Shoo fly don’t bother me – keep pesky bugs out of your RV

Whether it’s the pesky blowflies that drive you nuts or the vampires of the outdoors (mozzies), use our tips to keep bugs out of your RV.

Winnebago motorhome

November 15, 2022

Winnebago motorhome

There’s an indescribable rage that boils up inside of me when I’m laying in bed, just about to drift off and I hear it. Buzzzz flying swiftly past my head. It only means one thing. There’s a mosquito in the RV and I know I’m going to have a sleepless night being bitten and wake up itchy! Whether it’s the pesky blowflies that drive you nuts or the vampires of the outdoors (mozzies), use our tips to keep bugs out of your RV.

Location is key

Mosquitoes love wet conditions. This is because they use standing water to lay their eggs on. Therefore it’s no coincidence you find them hanging around rivers, puddles, flood grounds and gutters. My best advice is to avoid parking your RV anywhere that comes under the umbrella of a moist area.

Unfortunately for us Aussies on the East coast, La Niña has made finding dry ground a huge challenge. The huge downpours resulting in floods have been a mozzie’s dream! In fact, experts have theorised that we may be dealing with more mosquitoes than previously this coming summer.

Do your best to locate a campsite that’s dry. Even better if it features a breeze and sunny conditions that will clear up any wet area each morning.

Mosquito repellant coil

Repel them

Pretty obvious, but one of the best ways to combat the mozzies is mosquito repellent. These repellants can be made of synthetic chemicals such as diethyltoluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or PMD. The stronger the chemical concentration, the longer the repellent will be effective. They also can be made of botanically derived ingredients, including plant extracts such as eucalyptus, citronella, melaleuca, peppermint and tea tree. The botanically derived repellants don’t last as long and only repel mosquitoes for a maximum of two hours.

Stores such as Bunnings Warehouse sell candles, lanterns, outdoor coils and bug zappers that you can set up inside and around your RV. If you’re going to spend some time lounging around outside the RV, you can protect yourself with spray repellent on your skin.

Family taking a photo next to their RV

Don’t act like you were “born in a tent”

Does anyone else’s Grandma ask them if they were “born in a tent” when they walk out and leave the door open? Mine always has, which is why I’m diligent with closing doors behind me. To avoid hearing this line from her, I’ve simultaneously learnt how to successfully keep bugs out. Mozzies and flies aren’t great at flying through solid objects, so being diligent with shutting windows and doors is your best bet at making sure they never enter in the first place. 

Two people looking out the back of their RV

Seal any sneaky bug entrances

If your fly screen is a little worn in and you’ve got some holes etched into it, then, unfortunately, you’ll have opened a little door for pesky bugs to fly through. Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to do a proper sweep of your interior. Look for holes in windscreens and doors and check for cracks or sealant leaks. Amend anything that you find prior to hitting the road and future you will thank you!

Man and his dog next to his RV

Treat pets for bugs

Do you snuggle up with your furry friend each night? One unfortunate way that bugs get in, is on the back of your pooch. Dogs love to run and play through fields, rivers, dams and murky water. This makes them vulnerable to insects and parasites. The last thing you want is for your fur baby to transfer fleas to your RV.

Assumedly, you already take your dog for regular visits and checkups at the vet. If not, ask the vet what vaccines would be best to prevent this from occurring and potentially any other preventative measures that need to be taken. It will benefit both your pet’s health and your RV’s interior.

When you’re hiking through bushland or camping under the stars, bugs are a common occurance. In fact, many would argue that dealing with creepy crawlies is simply a part of immersing yourself in nature. However, for the vast majority of us who love to escape on the open road in our RV’s, we prefer to keep some of our creature comforts, including no bugs inside.

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Jess Olson
Jess Olson

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