Escapees July-August 2022

camping chair chat

Ant Infestation I enjoyed Mark Nemeth’s answer to the question about ants in the March/April issue. It reminded me of a similar prob lem when I was a full-time RVer a few years ago. I had a container of fresh herbs that I would put outside our door whenever we stopped for a few days so the plants could get some sunshine. One day I noticed I had an ant infestation inside the rig. I did my best to eliminate the little buggers. All was okay for a few days and, then, the ants were back. It took me a long time to make the connection. We stopped for lunch unexpectedly one day and when I went inside the fi fth-wheel there they were, all around my herb garden. Problem solved. I laughed as I thought how mischievous they had been. They never came out of the container while we were stopped, but ran amok while we were in motion. So, the one time we stopped unexpectedly they were caught. I took the herb container outside, dumped it and threw it in the trash. Oh my, the number of ants in that container was unbelievable! That was the end of my garden, and my ant problem. Mary Halley #48381 More on Ants I, too, have used the product (Terro Ant Killer) to eliminate some tiny ants living in our coach. It works well. However, use caution when buying the product. Open the package and check the liquid to be sure that it is clear and colorless. If it has a yellow tinge, it is beyond its useful life and will not work. Ants living in the ground are more dif fi cult to control. The prod uct placed next to ant trails will work to reduce their activity but the bait needs to be covered so that animals do not come by and lick it up as it can be harmful to them. For ants living in the ground I have many times used an Ant and roach spray. Locate the entrance to the ant nest and spray the area (about 6" diameter) heavily until the area is quite wet. Next slowly pour water (about ½ to ¾ quart) on the spray to carry it down into the nest. I have eliminated enough nests around our coach to keep the ants out. Rest assured, there are more out there. Brandon Granger #79881

• Do you like to display things outside of your rig, or will you be encouraged to do so at the rally? Make sure you have all the items you need to tie things down, anchor or display when you arrive. • Go through everything you have packed or that is on your packing list. Does any item have a dual purpose? Is there something you can leave behind or not purchase for your trip? The last thing you want to do is bring so much that you make your trip complicated! • Plan out a meal menu, so you don’t have to think about that when you arrive. Will there be potlucks at the rally? Plan for that, including the disposable eating utensils you need. Create your grocery list. • Does the rally have an app or an online program schedule? Download it and get familiar with it to know potential plans and what to do when you arrive. • Do you have pets? Will they come with you? What will you do with them while you are attending rally activities? Two Week Checklist • Purchase food, snacks, and groceries you will need during the rally. Avoid fresh items that may not make the trip. • Con fi rm your dates, times and locations if you have planned to meet up with anyone. • If you are a business owner, have business cards to hand out (digital versions for those prepared to use them). If you aren’t a business owner, you might want to hand out calling cards to stay in touch with your new connections? One Week Checklist • Prep any meals you can ahead of time so you don’t waste any rally time. • Check to see the weather while you are at the rally. Do you need to plan for bringing last-minute items like umbrellas, extra blankets, coats, rain gear, etc.? • If you aren’t full-time, pack up your RV with all your food, clothing and essentials, and don’t forget medi cations, licenses and other important documents. • Fuel your rig or know where you can stop for the best fuel rates. At the Rally checklist • Have fun! You did all this planning and preparation for a reason: so you would free up all your time at the rally. Now, it’s reward time. Take away those meaningful friendships, learning experiences and memories you might have otherwise missed because you were making lunch in your RV, or tracking down a black tank hose. Lucinda Belden #159950

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July/August 2022 ESCAPEES Magazine