Ants on the march

[vcrt]

We've had ant problems in different campers over the years, but the latest infestation has been the worst. While camping at a state park here in South Carolina, they began their assault in force. They even got into the cab and bed of my truck. Now that we've been back home for a few weeks, they are diminished, but I still see them here and there, maybe one or two. We removed anything they were going after, sprayed small amounts of Raid ant & roach killer where we saw them, I got underneath and sealed off any place that could be a possible entry point and I went over all of the roof seals and patched any suspicious cracks with Dicor self leveling sealant (i know to keep up with this task regularly after buying a leaky camper years ago). This past week, I've noticed they were up near the ceiling and not near the floor. At this point, I'm thinking about the siding. I know that the panels interlock but they don't seem tight enough to seal out a tiny ant ( these are the small variety). If they are entering from between the siding panels, I don't see that its possible to keep them out entirely. When I was sealing the roof, I saw a lot of them wandering around on the rubber roof, so shaking diatomaceous earth on the ground around the hitch, jacks and wheels might not prevent all of them from being on and in the camper if they are coming down from tree branches.
As far as removing and/or sealing up containers of snacks and such that attract ants, we have done this all along and had periods of time with no ants, so I'm not sure what gets them started, maybe just one location that has a hungry army ready to attack then signaling for back-ups.

As a side note, apart from the frustration, they are interesting creatures and I supposed we could learn to be more like them in their selfless attempts to serve the group instead of themselves!
So, I was wondering if anyone has any methods of dealing with these critters that have proven successful.
Thanks,
Rich

 

[vcrt]

I guess no one has any other ideas than those I've tried. The good news now is that I haven't spotted any ants inside or outside the camper.

 

[Phil_K_TN]

We have had good luck with Terro Liquid Ant Baits. Plus, we try to always spray ant killer on the ground around the wheels, stabilizers, trailer tongue and the power cord & water hose. We try to not give them a way into the camper in the first place.

 

[leather-SUN]

Ditto on the effectiveness of the Terro ant bait. I found though it takes a day or so to work since the ants carry the liquid back to the nest where it kills them all.

 

[Wannabes-SUN]

Three on the Terro. We had ants this year too, though not to the level that you’ve had. I also use a product called Zevo, which you can buy at Dollar General. It is a natural product that’s safe & really works. It does have a scent to it but it kills ants on contact & keeps them away. We also spray the power cords & stabilizers when we’re out camping. Good luck!

 

[Heatherdmc]

Surrender for ants. Pet friendly. As soon as we come home I sweep out, clean out. Then I take squares black construction paper ( so I can see the Surrender) and place from one end to the other. Floor corners back of sink, inside cupboards ( leaving doors open ), along threshold. they take it back to nest and you never see them again. Also kills spuders and other creepy crawlies. Some of the less conspicuous I leave the squares, but gather the rest up while traveling. I have needed to sprinkle some around the electric line port as they may want to crawl up yhe electric cords.