Love watching your videos. Y’all are my favorite!
Thanks so much Shelea. Great to hear you found the video helpful.
I live in an area where the ants don’t want the food, they want water!!! So im struggling to find a good remedy
Hopefully this works
I’ve run into similar issues. Make sure you sprinkle around all things that touch the ground.
Love the videos and congratulations on your channel. It's so cool to hear you talk, it makes me miss home. I live in Tacoma but I'm from a deeply southern town in NC. My wife and I are in the process of transitioning to full time and your videos are very helpful and insightful - Thank you!! I have a question about the blocks you have on the front legs. Would it be possible to get a schematic or plan, they look like they would perform extremely well. Good luck and we look forward to more videos because we "Love RV Life" too!!!
Hi Andy. Glad we can send a little southern twang your way. These blocks are great. A little heavy, but nice to have the added stability in the front of the RV. Here's a link to a blog with diagram you can download for the construction of the pads. ilovervlife.com/heavy-duty-rv-jack-pads/ Safe travels. Jerry...
Is it toxic to dogs?? I have a puppy that eats everything in sight.
It would be.
Have you tried spraying those areas with liquid Sevin instead of dusting?
I haven't. Only reason thinking the dust may offer a little residual over time. Plus a little goes a long way.
Great video! Thanks. I stayed in my camper 1st night and woke up to those darn pesty sugar ants!! So I am definitely planning on getting this product. Looks like this works good 😊
This is the trick. Just a little goes a long way.
My grandmother taught me to use grits to kill sugar ants in the house. Works in my home. Assume it would work in an RV. Worth a shot.
Thanks. We'll give it a try.
This is a little off topic, but Jerry what do you use to get rid of mice?
Understand. Never had an issue. We have 2 black cats that travel with us. Maybe the scent keeps them away. Check under the RV. If you see openings large enough for a mouse, then stuff it with steel wool. It bothers the mice teeth. Others have shared that moth balls are a good deterrent. Bars of soap, not so much. If they’re inside. A couple old school spring traps with a little cheese still works great.
Try pouring a bag of sugar where you want them to go away from your trailer and house watch them go lol
Mystery Pacific Northwest ..excellent suggestion..many years ago I started putting honey out in one area away fro. The house. I used to have alot of any problems but never did again.
Remember you are going to their homes...no need to kill them.
Bugs hate lime.🐜🐛only 2 bugs like tobacco.cut worm and tobacco
beetle.
Mystery Pacific Northwest Neighbor’s trailer?
Great video! FYI we do the exact same thing as you outside but use baby powder instead of Sevins Dust. It works great!!! Give it a try :)
Hi Joyce. Thanks for the tip.
What do you use to protect against mice? We take out all food and have a plug in sonic thing. No mice yet 🤞🏼
We never leave food if we're out of the RV for weeks at a time. We have two kitties, Mink and Molly. We think the kitty scent has created a deterrent for mice. Knock on wood, we've never had an issue.
Many years ago a coworker told me to pour rubbing alcohol on ants, flies, roaches, spiders you name it it’s dead! The only improvement I made was to put it in a spray bottle. Never a fear of something poisonous on dishes or anything else we would come in contact with. Granted it only kills those that you directly spray but doesn’t prevent more from coming in.
Thanks for the tip.
brake cleaner spray works the same but dissipates fast
cheaper then bug spray
We hit 5 campgrounds in three states this last trip and got invaded by ants two times on this trip alone.
Just a strange observation.... I don't understand the objection to using a boric acid solution (and no, I would NOT suggest mixing it with sugar!) but instead use Sevin.... ;-)
Its borax and powdered sugar. I'm told ants burst after eating.
Thank you, very helpful video.
Glad we could help.
Will this work on carpenter ants
It’s not made for them. You may want to look into a termicide.
Nice video. Bought the dust and recommended it to friends
Thanks. Works great. Little goes a long way.
Very helpful information. Thanks
Glad to help Polly.
"BAD BOY JERRY"....Are you happy now? Lol
Very!
Hooray and thank you!!!
When I was growing up we used “anti ant” on a cotton ball. Mama placed anti ant cotton balls in all our window sills and strategic areas in the kitchen.
??Do you remember this product??
It was banned after it was used to poison unsuspecting husbands, if I recall correctly.
Not sure on this one. Must have been something really powerful.
Thanks for the great advice! Have you tried putting cedar planks around or the Irish Spring bar of soap methods?
Haven’t. Just a spoonful of Sevin does the trick.
I will not use the ant bait pucks product as dogs will chew it. But I will be using the Sevin dust! I use it on my chickens and it works great!
What do u mean u use it on your chickens??
Try Vaseline too. I guess you can sprinkle it on the vaseline as well.
I use Vaseline on the bottom of my shepherd hooks half way up to keep the ants out of the humming bird containers.
Look at the main ingredients of Sevens dust. What are they?
The active ingredient is Carbaryl typically referred to as a moderate insecticide.
What do you do for mice?
We travel with two cats. Never had an issue. Think the cat scent may have some impact. If one did come inside, it would offer a brief moment of very aggressive entertainment.
Good information thank you
Thanks.
Thanks for the information.
Thank Gale. Glad to share.
