Dear Dr. R.V. Shrink:
We bought a very expensive fifth wheel and it won't even keep the bugs out. We recently were camped in Florida and little no-see-ums were invading. It seems like they would design these rolling mansions to keep nature at bay. We had to shut all of our windows and run only the fan. Should I expect more for my money or is this as good as it gets?
--Finding bugs in our new RV
Dear Bugsy:
I have no hard facts, but I assume RV manufacturers install standard screen mesh in all units. This material is designed to keep the majority of critters at bay, but not all critters that come off the bay. Tiny no-see-ums are a challenge. If you had custom mesh applied I am sure it would reduce your ventilation to a point that would make you unhappy more often than having to deal with screen crashers. You might try dropping your darkening shades and dimming or turning off your lights while leaving the windows open. The screen door is also an area to check for openings that might not be tightly closed. Insects have been known to drive people mad as well as make people mad. I know folks who have installed finer mesh in selected windows. That way when things get maddening they only use those openings. Insects have also been known to drive people to drink. That entails going inside, shutting everything up, turning on the air conditioning and enjoying cocktail hour from inside your enclosed, bug free RV. While you're drinking, set a glass of wine off to the side for your no-see-um guests. This little trick works quite well. They love this fruity drink and dive in and drown.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
4 comments:
There are so many access places for such tiny no see ums, especially slides. The seals may be adequate to keep rain out but not air, meaning not all bugs. Also in nice weather we like to keep the door open with the screen door shut. An RV built to drive down the road is almost impossible to build without any gaps, access points, etc. This includes that screen door. Look all around the door and you will find tiny openings, including at the latch areas.
As an alternative to a glass of wine put a glass with a mixture of dish washing soap and a little water on the counter. This will also attract and drown the bugs.
We had that problem in Florida. They attacked me, but left my husband alone. It was a nightmare. We finally sprayed Northwoods Off on the screens and that kept them out, but later had a job cleaning the screens. I also read that wiping any kind of oil on the screens keeps them out. Believe me, after being bitten hundreds of times, I was glad to mess up the screens. There is no screen that will keep them out. They are super tiny.
Some folks should avoid nature entirely and just live in apartments and condos in cities.
From the inside of your unit spray Bug Spray outward. It will coat the screen and keep the little guys out!
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