Community Forums

teach23666 · 07-13-2014, 05:57 AM

We live in Florida where termites are constantly looking for a snack. Do we need to be concerned about termites invading our 5th wheel? Is there something we should be doing to keep Ms. Ellie safe?

2Crows · 07-13-2014, 07:19 AM

Howdy Teach
Yes, you need to take all kinds of care down here (I'm in FL too). When I'm stored for the season I pre-treat the parking area for subterainian termites doing a soil drench around ANY area of the trailer that touches the ground: wheels, jack, etc. I do this every year. Then, once a month spray pesticide around and on the same areas to keep the crawlers at bay. Watch for any cords that may contact the ground too. Inside, in addition to the Damp-Rid treatment, I use a Hot Shot No Pest Strip. They last up to 4 months and will kill most anything that can and can't be seen. Seems to work great! I once had (key word) an ant problem and the strip seemed to take care of them.

Good luck and stay vigilant.

bailiff · 07-13-2014, 07:28 AM

Are you living in the fifthwheel? If not, and you move it once a month or so, no problem with termites.

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Gary RVRoamer · 07-13-2014, 10:07 AM

We are also long time Floridians and have never taken any special termite precautions with our RVs (we do with other things). There is no wood in contact with the ground, nor any dark crawl space underneath to encourage them to tunnel over the tires or jack struts. There's always a chance of a queen flying to start a new nest in any available wood, but there probably isn't any exposed wood on your RV either. I'd say the chances are near zero.

Dog Folks · 07-13-2014, 11:35 AM

There are two types of termites in Florida: 1: Drywood Termites and Subterranean Termites. Both are low risk, but not impossible, for an RV.

One caveat: Do you see lots of "tents" over homes in your neighborhood? or is the RV parked reasonably close to the coastal areas? If so your risk for Drywood termites will be much higher.

Hope this helps.

Bamaman · 07-15-2014, 05:53 PM

You have no worries. Termites move around in tunnels that they build, and they die when they hit the air. They're chasing the smell of formaldehyde that wood gives off.

I find carpenter ants to be a much, much more destructive beast than termites. But they only eat diseased or dead wood.

When I want to know about any of 150 critters (pests), I go to BugSpray.com.

On ants, see: Ant Control & Treatments in Atlanta GA | Ant Repellent Sprays

Dog Folks · 07-15-2014, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamaman

You have no worries. Termites move around in tunnels that they build, and they die when they hit the air. They're chasing the smell of formaldehyde that wood gives off.

I find carpenter ants to be a much, much more destructive beast than termites. But they only eat diseased or dead wood.

When I want to know about any of 150 critters (pests), I go to BugSpray.com.

On ants, see: Ant Control & Treatments in Atlanta GA | Ant Repellent Sprays

No disrespct meant, but a few corrections.

If Bugspray.com told you the above information, you need to find another source.

Many factors determine if subterranean termites will eat wood or prefer a section of wood, but formaldehyde is NOT one of them.

Florida carpenter ants will START a nest in wood that is softened, often by water damage. But they can and will infest sound wood. They are slow workers and do not damage wood as readily as northern species.

My source is myself, in business over 30 years,(Twice as long as founders of Bug Spray), certified commercial operator in Florida,35 years, and the University Of Florida, Gainesville, where I studied.