How to keep insects out of your caravan or motorhome

Exploring the great outdoors in your caravan, campervan or motorhome is one of the best parts of UK touring life but it can also bring along some unwanted little guests, particularly in the warmer months.

From pesky midges, ants, wasps and flies in the UK, to mosquitoes when travelling abroad, these tiny bugs can quickly turn your relaxing breaks into a buzzing annoyance.

With a few simple steps, you can keep insects out of your caravan, campervan or motorhome and enjoy a more comfortable, bug-free trip.

Choose the right pitch to avoid insects

Your location can make a huge difference when it comes to insect activity, so the first thing to consider is where you pitch up your leisure vehicle.

Midges, mosquitoes and flies thrive in damp conditions, long grass and standing water, so try to pitch away from lakes, ponds and marshy ground, avoid long grass or dense vegetation and choose open, breezy areas where possible.

Keeping the area around your leisure vehicle clear of debris and overgrown grass will also help reduce insect activity.

1. Cover entry points

This simple step creates a strong first line of defence against bugs.Tiny gaps are all insects need to get inside your caravan or motorhome. Use wire mesh to cover any potential entry points, like vents and service points.

2. Fly screens

Fly screens are one of the most effective ways to keep insects out while still letting fresh air in. If you don’t already have fly screens and mesh on all your doors, windows, and roof lights, then they’re definitely worth installing and keeping them closed in the evening when insects are most active.

If you like to keep your caravan or motorhome door open then a chain fly screen over your door might help to keep flies and midges out.

3. Cover up food

Food is a major attraction for insects. Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving food or crumbs on work surfaces, or dirty dishes in the sink, to prevent them from becoming a target for hungry bugs! Keep bins sealed too.

4. Keep things clean

Regular cleaning is crucial in the battle against insects inside your caravan or motorhome. Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately, wipe surfaces regularly, and sweep and vacuum floors.

When putting your caravan or motorhome into storage, give it a thorough clean to deter insects from settling in.

5. Use natural insect repellants

Several natural remedies can act as effective insect deterrents. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender are known to repel bugs. Create a mixture of essential oil and water, then spray it around entry points and living areas to create a natural bug barrier.

A citronella diffuser inside your caravan, campervan or motorhome should help to keep bugs away and make it a less attractive place to be.

Outside, you could also use insect-repelling sprays, a Buzz Cintronella candle or granules. Lifesystems’ new Midge & Mosquito Repellent Candle is infused with 5% Citriodiol®. The candle has a 24 hour burn time and is perfect for repelling midges and mosquitoes on warm evenings. Made using plant-based wax, it provides an eco-friendly, long-lasting burn without using any harmful toxins.

6. Try electronic bug zappers

Electric insect killers are a practical way to deal with flying bugs indoors. Products like the Zero In Plug-In Insect Killer or the Outdoor Revolution Lumi-Solar lantern, are a proactive way to eliminate flying insects that might find their way inside your leisure vehicle.

They attract bugs with a UV light and zap them upon contact. Putting zappers near the door or in the lounge area at night will minimise them hovering near the lights in the bedroom before bed.

7. Use fly paper or traps

Simple but effective, fly paper can reduce indoor insects quickly. Zero In offers effective fly papers that are easy to hang in your caravan, campervan or motorhome. These sticky fly papers attract and trap flying insects. They’re discreet, simple to use, and can be placed near windows, doors or skylights.

8. Keep insect sprays handy

Have a spray of any flies that have snuck inside before bed, followed by a quick vacuum, and then apply an insect repellent to your skin, such as Smidge, Avon Skin So Soft, or Jungle Formula, to stop any remaining midges and insects nibbling you when you’re in bed!

And Lifesystems DEET-free Expedition Natural Mosquito Repellent is perfect for young families or those with sensitive skin. It provides natural protection from mosquitoes, midges, gnats and ticks and is suitable for use on children aged six months and above. This repellent is made using the active ingredient PMD Citriodiol® and provides up to eight hours of effective protection. Visit the Lifestystems website to see their full range of insect repellants.

While moths might not be a huge concern in caravans or motorhomes, for anyone who doesn’t like them and wouldn’t want to attract them, there are moth-repellent hanging rings that can be placed in lockers and wardrobes. They emit a natural fragrance that moths find unappealing, so deterring them from settling in your vehicle.

9. Add insect-repellent plants

Certain plants naturally help deter insects while adding a touch of greenery. Try citronella plants and herbs like basil, mint, and lavender – these possess natural insect-repellent properties.

Also, when cooking outdoors, burning herbs like sage, rosemary, lemon balm, and mint will help to keep mosquitoes and midges away.

10. Wear insect-repellent clothing

When ticks, midges and insects are particularly active, especially in the evenings, wear long sleeves and trousers. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics and consider insect-treated clothing for extra protection.  Hats, with a net covering over the face and neck, or treated blankets can also imprive comfor when relaxing outdoors on your caravan and motorhome holidays.

Keela has an Insect Shield collection of gear that contains long-lasting repellent treatment to reduce the risk of insect bites. Options include their Machu Trousers, which are lightweight, quick drying, and perfect for days out trekking, as well as the Insect Shield T-Shirt, which offers protection from bugs and the sun, providing comfort and functionality.

And their Insect Shield Blanket, treated with repellent, will help to keep you protected from insect bites when sitting inside or outside your caravan, campervan or motorhome.

Enjoy a bug-free break

With our armoury of bug-busting gear and top tips, we hope you can keep insects out of your caravan and motorhome and enjoy your adventures without the hassle of those pesky unwelcome guests!

Over to you

Do you have any tried-and-tested tips for keeping insects out of your caravan, campervan or motorhome? We’d love to hear them. Share your suggestions in the comments below.