How to Keep Pests Out of Your Camper Storage

November 12, 2018

Pests are common in just about any household no matter whether you live in a house on wheels or one that is planted firmly to the ground. Pests don’t just stop at cockroaches and mice though; moths, silverfish, earwigs, and even scorpions can wiggle their way into your RV at some point and travel right along with you.

If a gecko happens to make its way inside, a simple “catch and release” would probably take care of the problem. However, insects and rodents have a habit of getting comfortable, and most of the time they decide to kick back and build a family rather than make their exit. Here are some ways to prevent pests from getting into your RV storage, where it’s dark, warm, and the perfect hiding spot.

Peppermint Oil

For some reason peppermint just seems to be the golden egg of the herb world. We use it for toothpaste, gum, to calm an upset tummy, and to keep a number of uninvited guests out of our RV storage.

If you can’t find peppermint oil or don’t have access to it where you are, just keep a bar of Irish Spring soap on hand! It has the same effect, and we all know soap is pretty long lasting considering how often it’s used as a home decoration.

Put some mint essential oil on cotton balls and place them into areas where pests might enter your camper, RV, or boat. Places like vents, drains, or and access panels s are great places to put them.

Moth Balls

While effective, moth balls are a pest deterrent that you have to be careful with. They’re essentially a slow release bug poison that will eventually disappear as it transforms from a solid to a vapor. They do pretty well as far as killing larvae and insects go, however if you have children or animals living in your RV with you moth balls are hazardous.

Just remember to keep them up high and out of reach, preferably in a drawer. You can leave it on top of a high shelf, but if you camper shifts going over a bump or for any other reason, there’s always the chance that it could fall off. If you have to put it somewhere on an unsecured shelf of your RV storage, try taping it down.

Coffee Grounds

If you’re a coffee lover, you can use your already brewed grounds as an all natural ant repellent. Sprinkle some around open edges and along shelving units to keep ants away.If your campsite has too many ant hills, pour coffee grounds in a line around your camper the same way they use salt and brick dust to keep out evil in the movies.

It won’t kill them, but they won’t want to cross the boundary line.

Cedar Shavings

Silverfish are incredibly annoying to deal since they tend to nibble on things like clothing and books. Whether they’re hanging out in your camper storage or your closet, you can keep cedar shavings in a small pouch or jar to repel these irritating little pests. Cedar wood essential oil can also help in the same way.