With many people moving into RV’s, Conversion Busses/Skoolies, and Travel Trailers these days, It is fair to say that you probably don’t want some uninvited guests (bugs) getting in and making it their home.
In fact, my wife and I finally made the decision to purchase a bus and join the many others that already do this.
So, how do you keep bugs out of your RV, skoolie, and travel trailer? You will want to put out a good barrier of commercial chemicals on the inside of your recreational vehicle to help prevent or stop infestations. Keeping a clean place and proper sealing will also be a factor in ensuring that you continue preventing bugs from getting in.
Below I have made a comprehensive list that if you have pests in your traveling home you will be able to get rid of them and keep them away with confidence that it is under control.
Pests need 3 things to survive and they will search for these things constantly.
The three things are shelter, water, and food. Your RV, Skoolie, or Travel Trailer is a riding target. So, what should you do to prevent bugs from getting in?
Here is a list of the top 5 things to do to prevent pest issues in your traveling home –
- Keep Your Traveling Home Clean Inside and Out – Proper cleaning will include washing the outside of the vehicle regularly, this helps avoid pheromones that most species of bug leaves lingering after they have landed and nestled into your place.
- Keep Food Sealed and Properly Stored – You may need to invest in rubber or plastic containers so that you can seal your foods to avoid enticing pests to come in. Make sure to dispose of old food properly.
- Seal Your Travel Home Properly- This may require an inspection of your traveling home. Check the undercarriage, the roof, the engine compartment (if you have one), all window seals, door seals, exhaust vents, water lines, electrical lines, and undiscovered holes. Another thing for Rv’s and Travel Trailers is that you will want to check your slide-outs to make sure there are no holes or worn rubber seals.
- Keep Waste Water Drained and Toilets Emptied – If you use a gray water tank be sure to drain it regularly when using it and at the end of the camping season you can drain it for the season. If you are using a composting toilet to avoid flies don’t put your poop portion of waste in a trash can that is not emptied daily. Make sure that you properly dispose of the contents and don’t do it too close to your dwelling area. Poop attracts flies and many other bugs.
- Apply a Lingering Barrier Of Pesticide – Now doing this part correctly will be key to your total pest free success. You need to get a spray can and a chemical that will knock down bugs fast and keep them out after the initial knockdown. You may still see dead bugs from time to time, however, nothing that still crawls around. The chemical I recommend is called Demand CS. A bottle of Demand CS will last you several years because you will only ever need to apply 1oz of chemical to a gallon of water to get the maximum effect. You can See the chemical here on my recommended products page.
Keep in mind: If you are moving around fulltime you could come into an area with not only different climates and changes but different pests as well. If you park under the shade of a tree for a good amount of time it can cause some issues. If you park next to a field with tall grass or on a farm. It is important to keep your surroundings in mind when it comes to bugs.
What Is A Good Exterior Treatment Of My Motorhome?
Like I mentioned above Demand CS Is a great chemical it can be used inside or outside structures. You can apply it around but not on or in places where electricity is transferred, windows, doors, tires, anything that touches the ground that connects to your motorhome.
How Do I Keep Mosquitoes Away While Camping?
Well, there is always mosquito repellent or a bug zapper. You can use citronella candles or tiki torches. Not all places will allow you to do this, but if you spray the trees and bushes with Demand CS in the area you are camping in it will take care of the problem fast. Trees and bushes and slow-moving water are all areas that mosquitoes can be found, so, if you opt not to spray for mosquitoes at least try to avoid these types of areas.
I do have some stipulations to go over with you…
- Don’t Spray Plants That Grow Nuts
- Don’t Spray Plants That Grow Flowers
- Don’t Spray Plants That Grow Fruit
- Don’t Spray around water bowls, birdbaths, creeks, lakes, rivers. Bodies Of Water.
Follow the directions on the label an be sure to adhere to all the warnings and protective gear that you should wear. It is unlawful to use a pesticide in any manner that is not consistent with it’s labeling.
How Do I Keep Bugs Away In The Off Season?
If you don’t plan on living in your fulltime, then when you go to park it for the season you will want to give it a once over with a pesticide before shutting it down. Make sure to drain all water tanks and close all windows and doors. Be sure not to park under a tree or near a large body of water if it can be avoided.
Even though there are fewer bugs in the winter there are so many that overwinter in buildings shops and homes so it is important to keep your motorhome protected. If you have a winter cover for it that is a great idea as well. Just be careful in the spring to check for wasps and other stinging insects before removing the cover.
Summary
Most pest issues are caused initially by moisture after that they may choose to stick around if you have food or filth that they would thrive in. keeping things clean also helps you monitor bug activity which is key. Make sure that if you use a pesticide that you read the label in its entirety and adhere to all warnings, precautions, and safety gear to wear.
The chemical I recommended to you is Demand CS which is a commercial chemical that works on most bugs and has a long-lasting residual because of its microencapsulation properties. I hope my article was helpful and good luck in your pest endeavors.
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