How can you protect yourself from bugs in a trailer?
Protecting yourself from insects in or around the caravan can basically be done in different ways:
chemically, for example through the use of fragrances and insect sprays or
By keeping bloodsuckers away from the body or, more recently, physically/mechanically.
electrically, through various devices
Basically, physical insect repellent is gentle and in any case harmless to health, but not always successful. Chemical agents range from harmless to harmful and therefore should be used with caution. Electric insect protection solutions are only suitable for caravans to a limited extent.
Physical insect repellent in the trailer
If you are worried about the contents of the spray and the like, or if you do not like the smell, you can use physical/mechanical insect repellents. Insects that cannot reach the person cannot bite either. With insect screens you are trying to keep bloodsuckers out of the living area.
Insect protection for caravan windows
For motorhome windows, insect screens are already incorporated into the usual darkening mechanisms.
Insect protection mechanism on the caravan window
These are dragged to the front of the window if necessary. In our experience, they do not provide 100% protection; unfortunately, the smallest insects sometimes find their way past bars. However, they are indispensable in areas with a high concentration of insects, since without them open windows and therefore the necessary ventilation in the caravan would not be possible.
Insect protection for skylight
There are similar mechanisms for combined blackout curtains and skylights with mosquito nets. Blackout and insect protection are usually integrated and can be used as needed. Partial dimming is also possible, which can be very nice when it's bright outside and you don't want to do without some ventilation anyway.
For blackout / insect protection combination for skylight in caravan
build your own insect screens in the trailer
If you expand your caravan yourself, you can buy such dimming mechanisms with integrated insect protection and simply attach it to the window or build the insect guard yourself. Especially closed nets provide effective protection against mosquitoes.
Self-created solutions may not be as easy to use as finished solutions, but you'll save money and stay flexible. In case of repair, you can also find a new one quickly and cheaply.
Insect protection for caravan sliding doors
For panel van sliding doors, mosquito nets are created, which, by the way, can be closed by pulling over the entire width of the sliding door. They are available for many caravan models for at least a surcharge. We wouldn't want to do without an insect screen anymore, because we not only provide adequate ventilation with this sliding door, but it also acts as a privacy screen.
Insect protection in the sliding door of the van;
But be careful: sliding door solutions are not robust. Most often on the Internet there are experience reports about broken sliding mechanisms, which are often difficult to repair on the go. The constructions are filigree and should be used carefully. Here again and again ease of control and in the worst case Teflon spray (attracts dust, like other lubricants) helps. We do this several times a season.
It is also not possible to close the sliding door when using the mosquito net, and any interference may cause malfunctions.
Insect repellent for the outside of the caravan
Of course, you can't always hide from mosquitoes in your trailer. If you still do not want to resort to chemistry, you can try again to keep the bloodsuckers away from your own body in the traditional way:
Long sleeves and trouser legs prevent the worst.
Socks, tights and sturdy shoes (no sandals) create additional barriers
Special mosquito nets are placed to protect the head and neck area. Yes, it makes you look like a beekeeper, but maybe no one will see you on the lakeside field anyway? If all this is not enough, there are even varieties of mosquito nets for the whole body.
For a comfortable, undisturbed sitting in front of the caravan, you can lean on the large mosquito nets that are usually provided for double beds in hotels. These can then be set up in front of the caravan, similar to a solar sail, hung from a tree or strung with tent poles.
Electric insect protection
Electric versions of the fly screen are available in many variants. Evaporation of odors from platelets, ultrasound and high voltage networks are just a few options.
But in the mobile home, most of these solutions are only possible at the campsite where shore power is available. (If you don't have an inverter and sufficient battery capacity).
chemical insect repellent
Who doesn't know about traditional mosquito plugs that release odor after the platelets are heated to keep the bugs away? By the way, there are of course variants suitable for outdoor use that manage without a 230V supply.
Caution: All types of insect protection with burns are external.
It is intended for indoor use and must not be used in a caravan!
Mosquito coils are burned and give off odor. Definitely an option in front of the camper but be careful: fire hazard!
The product was not found.
Citronella candles that release fragrance during the burning process are relatively natural and go well with camping. Our experience with them is mixed: sometimes they help, sometimes they don't. In any case, they create a pleasant atmosphere in front of the camper.
Fragrant oils can be burned in lamps and also emit a scent that should keep insects away.
A classic kerosene lamp should also keep insects away (even more so with the right lamp oil) and also create a beautiful light.
insect repellent spray
The insect repellent spray is applied directly to the skin and is supposed to keep mosquitoes (and other pests) away. In our experience, mosquitoes unfortunately do not always know this and ignore the remedies. In addition, the components of the funds are not always harmless. Caution is advised, especially for children, pregnant women and allergy sufferers. We try to avoid insect repellent sprays and only use them in emergencies.