There are few things as annoying as lying down in bed, crawling into your cozy sheets or sleeping bag, closing your eyes and hearing a mosquito buzzing around your head! Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying.
They can also be dangerous because they sometimes carry diseases such as spice fever, West Nile fever, Zika, chikungunya, malaria, and lime disease. However, don’t let these disease-carrying pests keep you from enjoying your camping trip.
So how do you keep these pesky mosquitoes away from your RV or camper?
From tried-and-true methods to unique natural tricks, here are 10 tips to keep mosquitoes far, far away when camping.
1. Keep your windows and doors closed and seal cracks
The first thing you can do to keep mosquitoes out of your RV or camper is to keep all doors and windows closed, especially at dawn and dusk.
Of course, that’s harder to do when it’s hot outside, so mosquito nets are a good solution.
You can buy them at most camping stores or make them yourself if you’re a DIYer!
Some companies make mosquito nets to fit certain vans or RVs that seal the door all the way around so you can enjoy plenty of fresh air.
Also look for cracks or crevices where mosquitoes might enter your RV, and if you see any, get some rubber sheeting and tape it to the area to seal the gap.
Remember that mosquitoes are tiny and even the smallest opening can be a port of entry for the little buggers.
2. Mosquito net awning
Many campers use mosquito net awnings. You can buy them online at Amazon or at many outdoor and camping stores.
It creates a small mosquito-free space that you can attach to your vehicle and eat or work in peace.
It also provides some shade and allows you to enjoy time out of direct sunlight.
3. Avoid camping near water
If you enjoy being near the water and the sound of the ocean immediately calms your mind, then not camping near water may not be for you.
But, like it or not, remember that mosquitoes love water, especially standing water. They also love dense forests.
If you must camp near water, look for flowing rivers or the ocean. Stagnant lakes or ponds are nothing but trouble! Vast deserts are a great place to avoid mosquitoes, but watch out for scorpions!
Mosquitoes are not usually found at high altitudes either, so why not go to the mountains? The air in the mountains is cooler at night and most importantly, mosquito free!
4. Avoid foods that attract mosquitoes
Did you know that mosquitoes are attracted to certain foods? That evening glass of red wine may calm your nerves, but it also attracts mosquitoes! Yes, mosquitoes have a taste for sweets!
These are just a few of the many foods that can attract mosquitoes:
5. Provide good ventilation
Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes always seem to find us? Mosquitoes are attracted to the CO2 that is emitted from our bodies.
They also like the heat we generate. Using a fan can disperse the CO2 and heat so they are not concentrated in just one area.
It also makes it harder for mosquitoes to fly because they are swept away by the airflow.
At least the sound of the fan can mask the annoying high-pitched buzz of the mosquitoes.
6. Making a campfire
There’s nothing better than sitting around a campfire at night and staring up at the stars. Good news. Mosquitoes hate smoke, so a campfire is a great way to ward them off!
You can stay up late, look into the flames, tell stories, and keep the mosquitoes away at the same time! A campfire is a great way to stay out late while keeping bugs at bay.
7. Use insect spray
Mosquito spray may prevent you from being bitten by a mosquito, but it will not keep them away.
You will probably still see and hear the mosquitoes, but it is an excellent plan to use mosquito repellent along with some of these other techniques, such as a campfire.
You can also buy small, rolled-up insect repellent bracelets and wear them to deter mosquitoes.
They’re not pretty, but they’re pretty effective, especially if you wear more than one.
Try using a more natural bug spray with eucalyptus or tea tree oil as one of the main ingredients.
This way, you won’t pollute groundwater with harsh chemicals when you shower.
8. Wear long sleeves and long pants
Another way to prevent mosquito bites while camping is to wear extra layers of clothing, as even thin layers can be an effective mosquito repellent.
Even if it’s hot outside, you can wear a thin long-sleeved shirt and long pants. An added bonus is that wearing long sleeves and pants will also prevent sunburn!
One more thing about protecting yourself from mosquitoes at the campsite: avoid wearing black clothing, as mosquitoes are more attracted to the color black.
9. Light citronella candles
Of course, if you don’t want to cover your body with products, even natural ones, there are always citronella candles.
They’re not always particularly effective, but they do provide an extra layer of protection when used in conjunction with bug spray or a campfire.
The candles also provide a bit of ambiance and soft, indirect lighting in your RV or van.
10. use Bug zapper
Last but not least, if you have access to a suitable power source and an extension cord, you can try a mosquito zapper.
It not only kills mosquitoes, but also flies and other pesky insects. You can also hang sticky traps, which are used in many commercial greenhouses.
Insects are attracted to their smell and color and stick to them.
Customize
During my first few months in Mexico, I was eaten alive by mosquitoes! I had welts all over my body and nothing seemed to help.
Then suddenly they stopped biting me, and now I am rarely bitten by a mosquito. It seems that my body has become more immune over time.
Some people are more susceptible to mosquito bites than others. Factors such as genetics and the presence of lactic acid make certain people more susceptible.
Your metabolic rate can also affect whether or not you are considered a tasty snack. Insects are everywhere, and if you want to enjoy life in an RV or van, you’ll have to learn to adapt.
We live in their environment, not the other way around. Remember that insects serve a purpose.
Birds and frogs eat insects, so they are an important part of our ecosystem.
Maybe changing your perspective from predator to mate will help you be more tolerant of mosquitoes.
But taking the right precautions, such as covering your body and closing up your RV at dawn and dusk, can make living in your RV much more comfortable and help keep mosquitoes out of your RV.