When the weather begins to warm up and flowers start to bloom, most of us cannot wait to get on the road and see the changing countryside as we explore new states or return to our favorite RV campgrounds. Although there are plenty of things to look forward to as the seasons change, one thing campers know we must contend with is insects of all sorts that are just waiting to invade our campsites and wiggle their way into our RVs to hitch a ride to our next destination. We can always turn to commercial pest control products, like insect sprays or fly strips, but there is no need to put potentially harmful chemicals on our skin or hang annoying, sticky strips from our awning when there are natural pest-control options that are easy to bring from home.
Here are five all-natural ways to ward off common campsite pests:
1. Vinegar and Cayenne Pepper – Grab a spray bottle and fill it with two cups of distilled white vinegar mixed with two teaspoons of cayenne pepper. Spray this mixture around your campsite to keep ants away. Keep in mind that vinegar will also kill plants, so be careful where you spray it to avoid injuring plants in or near your campsite.
2. Bay Leaves – Keep away ants, fleas and cockroaches by tucking a few bay leaves under the doorstep, around cooking areas and beneath your camp chairs.
3. Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil has antiseptic qualities and naturally repels insects, so this one is great to have on hand for both first aid and pest control. To ward off flies, place several drops on some old rags and place them around your campsite. You can also make an all-natural fly spray by mixing about 20 drops of tea tree oil in witch hazel or water in a spray bottle.
4. Sage – When it comes time to grill up some healthy veggies or hot dogs for the kids, throw a little dried sage on your grill. The smoke from burning sage will help keep mosquitoes away from your campsite. You can also sprinkle some dried sage leaves on your campfire to naturally keep pests away.
5. Mint – If you bring along a portable herb garden to enjoy fresh herbs while on the road, make sure to include mint. Set small planters of mint around your campsite to help keep ants away. You can also rub fresh mint leaves on your skin to help keep insects away.
Opting for natural pest control for RV campsites is an easy way to reduce your family’s exposure to chemicals while creating a more enjoyable environment on your next road trip. Try these all-natural pest control tips to make your campsite the most popular hangout in the park!
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