How to keep Bugs out of RV Tips and Tricks

We are going to give you some tips and tricks to keep bugs out of your RV, but first a little story.

We were on the road for a few hours and finally pulled into the campground to find our dream spot. So, we searched the map and found this spot right in the middle of everything, how we wanted it to be. Backed into our spot, the kids jumped out to run around and explore the area while we set up camp.

After getting parked I wanted to make sure the power cord reach the pedestal before we leveled up and got stabilized. I pulled out my cord and reached to lift up the pedestal cover and wham! A wasp came out of nowhere to defend its post with a fierce attack on my hand.

Unfortunately, it was swelling up 5 minutes later and even worse the pedestal had no power to give. We ended up moving to a new spot after all this trouble finding our dream site.

Sound familiar?

Keep your guard up

So, flying critters is the topic of the day, and how to keep yourself from the hidden attack. Some of their favorite places to build nests are inside the hot water heater area and heater vents. They do make nests in other areas also, like refrigerator vents and even your storage bays.

From my experience, the hot water heater seems to be their favorite though. You go back, pop the hatch and it’s game on. Lucky for you we have a defense plan to protect you from this barrage of stings. RVGUARD RV Flying Insect Screen for RV Water Heater Vent Cover Protects from Insects Stainless Steel Mesh with Installation Tool and Silicone Rubber.

Using an Insect screen is an economical way to protect the furnace and your home from flying insect nests. Protect children and pets from vent exposure.

Wasps are just one pesky critter to deal with, but others are also ready to invade. Check out – Secrets to keep critters out of your RV

Tips on how to keep bugs out of your RV

RVGUARD Flying insect screens

RVGUARD pest screens are made with high-grade stainless steel to ensure they stay intact and corrosion-free over your vents so your investment stays protected. And it is easy to clean to look good.

Check Amazon price here

RVGUARD insect screen see-through, breathable wire mesh covers for RV with large enough gaps for optimal airflow but small enough to keep away bugs.

Simple installation with all needed tools included: 4 stainless steel spring hooks, 1 installation tool, and a silicone strip to use for seal. The silicone strip edging provides noise and scratch-free application even during cold weather. Instruction is also included. It takes no more than 2 minutes to install.

Other tips and tricks to keep bugs out of your RV:

The first step to keeping insects and critters away from your campsite is to keep your area clean. It only takes a drop or 2 of your favorite BBQ sauce to sound the dinner bell and they will never miss a good meal.

We know bugs love lights and limiting the lighting you use at night will help keep the insect population low in your area.

Take advantage of their sense of smell

You can also fight back using their great sense of smell by using scents they dislike, such as peppermint, lemongrass, clove, geranium essential oils, vinegar, sliced cucumber, bay leaves, scented herbs, and geranium flowers.

Flies

Electric fly swatters look similar to tennis rackets, but they are made of wire or mesh with an electric current running through them. You can find battery-powered or rechargeable electric fly swatters.

Sticky Tape strips are long sticky rolls of tape or paper that you unravel and hang from any area where flies or other flying insects are a problem.

Electric bug zappers work well with all flying insects that gather around the campsite.

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are also not fans of essential oils like mint and/or try a garlic spray around your area. The best way to keep them out is to remove what attracts them, to begin with, moisture. Remove any food sources, keep doors shut, and keep lights off to keep your homestead unattractive to them.

Diatomaceous earth is an earth-friendly pesticide powder made from natural rock that can be placed at entryways like doors and windows both inside and outside and breaks down the stink bug’s protective exoskeleton so they eventually die of dehydration.

Mosquitos

Thermacell Repellants are a great addition to your insect-repelling arsenal. The company makes portable perimeter mosquito repelling devices that are battery or butane-powered.

Sage in your campfire is a great way to keep mosquitos at bay during the night. Add some Sage to a piece of aluminum foil, slightly dampen it, poke a few holes in the foil and then wrap it up. You can set this off to the side in the fire and let it smolder for hours a mosquito-free enjoyment.

Wasps

Spray WD-40 around your vents

WD-40 is also effective in killing and preventing wasps around the home and RV. Spray some WD-40 around all of your RV’s vents to help keep wasps from nesting.

Get wasps while they sleep

Wasps return to their nest at dusk and remain there overnight. It is a good time to remove the nest, but this still has to be done carefully. If disturbed, wasps will come out at night to sting you. Even though they become complacent at night they will still attack when provoked.

What kills a wasp instantly?

Mix two tablespoons of dish soap into a spray bottle of water and spray it on the nests. The mixture will clog the wasps’ breathing pores and kill them instantly.

Spiders

Spiders are not usually fast-moving insects and it really depends on how long you are in one place. The location you choose can also determine if spiders will be a problem or not. If you are in the deep woods you can rest assured that a few will come your way, in the desert, not so much.

Start by regularly dusting and vacuuming your rig. This will remove the beginnings of any webs that are forming and will deter spiders from venturing in.

Spray the cracks and crevices of your RV with white vinegar. Just fill a small spray bottle with it and spray areas you see where spiders might be tempted to climb in.

There are a few scents that spiders despise! Spiders hate orange and lemon scents, so spray a citrus air freshener, rub areas in your RV with an orange peel, or use a lemon-scented wood polish when cleaning. Cedar shavings in closets, along shelves, and in storage drawers help keep them away.

Ants

Ants can be a little difficult sometimes to stop as it is hard to find where they are coming in. Commercial Ant traps can be used or you could try a few of the below products to keep them at bay.