Overnighting near water or out in nature is one of the great pleasures of motorhome travel, but it also brings company: mosquitoes, ticks, wasps and other bugs can turn an idyllic night into a nightmare of bites. With a bit of prevention, though, you can get along with them just fine. Here's how to avoid them and soothe bites. (For severe allergic reactions, seek emergency medical attention.)
Mosquitoes: the most annoying
Especially near damp areas (rivers, lakes, wetlands, rice fields) and around dusk. How to defend yourself:
- Fly screens on windows, skylights and the door: the best defence for a peaceful night's sleep (see fly screens).
- Repellent for your skin and, if needed, mosquito-deterrent devices.
- Avoid leaving lights on with open windows and no screen (they attract mosquitoes).
- Choose your spot carefully during peak-mosquito seasons and areas.
Ticks
Common in the countryside and around animals. After walking through tall grass or scrubland, check yourself (and your dog; see dog first-aid kit). If you find one attached, remove it promptly with tweezers by pulling straight out, without crushing it, and keep an eye on the area; ticks can transmit disease.
Wasps, bees and others
- Be careful eating outside (it attracts wasps): cover sweet food and drinks.
- Don't swat at them aggressively: move away calmly instead.
- Pine processionary caterpillars (in pine forests in winter/spring): highly irritating and dangerous for dogs; don't touch them.
In the first-aid kit
Pack repellent, after-bite gel or bite cream, antihistamine (check with your pharmacist), tick tweezers and, if anyone is allergic to stings, their prescribed emergency medication (see health and first-aid kit).
In summary
Insects and bites are easily managed with prevention: fly screens for sleeping, repellent, checking for ticks after time in the countryside, and being careful of wasps while eating outside. The step to take today: make sure you have fly screens on windows and skylights, carry repellent and something to soothe bites, and check yourself (and your dog) after a walk in the countryside; you'll sleep soundly even when camped near water. Pair it with fly screens.