Whether you’re parked in a lakeside RV campground or boondocking in the wilderness, we all know that mosquitoes can turn a perfect sunset stroll into an uncomfortable and itchy ordeal.
If you’re tired of swatting and dodging mosquitoes, here are some tricks and tips to try. Best of all, you may already have some of these mosquito repellents inside your RV.
Artificial breeze
Mosquitoes are notoriously weak fliers. A steady airflow of just 1 mph can throw off their flight patterns. It can also dilute your “carbon dioxide plume,” making you less of a target. Many RVers set up a box or tower fan on the patio for dinner al fresco without mosquitoes. Bonus: The fan keeps picnickers cool!
Battle ’em with basil
Place potted basil plants around your outdoor seating area. The essential oils in basil are natural mosquito deterrents—and they freshen the air, too!
In addition to basil, other potted repellent plants (like rosemary, lavender, citronella, lemongrass) can form a barrier against mosquitoes around patio areas and RV steps and doors.
Vicks VapoRub
Rub a dab of Vicks behind your ears and on wrists or ankles. Mosquitoes dislike the cooling menthol‑eucalyptus scent. Just reapply often for the best results.
Dryer sheets
Stash a dryer sheet in your pocket or tied to your belt loop. The linalool and beta‑citronellol fragrances may help mask your natural scents. Effectiveness varies, but for many RVers it’s a no‑spill, no‑spray tip.
Listerine
Fill a spray bottle with original Listerine and mist around your RV’s steps and door. Eucalyptol, menthol, and thymol in the mouthwash can repel mosquitoes briefly, long enough for you to transport groceries from your car trunk into the RV.
Tea tree oil
Mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with water in a small spray bottle. Lightly spritz clothing and exposed gear. Tea tree’s insecticidal compounds repel many pests. Note: Avoid direct skin contact if sensitive.
Coconut “shampoo” rinse
Some RVers swear that a quick hair or body rinse with coconut‑scented shampoo leaves behind fatty acids that mosquitoes despise. While not clinically studied, it’s an all‑in‑one rinse before bed—shampoo, condition, and deter!
Incense sticks and coils
Burn sage, lavender, sandalwood, or patchouli incense sticks to create gentle smoke barriers. Much like citronella coils, these aromatic smokescreens disrupt mosquitoes’ sensory cues, perfect for outside relaxation.
Auto air freshener
Soak a cotton ball or paper towel in vanilla extract and clip it to your backpack or belt, or leave it around your campsite. Vanilla extract can mask body odors that attract mosquitoes.
Johnson’s Baby Lotion
A light coat of Johnson’s Baby Lotion (with aloe and vitamin E) can create a moisturizer barrier that slows mosquito proboscis penetration. It also keeps skin soft and smells fresh.
Your turn
Do you have a secret weapon you use against mosquitoes? Add your mosquito‑busting tip or trick remedy in the comments below.
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RVT1217
I use coconut scented shampoo and mosquitoes still bother me.
Ben’s Wipes – convenient, portable, no liquid mess:
https://www.amazon.com/Bens-Insect-Repellent-Wipes-Pack/dp/B07Z468H6S/ref=sr_1_5?crid=COJ6KB3JA2RD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rZYFGZoMxeiYyDospuWfhdLcYb_Fb1lGk5xl_yr9DZXKmRadDYOcM3iMVnU6TCh3vAWv4AkIKRcyEbwGXAqi6PxZpaRw2WPC6SUKUGRMDAb6lpg_QA81NNSXFoKkRnpcmYRlJjD387wb7LEgBL6IDnEATiPRQMy9phGF6IfFdY_g806GKxxTXSFcK2pKMWOIGe_R8jQ-E6Nup-ixWbVSRwef2AqGDzLU-KC2WrpCcS2VeWRIO1nCFF6IvsjHZ1fGPSRCeLPyI1vbRoknmMUxVxJtn3bjnnrNkor3hE9QdEQ.JSqd3tAOWvs57Fu9vaTnjhKXaWlobeEO1Cad3T8qSic&dib_tag=se&keywords=bens+tick+and+insect+repellent&qid=1752403898&sprefix=Bens%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-5
Avon Skin So Soft works extremely good for Skitters, No seeums and Ticks
smells good and works great on Dry skin and Deetless so safe for pets.
I had trouble with mosquitoes climbing up the window screen and between the window panes. I sprayed the screens with Permethrin and that stopped them. I also find they don’t like cigar smoke!
We use a therma cell.
Skin So Soft works for me as a mosquito deterrent
We use cordless rechargeable mosquito zapper light bulbs- and we have a full screen for the sliding side door of our van as well as one for the back doors. And the windows in the back of the van have screens as well.
Anything with Deet.
Thanks for the tips, Gail. I picked up a couple new ones.
Thank you for the many alternatives, Gail! DW bought wrist bracelets from Amazon (https://a.co/d/0e2IMfx). They seem pretty effective. We tie one to dog #3’s collar and sometimes tie them to the pull of our jackets if wearing a long-sleeved shirt seems to cover the wrist. Have a great week and safe travels!
Stay inside!
I wanted to put a laughing emoji here, but we don’t have emojis.
Hi, Mitzi and Ed. If you have a Windows icon ⊞ on your keyboard, you can hold that down and hit the period key. You’ll have access to more emojis, GIFs, and symbols than you’ll know what to do with. I hope that works for you. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Arigatou, Diane! That is Japanese for Thank you.
You’re welcome, Mitzi and Ed! Have a great day! 😀 –Diane
I have three Thermacells. I don’t know how well they work out on a walk, but usually only need one outside the trailer. In a screened tent bugs get in while going in and out. I asked if Thermacell is ok for dogs, they say yes, but I don’t have him right close to it. I only got in a bad mosquito mess one time, and it was really bad.