Love your videos. Hope we meet up sometime out there.
Thanks, I hope so too!
Great videos but way way way way to long could just sprinkle 7 dust around jacks and wheels and use ant pucks at all slide out and doorways and bazinga a quick 2-3 minutes and done but was informative
Thanks. Sometimes I just get carried away sharing.
Jerry, have you ever tried diatomaceous earth? Great for pest control and 100% safe for humans and pets. comes in powder form. Give it a try...
I have. Comet too. Some worry about insecticides. Always use with care.
Good thank you I have ant problems in my home thank you thank you thank you,
PS what solutions do you have for mice I’d appreciate any suggestions you could give me
Hi Laura. This works and little goes a long way.
We have never had a mouse issue. We have two black cats that protect the home front from these critters. Plus they are great companions during their off time.
Why not use the ant hotels outside as well, then you don't have to worry about pets or kids getting in it.?
Hi Mike. Good question. For some reason the ants have no interest in the hotels when used out side. Not sure why unless there are other food sources of more interest. The kids and pets have no business around the jacks or the tires. Also such a small amount used and not spreading everywhere where we walk.
Yeah we use that Sevendust also and we also use those home insect killers in a spray bottle gallon spray jug that’s for home defense It keeps insects away and last for months and that works pretty good. Usually sprays it in the same general area as you’ve shown.
I have to say when it rains the run for the inside of the RV UGH grrrrrrrrr
This helps even after the rain. May need a light sprinkle once the area drys.
@@iLoveRVlife I do use the Borax but when one troop is done another troop starts LOL
I have a child so it's an ongoing fight to keep clean.
Understand. We have similar issues when the grandkids visit or a even with the kitty dishes. On occasion, we'll have a few. The gel traps really help.
Thank you
Lol yeah I am not finding that out about 🐜
why not ajacks or borax with a sugar mix?
Good question. This is a preventative measure for the outside and not effort to attract ants. I've used borax and powdered sugar for an inside infestation. The little ant traps are something simular, just a little more self contained.
Need to wear 😷 mask when you are close to application
Thanks
I use sevin dust on my garden my uncle told me about it many years ago
It works and a little goes a long way
Thank You!
Dish soap. make a circle around them.
Thanks for the tip.
Good suggestions. I would probably try diatomaceous earth first before Sevin, but my previous two generations of gardeners have used Sevin for years with good results.
yes it works in garden just great BUT the Honey Bees pick it up and take back to hive it kills them there not in the garden, so you don't see the damage it does to the hive. There will bee piles of dead bees at the hive. please don't use Sevin dust.
Thanks for the great tips on ants!
You bet! Hope these tips work out for you too. Jerry.
I Love RV Life we will find out tomorrow. I'm staying at the fort Desoto campground. Wow is it nice here. Well Run by Pinellas county.
Traveling with Rick - That campground is on our wish list. Everyone we talk to says it has some of the prettiest beaches. Have fun! Jerry....
Thank you I will get it thank you 🙏 again. You make great videos thank you again
Glad we could help Bruce.
Them little buggers get in my laptop. I'll be messing on it and I'll start seeing something crawling on my keys and screen and it'll be them little sugar ants. Guess I've got too many crumbs in my laptop.....:)
You got to admit, they are creative.
Video finally starts at 6:10
What do y'all do for mouse proofing?
Knock on wood, we've never had and issue with mice. Not sure why. We camp in heavily wooded State and Federal parks. Guess our day hasn't come yet. Or maybe, the kitty scent of Mink and Molly, our 2 black cats are the deterrent. Others have shared that steel wool in large cracks works. A bar of Safeguard soap if you have a larger openings. Also heard moth balls work too. Jerry...
@@iLoveRVlife
Thanks for the tips. I've been fighting ants and mice. I used to use 7dust everywhere in the barns and stables but for some reason...that totally slipped my mind. I'm getting some today. I saw on another video about using comet on the points of contact with the ground as you have done with the seven dust and I tried it. It actually works. First hand experience with the steel wool around openings for elect. and water etc. It does work. Haven't seen a mouse since installing. I'm not sure if the bar of soap will work unless it is made without tallow or lard. The mice were actually eating my bars of dial soap. I researched and found that they were attracted to the tallow.
Anyway, I ramble..sorry.
Thanks again for the video, God bless and happy trails.
Hi Matt. A little Sevins goes a long way and it works. For mice, you can't beat steel wool. They hate it. Guess it like you or I chewing aluminum foil. Glad you found the channel. Thanks for them comment. Jerry...
For mice we bought a product called mouse-away. It's granuals you put in little Sachets( little cloth bags with a drawstring) and place them in the under bay compartments, engine bay, wet bay, generator bay. Mice don't like it. It smells like peppermint. Haven't had a problem in the nearly 3 years we've had our coach. I think it works on any rodent squirrels, rats, mice etc.
Grest tip. Thanks for sharing
Sevin powder is a staple at almost every single garden center in the USA
You bet. It's inexpensive. A little goes a long way. And it just works. Spent late spring and early summer at the beach. Ants everywhere, but none entered the RV. Just remember to sprinkle after the rain.
How many bees have you seen lately. They’re all dying.