Southeast Storage/Treatments

Curious how many of the other southeastern CI owners prevent pests/insects or if they've ever even had a problem?

We definitely bought the storage cover for yard storage. We also have the ability for storing in our attached garage but it's tight and not a great option for full time. Living on the river and in the lowcountry—Cary mentioned keeping an eye out for dirt dobbers which are prevalent on our back porch, shed, etc...But roaches? Ants? God-forbid Carpenter Bees?

I hate the idea of insects making their way in yet oddly I'm even more grossed out by the idea of any kind of bait treatment being in my little CI. Does anyone spray it seasonally—is that even recommended or frowned upon?

Does everyone else just depend on storage facilities or hopefully tell me we're over thinking it?

 

Just another reason people in Georgia should buy a Camp Inn or other recreational vehicle so they can get out and see that you don't have to live in such an area. Dave

 

You go Dave!!!!

 

Thanks Jenn for trying to help. Living here all our lives, we definitely don't think twice about cleaning up after any potential sugar trail for ants. I know you don't live here but was really looking for insight from those familiar with regional insects regarding yard storage. Dave & Dixie, while we're not GA, we love the southeast just the same.

 

Cary, after discussing further this evening, Robert questioned what kind of cost would be incurred for a special southeast build—all cedar? Man that would be a dreamy smelling interior!

 

That's a good question. I live in ft. Lauderdale and ave wondered about putting it in my hot 130 degree humid garage for storage. Will it fare well in storage or will the heat and humidity get to it?

 

Ours has been in the storage unit (well, you saw it there) for 2 1/2 years. It doesn't get as hot as you'd think. We keep the fan cracked open. We put an Eva-Dry dehumidifier in it. It takes about 2 or 3 months before it needs to be recharged.

Meribeth

http://www.eva-dry.com/products/

 

http://www.eva-dry.com/news-and-events/rv-moisture-control/

Is potential for mold in our TDs something all owners need to worry about?

Am wondering one of the small dehumidifiers is a good idea, in NorCal/Bay Area.

 

AlCat—I bet it couldn't be a bad idea or do any damage, especially if you knew of moisture collecting. But I would bet most general use and general storage would not based on the extensive polyurethane treatments to the wood and assuming if you've run your AC a lot before storing, it's been properly flushed and cleaned.

Ninjamini—there are probably some simple steps to look into like cracking the vent or windows if it's going into a protected paid storage facility kinda place. I'm less worried about heat and humidity and more about the typical regional insects that are present in my yard during heat and humidity. We spoke with a family member that works for a pretty reputable exterminator firm locally. He hooked us up with a non-smelly, no residue spray that would be safe to use (also safe indoors at home) as well as a pellet type treatment that could go on the ground around our teardrop versus inside which was really not an option for me. Also, being in the southeast, the "winterizing" time periods of higher non-use are really pretty bug free. So I'm going with the "use-it-as-much-possible-while-it's-warm" philosophy so that our activity keeps it on the go and not worry so much about yard storing when it does cools off.

Hope that helps—man we sure are some worry warts aren't we! Have a great weekend

 

We are just home from St. George Island State Park (Florida). After the 5 hour drive home:
I washed our 2NA CAN (while Alan went to Publix grocery store for roses so we'd have some for the house and at work tomorrow!) with ZYMOL Auto Wash and dried it off. Make sure to dry the inside of the door(s) and galley hatch gasket really well as water can collect in the cabin (near your mattress) or drip off the hatch when you open it and drain onto the open "shelves" in the galley. Not good for the camper and water is ALMOST ALWAYS a source for attracting bugs in the South (and mildew). Then she goes into the garage with both windows cracked about 2 inches, the roof vent opened up about 4 inches AND we leave the door open and close up the door screen. Ventilation problems are solved. Since we put the really nice mattress the camper came with on our bed at home (as a topper) and use our PACO PADS....we always take them out after every trip and put them against the wall in the spare bedroom. We vacuum the inside of the camper out after most trips to help eliminate any small insects that may have gotten in during the trip. That is how we take care of the bedroom. On our trips I always wipe down the galley countertops with "soft" LYSOL DISINFECTING WIPES. Keeps them looking nice and sanitary. Our cooking unit is placed on the table outside of the galley (no grease splatters to linger on the wall). We ALWAYS hang our garbage bag on a clothesline post away from the camper and we do all our dishes at the water spigot for our site which is usually about 15 feet away. In other words...NEVER leave anything that would attract bugs to your TEARDROP. I realize your question is about home storage in the South...but if you keep your Looney Bin "clean" when you are out enjoying it, your outside storage problems regarding bugs should be limited to wasps and mud dobbers....not ants or roaches. You may want to consider laying an 8 by 10 concrete slab to park it on so it won't be "on the ground". The main reason we chose the CAMP INN TEARDROP 500 SPECIAL was because...we wanted something that would fit in our garage, we didn't want plumbing, it is a very manageable unit to keep clean and is perfect for 2 or 3 night trips a couple of times a month. It's like an OVERNIGHT BAG VERSUS A SUITCASE!!!
I'm sure you'll learn the best way to keep it from harm!!!