Wasp In My Vents

[80 Cruiser Rod]

Today I was going to remove the vents on the outside of my camper to kill and hopefully get rid of the wasp that are living in there. The only problem is I cannot figure out how to remove the vent doors. What looks like a plastic screw or key I tried turning in all direction and even tried to turn it like I was unscrewing it but I could not open the door. I didn't want to force open the door chancing I might break something. How do you open these doors?

[Grumpy]

Should be a 1/4 turn latch. Turn 1/4 then pull.

[80 Cruiser Rod]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Should be a 1/4 turn latch. Turn 1/4 then pull.

Should the slot be vertical or horizontal?

[RVhiker]

I think that horizontal is "open". The catch is just a sort of expandable plastic rivet. When turned one way, the rivet is "fat" and can't be pulled through a small hole. When turned the other way, the rivet is skinny and will fit through the hole.

These catches tend to catch a bit even when "open"; especially if a bit of putty or caulk is on them. Just pull gently at the top of the panel and it should come out. The bottom of the panel is probably held by a tabs in slots; after it's loose at the top, pull the panel up slightly to bull the tabs out of the slots.

[TWP723]

I think horizontal is correct if I remember right.

[eagleback]

horizontal is locked, we live full time so im in the compartment every month.

[2nOZ]

Turn it a 1/4 turn to vertical to unlock.

[RogerR]

After you are done put screen wire behind the vent cover to keep them out. Mine made a big nest in the fins of the fridge and it was a mess to get out. Now all of them have covers!

[80 Cruiser Rod]

I got it! Vertical is the position to open it. Apparently the PO had the same problem and broke all the bottom catches to one of my covers.

Now I have another problem! After I removed the covers to search and destroy the wasp and their nest (which I couldn't find), I found a mess of mouse turds. I guess I'm not having a real good day. LOL As I went thru the camper inside thoroughly when I bought it I never saw any evidence of mice. Some of the turds had mold on them and in one compartment, where I've seen wasp looked somewhat fresh. Open for any suggestions.

[80 Cruiser Rod]

Originally Posted by RogerR

After you are done put screen wire behind the vent cover to keep them out. Mine made a big nest in the fins of the fridge and it was a mess to get out. Now all of them have covers!

I was thinking the same thing but I can't see the nest that's in there and If I put a screen there they'll have to come inside I guess.

[RogerR]

There are a lot of mouse posts on prevention. For now on the possibility there are live ones in there try some sticky straps baited with peanut butter.

Personnally having experienced mouse damage and nastiness I did the following with my 195RB when I took it home.

I got some aluminum screen wire. I cut off some 1 inch wide strips and crawled under my trailer. Anywhere I found the tiniest hole I stuffed in screen wire and then added silicone caulk to keep it in place. I then foamed with special critter resistant foam (Home, Lowes, Menards) After that I went inside and did the same thing from the inside. Don't forget electric wires and cable. I opened up the panel where the 30 AMP wire is kept and sealed up the hole into cabinet for the breaker box. My water pipes also run through that area so hit them also. Now if a mouse crawled up the electric cable there is no where to go.

I put protective screens, primarily for wasps but they will also stop rodents. The large panels as you pictured I put screen wire on the inside. I did not have a good way to anchor the screen wire with screws or wire so I used quad seal to glue it in place. Held fine for two years so far.

Don't forget to close the power and water fill doors when not in use. The wire and hose are highways to heaven for mice if you don't keep the door closed over them.

PS on wasps, second year in a row I have a nest in the tongue box tubing near the hitch ball receiver.

[80 Cruiser Rod]

Thank you RogerR, that's really a lot of great tips. I think I need to print that out. Thank you again!