The weather is continuing to warm up, and RVers everywhere are starting to hit the road to take advantage of beautiful summertime sights and thrilling adventures.
As the wave of spirited travelers emerge from their cold-weather hiatuses, numerous forms of pesky insects are also starting to surface. Anyone who enjoys the RV lifestyle knows that one of the few downsides of hitting the road this time of year is the inevitable encounters with distressing bugs.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent these pests from invading your RV so that you can enjoy your adventures without being bothered by uninvited guests.
To help you out, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Utilize an RV Awning Room to Protect Your Outdoor Living Area
One of the most cherished parts of the RV experience is lounging comfortably underneath your RV awning while taking in the calming essence of the nature around you.
That being said, there is nothing calming about worrying about swarms of ants or mosquitoes imposing on your territory. If this is a problem you frequently run into, consider utilizing an RV awning room. These are designed to attach to your awning, creating an enclosed area that functions as an outdoor room. These will allow you to still enjoy the outside world while shielding you from irritating critters.
Maintain Cleanliness In Your RV
When it comes to bug-proofing the inside of your RV, a good way to start is simply by keeping your RV clean. Many insects will be attracted to any food source lying around, and others like to lay low in dark corners and piles of clothing.
By regularly sweeping, vacuuming, and dusting, as well as by clearing general clutter, your RV will be less attractive to pests.
Seal Potential Entrances
Bugs are tiny and can find their way into your RV through even the smallest point of entry. Before hitting the road, repair any holes in window or door screens, and go around your RV looking for any holes, cracks, or sealant leaks. It’s also a good idea to monitor pipe and vents for insect activity.
One easy solution is to look into insect screens that are designed to fit over refrigerator, water heater, and furnace vents, as these are easy pathways for insects to come into your home discreetly.
Similarly, get in the habit of always closing your RV door when leaving, even if you’re going to be going in and out. Insects move quickly, so it doesn’t take more than a second for them to sneak into your RV.
Remove Any Standing Water
Always remove standing water as soon as possible, and take the proper measures to fix and prevent what’s causing it. Many types of insects are attracted to still water and will lay their eggs in and near the water source, which could turn a small annoyance into a full infestation in your RV.
Prevent standing water by repairing any clogged pipes, draining water in your sink quickly, and if you have a pet, regularly cleaning the water bowl and changing out water frequently.
Bug Spray Is Your Friend
If you’ve been camping or RVing for a while, you probably know that bug spray can save a trip. No one wants to be covered in frustrating mosquito bites, and certain insects, such as ticks, can also pose health risks to humans.
Wearing long sleeved clothing and avoiding scented body products can help protect your skin, but try to never leave for a summer trip without a trusted source of bug spray. While brands like OFF! are known for being effective against warding off a variety of insects, many people who don’t like harsh chemicals opt for options made out of natural ingredients. In fact, most grocery stores sell natural sprays along with the Deet-based variety, or you can look up recipes to make your own.
Look Into Natural Solutions
Speaking of natural solutions, many people shy away from traditional traps, such as sticky strips and bug zappers. If you’re in this group, there are numerous remedies online for those who are looking for a non-toxic solution to spray in and around their RVs to keep bugs away.
Mixing a spray bottle with white vinegar and water to spray around the RV, as well as the areas inside where insects tend to enter from, is one popular tactic. Similarly, others add strongly-scented essential oils, such as peppermint and water, to a spray bottle and spray it around windows, doors, and bedding. In fact, if the smell of vinegar seems unappealing to you, try combining the peppermint with it in the spray bottle to counteract it. Others find that using citronella candles outside will get the job done.
The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to dig around online until you find a mixture of ingredients you feel comfortable experimenting with. Just as a side note, keep in mind that some pets can be sensitive to essential oils too, so be mindful of your furry friends before mixing up your potion.
Treat Pets for Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm
Because dogs tend to run through fields and swim in murky water, it’s important to have your pets treated for various parasites and insects. These can be harmful to your pet, but they can also easily be tracked into your RV.
If your dog were to pick up a few fleas running through long grass and later came inside and hopped up on the bed, fleas could easily be transferred inside. Like many insects, they also reproduce extremely quickly.
Before taking your first RV trip with Fido, ask your vet what the best vaccines and preventive measures are for both the area you live as well as the areas you’ll be traveling to.
Closing Up
Hopefully this advice will help you prevent any crawly nuisances from adding a blemish to an otherwise enchanting vacation.
By blocking points of entry ahead of your vacation, utilizing effective bug deterrents, minimizing insect attractions, and finding preventative measures for your pet, you should have no problem enjoying a summer of RVing that’s rich in fun, comfort, and relaxation instead of insect-related frustration.
Find RV Awnings and Screen Rooms with Carefree of Colorado
Whether you’re looking for the perfect RV awning to keep you shaded and comfortable throughout your summer travels, or you’re in need of an awning room to keep pesky insects away from your leisure time, we sell an extensive line of high quality RV shade products that will serve each of your needs.
Browse our site today, or contact us if you have any questions about how we can help or what we offer!