How To Keep Bugs Out of Your RV

Fall is here, and that means the bugs are looking for a place to hide and survive. Use the tips below to keep bugs out of your RV. 

Seal All Entry Points

Seal any and all entry points. After all, we aren’t likely to have a bug invasion if the little critters can’t easily get in.

Inspect all gaps around windows, doors, slide-outs, vents, plumbing, roof vents, A/C seals, and the RV undercarriage. Install weatherstripping or caulk to seal cracks and crevices, and install mesh screens over exterior vents including fridge, furnace, water heater. Don’t forget to check our door seals regularly and replace worn gaskets or add foam tape to help improve the seal.

Keep the RV Clean

Keeping your RV as clean as possible and making sure to remove all access to food helps to prevent tiny bugs, especially the ants. Wipe down counters after each meal and sweep daily. Store food like cereal, crackers, cookies, and chips in airtight plastic or glass containers. Be sure to empty your trash multiple times a day to remove food waste from your RV which helps attract insects and bugs. 

If you have pets, make sure to clean pet food bowls and don’t leave them out overnight, as it may attract bugs that like pet food. 

Control Lighting

Bugs are also attracted to light. It’s very important to pay attention to the lighting in your RV. You can use yellow bug lights for exterior lighting. Make it a point to turn off the outside lights (including those yellow bug lights) when not needed, especially near doors or windows. Even closing your blinds or curtains at night can help by keeping the light inside, so it doesn’t attract bugs to your RV. 

Use Pest Control

You can use chemical pest sprays and traps. You may have to use strong chemicals if you’re dealing with full infestation.  If strong chemicals are not an option, you can use natural deterrents that can be used as an alternative. 

Cedar blocks, peppermint oil, and bay leaves can deter spiders, ants, and roaches. Leave them out in places where pests might like to hang out. White Vinegar and water can deter ants while cleaning your surfaces at the same time.

In campgrounds where bugs are especially bad, I’ll sprinkle diatomaceous earth (food-grade) around tires, jacks, and under sinks. 

Deploy Traps & Barriers

If you have a pest problem that won’t go away or suspect bugs may become an issue, you can turn to traps and barriers. Ant baits and roach traps placed in hidden corners and under cabinets can help prevent infestations and will help get rid of issues that already exist. Sticky traps are helpful by catching wandering bugs.

I’ve also found that wheel and jack pads submerged in water or treated with insecticide can stop ants from climbing up.

Protect the Entryway

Some bugs sneak into your RV as doors open. It is important to open and close doors as little and as quickly as possible. If you have holes in the screen door, repair them and be sure that the doors close tightly. Door sweeps can help to keep crawling insects out of your rig.

Manage Moisture

Moisture can help attract bugs. It is imperative that you fix leaks immediately to protect your rig from expensive water damage. If you’re in a humid climate or camping in cold weather, a dehumidifier helps to remove moisture from the air and prevent condensation.

Watch Where You Park

If you travel the entire country, you can often try to head to regions with fewer bugs. This isn’t always possible, so do what you can to find the campsites that are least likely to house bugs. Standing water, tall grass, or piles of wood are havens for bugs and are likely to find their way into your RV. Keep awnings and outdoor gear clean, as bugs can hitch a ride as you travel. Carry a saw or clippers for branches that touch your RV. Branches touching your RV can also be gateways for bugs to enter your rig.

Regular Maintenance

Inspect your RV exterior at least once a month, resealing any gaps in the seals or around windows and doors. Keep an eye out for insect activity as you inspect both the interior and exterior.

Besides regular inspections, it’s also a good idea to spray insecticide barriers (like permethrin) around tires, jacks, and stabilizers every time you park in a new spot, or at least once a week. Replacing sticky traps, ant bait, diatomaceous earth, etc. on a regular basis is also key.

If You Have a Bug Problem

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we still end up with a bug problem in our tiny home-on-wheels. If this happens to you, don’t panic. Stick with the tips above to try to keep the bugs at bay and then follow the steps below. 

Identify

Identify the pest first. Make sure you know not just the type of bug, but the exact species if possible. This will help you determine what sort of bait, trap, and/or repellent to invest in. In the past, we’ve been able to get rid of all of our bug problems using simple store-bought baits and traps. 

Up Your Game

If traps, baits, and deterrents don’t do the trick, consider using RV-safe foggers or sprays. Just make sure you ventilate well, as these can be unsafe for humans, especially in such a small space.

Hire a Pro

If all else fails, you may need to bring in a pro pest control service. Make sure you hire an RV-aware pest control company or individual, as the way they tackle the problem may differ from the way they’d tackle such an issue in a sticks-and-bricks home. 

Yes, bugs are annoying, but we’ll never be able to avoid them completely, especially when we head out to the most remote and wild of places. Fortunately, by using the methods above, we have been able to enjoy plenty of relatively bug-free adventures, and I am confident you will too!

RV Guru, LLC., can inspect your RV for cracks, worn seals, gaps, openings in the undercarriage, and other entry points. (941) 405-7189. https://www.rvgurullc.com/