Don’t bring unwanted travelers along for the ride

At one time or another, every homeowner has to deal with pests. Ants, moths, roaches, or even larger things like mice and rats are endlessly trying to get into our homes. And pests can be particularly troubling for RV owners for a few reasons. First, because RVs are frequently parked in wooded areas or other natural spots, they tend to attract wildlife. Secondly, RVs don’t have the same insulation and other protection from the elements as a house does. The good news for owners, however, is that pests don’t have to be a problem if they follow certain tips:

Keep things clean

One of the best ways to prevent pests from invading your RV is to ensure that it is always clean. When traveling, all those little messes from food and drinks should be taken care of as soon as possible. And before you put your RV in storage or just park it in your driveway for an extended period of time, give it a very thorough cleaning.

Utilize food containers

The main thing bugs are looking for is something to eat, so it’s important to make it difficult for them to chow down. You can do this by putting food in sealable plastic containers. This should include cereal, chips, pasta, and anything else that comes in thin packaging.

Seal up any cracks or holes

Often, bugs and other pests come in through the doors or windows, but sometimes they’re a little sneakier. If there are any holes or cracks in your RV, they will find them. If you discover some, it is important to seal them up quickly, and you can do this with caulk or sealant.

Don’t forget your cords

If you’ve got everything sealed up tightly and pests are still getting in, your power cords could be the culprit. Ants and other insects can easily use cords to access an RV. The solution is to keep them off the ground as much as you can. Another good tactic is to put something on the cords bugs don’t like, such as double-sided tape.

Create a strong perimeter

Another good way to stop an invasion is by setting up a perimeter around your RV. Spraying bug spray on the ground can be effective. Certain insects – like ants – don’t like powdery substances, so sprinkling talcum powder or even drawing a line with chalk can be a deterrent. Another useful repellent is diatomaceous earth, which is natural and non-toxic.

Smell things up

Many pests are put off by strong smells. Mothballs, for example, can repel an assortment of critters other than moths, including spiders and mice. However, they create a very powerful – and unpleasant – aroma for people too. A better option could be essential oils like lavender and citrus. Even just putting fragrant dryer sheets in kitchen cabinets and bedroom drawers or closets can ward off pests.

Try ultrasonic devices

If other tactics aren’t working or you just want to be proactive, you may want to consider ultrasonic repellents. These devices send out sound waves that are intended to be very annoying to insects and rodents, so they’ll want to stay away from your RV. It should be noted that these devices do have mixed results, however.

Whether you’re a full-time RVer or you just use yours for periodic recreation, these tips should help you keep out unwanted passengers. At RV Advisor, we offer unbiased information for current and potential RV owners. We want you to have the best RVing experiences possible. Join our community to gain access to our exclusive offers, invaluable insights, and tips, or email us at info@thervadvisor1.wpengine.com with any questions you have. We’d love to hear from you!