Community Forums

frank1018 · 05-09-2020, 07:37 PM

Are these beetles everywhere in US? I will go look at my unit tomorrow but not sure what I am looking for as far as signs. Are most of you seeing this on the inside of your units?

Jheneise · 05-10-2020, 02:11 PM

Here is a link to a very informative article by the University of Kentucky. Answers most questions.

https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef616

Archerwoman · 06-03-2020, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jheneise

Hi. I am the member who began this thread. My experience with Winnebago via the Giant RV dealership In Montclair CA, was complete denial of any responsibility for the infestation. I requested that all of my drawer bottoms or drawers be replaced, the damaged walls be repaired and that they pay for professional fumigation specific to Powder Post Beetles. My dealer submitted my request and all were denied. I told my dealer that if the beetles return this spring that my next move would be to seek assistance from a Lemon Law lawyer.

I really love my DP but I am very concerned about continuing damage and future resale value. Up until last week and after having applied the recommended borax based treatment, (Bora Care), to all of the infested surfaces last spring, there has been no signs of activity. Then, on Wednesday, I found a new pile of powder coming from a wall which I could not treat. So begins the next chapter of the beetle. I will monitor and look more closely before taking further action. I did read that after treatment with the Bora Care that It can take another season for the larvae to become active, eat the chemical and die. We will see. This shouldn’t be the experience one has after making a significant investment into a brand new Winnebago DP. Keep us posted on your experience with Winnebago.

They only way to treat powder post beetles is to tent the RV. Shop around and get estimates because they can range anywhere from $500 to $4000.

Archerwoman · 06-03-2020, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LinMinZoe

Got confirmation from 2 companies that my issue is powder post beetles. The best option to correct this issue is to fumigate the trailer. Tech said they have to use a high concentration (7x) of gas to kill them so the price ranged from $1500 to $4000. I have contacted Winnebago and plan to submit the quote and pictures of the beetle powder and holes in the ceiling. I will have to tow the trailer to the exterminator property and remove propane tanks so a bit of work on my end but if it rids my trailer of beetles it is worth it. From what I have read here and in scientific papers, these beetles are in the wood prior to construction so I'm hoping to get Winnebago to pay for this under the new trailer warranty. I'm concerned that that same wood pile was used in other trailers and would hope that Winnebago is also concerned. My trailer was one of the first 2020 models built and was delivered to Florida in March 2019. I will post again when I hear back and thanks for all the responses and input. Thanks to Jheneise for documenting your experience...I don't feel so alone

I have a 2019 Newmar and we have a large infestation of the powder post beetles. There are a handful of models that were built with this infested wood and they know about it.

Archerwoman · 06-05-2020, 08:26 AM

We got ours tented. We are concerned about the amount of damage that has been done. We found powder behind the electrical panel in the bathroom and inside wall of sliding door. The wood paneling is damage on the back side so we can't tell untill they take out the wall.
Also there were hundreds of the powder post beetles in our bathroom skylight, so we don't know how much damage is done to the roof. We have been finding powder pretty much since day one of picking up our new Newmar.

LinMinZoe · 06-06-2020, 05:30 AM

Archerwoman - I'm so sorry to hear about this. Winnebago told me they contacted their panel supplier and they assured them that the wood is kiln dried but in my case it's clear that the beetles were in the materials. I only hope that that I got them in time. I tented in April and after numerous calls to Winnebago, they agreed to 'participate' (their words) in helping with the cost. Their supplier declined to participate. The fumigation guy was confident that the fumigation will take care of the beetles so I'll keep a close eye out for new activity. Thanks to all who shared information about this issue.

slamber · 06-29-2020, 02:00 PM

any advice as i start my journey of contacting the manufacture on fixing this issue. was glad to see i am not alone at least.

LinMinZoe · 06-30-2020, 06:18 AM

I took pictures and got quotes from pest companies to confirm the type of bug. I started contact with my retailer but they were no help so contacted the manufacturer. It took several calls and emails and weeks but don't give up and I found them to be pretty understanding...nice begets nice!

My camper was still under the new camper warranty which helped. Best of Luck.

Archerwoman · 07-01-2020, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LinMinZoe

I took pictures and got quotes from pest companies to confirm the type of bug. I started contact with my retailer but they were no help so contacted the manufacturer. It took several calls and emails and weeks but don't give up and I found them to be pretty understanding...nice begets nice!

My camper was still under the new camper warranty which helped. Best of Luck.

Where was your beetles located at? Our was behind walls where the powder was coming out the side so you could not see the damage and found hundreds in the skylight.
The dealership told up to take the ceiling panels to look for damage would only cause more damage. We are going to Newmar corporate to see what they are going to do.

Sjgraves10 · 07-17-2021, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LinMinZoe

Got confirmation from 2 companies that my issue is powder post beetles. The best option to correct this issue is to fumigate the trailer. Tech said they have to use a high concentration (7x) of gas to kill them so the price ranged from $1500 to $4000. I have contacted Winnebago and plan to submit the quote and pictures of the beetle powder and holes in the ceiling. I will have to tow the trailer to the exterminator property and remove propane tanks so a bit of work on my end but if it rids my trailer of beetles it is worth it. From what I have read here and in scientific papers, these beetles are in the wood prior to construction so I'm hoping to get Winnebago to pay for this under the new trailer warranty. I'm concerned that that same wood pile was used in other trailers and would hope that Winnebago is also concerned. My trailer was one of the first 2020 models built and was delivered to Florida in March 2019. I will post again when I hear back and thanks for all the responses and input. Thanks to Jheneise for documenting your experience...I don't feel so alone

I too have a powder post beetle problem . Please tell me the test of the story. Did Winnebago pay for fumigation.? Did the beetles die out for ever? Did Winnebago replace the damaged wood?
I have a Flagstaff micro lite still under warranty.

Archerwoman · 07-18-2021, 09:54 AM

The only way to get rid of powder post beetles is to fumigation/tenting. It cost us $750 but we received estimates up to $2500.
We had to pay up front but Newmar reimbursed us. The sooner you get your RV tented the better, they can multiply very fast.

LinMinZoe · 07-19-2021, 09:43 AM

Winnebago paid half the fumigation costs. I had the camper tented a year ago and no further issues.

Sjgraves10 · 07-20-2021, 05:07 AM

We are going to the dealership to report our infestation. We had to wait two weeks for this day. Meanwhile I have wondered how much grief they will cause me. I will post later today when I know what if anything is agreed on.
One thing I have noticed, no ones posts an out come. I suspect they don't want this problem publicize. Also they stretch out the time it takes to report and solve the problem. This is very effective. I have been very nervious. I even considered just paying for the repairs because this waiting period is so stressful. I thank ray,In for his support. He helped me learn to navigate this site.
I hope to be able to post the outcome of our meeting today. I seriously think they will gag me.if I stop posting, I recieved help from Forrest River but can't talk about it.