Community Forums

new premier · 08-21-2015, 08:49 AM

Hello,

We are camping for the first time in our new TT on Monday. I'm trying not to have the first trip a complete nightmare by reading and watching everything about pest (i.e. ants, mosquitoes, bees) and rodent (i.e. mice) control. I've heard of rope lights under the TT, spraying peppermint oil everywhere, steel wool, fabric dryer sheets, etc... Does anyone have any tricks up their sleeve for these issues?

Thanks.

MSHappyCampers · 08-21-2015, 09:05 AM

Nothing up my sleeve, but I'll be watching!

elkski · 08-21-2015, 09:08 AM

I dont think a camping location has anymore rodent issues as your home? Some locations have wasps that will make it hard to eat outside. Sure a mouse may hop up for food and shelter in the winter but if all the holes are sealed and you keep some bait or traps as a line of defense you should be ok. Sure watch the tires for ant trails but still not that likely. take bug spray... maybe even yard spray as it works to control the whole area. But dont provide the mice with night lights? lol.

JohnBoyToo · 08-21-2015, 09:14 AM

I think you are over thinking it here

They probably like you less than you like them !!!

BUT, I will say my bro-in-law thinks he brought home a lil furry friend from a Hilton Head water front site...

and didn't get it from the 5 acre woods next to his storage barn

JFNM · 08-21-2015, 09:17 AM

I may just be lucky but this is certainly not one of the things I worry about. I suppose there are some places that are 'insect rich' though. Where are you going?

I do carry a couple citronella candles, mouse traps, and mosquito spray. Rarely have to use them.

jpharley · 08-21-2015, 09:18 AM

A fan outside (blowing on you) will help with the flying, biting insects. I would not worry about rodents unless I found signs of them in the RV. We have had a couple over the years but we were once across from a field where construction was ongoing and they migrated to the campground. We eliminated them with traps and have not had any others in about 6 years. Not sure how you can keep ants out. We have had a few in the RV but not an infestation. We have been full timers for right around 7 years and consider these minor things. Mosquitos love me and I am not fond of dousing myself in poison so the fan really helps.

PushedAround · 08-21-2015, 09:21 AM

I hear that the bugs zero in on the new guys all the time but leave us experienced campers alone.

Oh yeah, and putting mats down and fogging them with Yard Guard can help.

Dog Folks · 08-21-2015, 09:28 AM

Most of the horror stories you read about are from RV's that have been parked long term, either in storage or seasonal campers.

Most travelers that move fairly frequently don't have major problems.

Don't over think this.

Take something for mosquitoes, and a spray for invading insects and you are good to go.

**NLOVNIT** · 08-21-2015, 09:40 AM

We've got a Raid fogger for spraying the grouind around the campfire before hanging out there, a can of wasp spray (also good for self defense) & a small fan/Off! to keep the buggers from landing on me & a bite-stick in case they do.

As other's have said, don't overthink this. Just have some supplies on hand & go out & enjoy without fretting over what "might" happen.

Lori-