If you’ve recently converted your van into a mini camper, then you already know how great it is. However, one major downside compared to RVs is that it’s harder to keep bugs out. If the doors are open, any creepy crawler is free to come in and say hello. Fortunately, we’ve come up with five ways to keep bugs out of your camper van, so you no longer have to worry about that problem.
Turn Off Lights at Night
Scientists always debate what does and doesn’t attract bugs, but something that has always enticed them without question are light sources. Bugs of all kinds find bright lights appealing at night, so you should turn them off when they’re not needed, especially the ones inside your van. If you need a light, keep it away from your sleeping arrangement. Typically, campfires and other non-UV light sources are the best choices to see in the dark while eluding bugs.
Remove Food Smells
Another obvious target for bugs is food. There’s no getting rid of this one, but there are things you can do to reduce food’s smell. Keeping food sealed until you eat is the best way, but disposing of your garbage after each meal is just as important. It might be annoying to make a trip to the dumpster every time you eat, but it’s one of the best ways to deter bugs (and other animals) from your space.
Use Bug Repellants
Even if you’re good about these first two ways to keep bugs out of your camper van, that doesn’t mean they’ll leave you alone. Fortunately, there is an abundance of bug repellants available for you to try. They all have varying degrees of success, but you’ll have a better chance of keeping them away if you use a few of these methods together. At the very least, you should bring some bug spray to keep them off yourself when you’re away from your van.
Try Out Peppermint Oil
If you want to try something natural, then try peppermint oil. Bugs hate it, but most people love it. You can spray some using a mister on your sheets or any other cloth you have in your van. If you want to spread this smell past your vehicle, you can put some of this oil on cotton balls and spread them around your campsite.
Buy a Bug Wall
If all else fails, the best way to keep insects away from your van is to buy a bug wall. We make our van bug screens for multiple vehicle models to ensure that they’ll perfectly fit your van’s dimensions. Once you install it, you’ll be able to leave your doors open at night without worrying about bugs invading your space as you sleep.
