I Can’t Believe It: My RV Is Infested!

It’s every RVer’s nightmare. You’re finally settled at the perfect campsite. The slide is out. The dogs are napping, and the stars are peeking out — and then you hear it. The sound no one wants to hear inside their home on wheels: scratching, the pitter patter of really tiny feet, and that scurry across the ceiling. But you know what’s worse than that? Something brushing your face in the middle of the night. When that happens, there is no doubt. Your RV is infested.

Unfortunately, RV pest infestations are more common than you might think. There are things you can do when storing your RV for winter to help, but nothing is guaranteed. Whether you’re parked in the forest, desert, or even a paved RV park, bugs and critters can — and will — try to find their way inside. And, yes, I’m speaking from personal experience. (More on that at the end.)

So, if you’re dealing with something similar (I hope you’re not), know that you’re not alone. It happens. But here’s a quick guide on the little villains, how they get in, and what you can do about it if your RV is infested.

Common Culprits: What’s Invading Your RV?

Before you go full exterminator, it helps to identify what kind of pest you’re dealing with. Some of the most common RV invaders include:

• Ants. Often drawn in by crumbs or improperly sealed food. Once they’ve found a route, they leave a scent trail that invites hundreds of their friends.
• Mice and rats. These guys are pros at squeezing into tight spaces and love the warmth of RV insulation. Once inside, they chew wires, insulation, and even food packaging.
• Spiders and other insects. Sometimes they’re just tagging along with firewood or crawling up water hoses. Most are harmless, but nobody wants a surprise spider in their bed.
• Wasps and bees. These can build nests in vents, storage compartments, or under awnings. Not just annoying — these can be dangerous if you’re allergic or have pets.

Entry Points: How They’re Getting In

Most RVs, even the best-built ones, have small gaps and entry points that pests can take advantage of. To keep your RV from getting infested, keep an eye on these areas:

• Underneath the rig. Power cords, water lines, and sewer hoses all create potential access points.
• Slides and seals. Worn-out rubber seals or misaligned slides can leave just enough space for bugs or rodents to squeeze through.
• Vents and access panels. Check the water heater panel, furnace vent, and refrigerator access. These areas are often overlooked.
• Doors and windows. Gaps around weatherstripping or poorly sealed screen doors are prime entryways.

Prevention: Keeping Them Out

The best way to deal with RV infestations is to prevent them altogether. 

• Seal it up. Use expanding foam or steel wool to close up any holes or gaps underneath your RV. Don’t forget around plumbing and electrical lines.
• Use peppermint oil or dryer sheets. Mice hate the smell. We’ve tucked dryer sheets into cabinets and corners, and while not foolproof, it helps.
• Keep it clean. Crumbs attract ants and rodents alike. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and keep food in sealed containers.
• Inspect before moving. Check your water and sewer connections, outdoor gear, and storage compartments before moving to make sure you’re not carrying new guests from your last stop.
• Store food properly. Use hard plastic bins for pantry items and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

That’s All Nice, but My RV Is Already Infested!

Already hearing mysterious sounds or seeing droppings? Time to act fast.

• Mice countermeasures. Set traps. Snap traps or sticky traps are both effective. Use peanut butter or Nutella (yep, they’re bougie) as bait. Avoid poison if you have pets or kids. Not only is it dangerous, but mice may die inside your walls, creating a whole new smelly issue.
• Ant annihilation. Follow their trail to find the entry point and seal it off. Use bait traps outside the RV near the path. Avoid spraying them directly, as that can scatter them and make the problem worse. Wipe surfaces with vinegar or citrus-based cleaners to remove scent trails.
• Insect intervention. Spray natural or pet-safe repellents around common entry points. Keep lights off or dim at night when doors and windows are open to avoid attracting bugs inside.
• Wasp wipeout. Check around slide toppers and awnings before extending. Spray nests from a safe distance at dusk or early morning when they’re less active. Remove any nests once they’re unoccupied.

RV-Specific Pest Control Products

If you’re in a spot where infestations are common, here are a few tools we always recommend:

• Rodent repellent lights. These plug into your 12-volt system or run on batteries and emit a high-frequency sound that deters rodents (safe for pets).
• Underbelly LED lights. Some RVers swear by LED rope lights or solar-powered lights placed around the bottom of the RV at night to keep critters away.
• Screen covers. Add mesh covers to furnace and water heater vents to block insects and small rodents.

*Travel Day Tip: Watch the Slide-outs. Slide gaskets are notorious for harboring pests if you’ve parked under trees or in grassy areas. A quick sweep or vacuum around the slide edges during setup goes a long way.

Now, Back to That Mouse in My RV (for Your Entertainment)

Let’s circle back to the little intruder I mentioned. Truth be told, after nearly seven years on the road, we’ve had our fair share of unwelcome visitors. But mice have definitely been the worst. Especially in cooler months, when the little guys are desperate for warmth, we’ve had a few run-ins. But one mouse stands out.

At the time, we were parked in cooler weather, and I guess it didn’t take long for the mouse to find its way in. We didn’t notice much the first night, but we did wake up to what we thought were a ripped bag of tortilla chips and trash bag the next morning that we thought were from us moving things around in the dark before bed.

That should’ve been the warning.

That second night though, our dog Journey launched herself onto our bed in full panic. At first, we had no idea what startled her — until the next night when the same mouse ran passed me while I was sleeping and brushed my forehead at 2 a.m.

No amount of coffee could undo that. I washed my face for ten minutes straight, then set out every trap we had. Caught him the next night, but we’ll never forget the shock. It was like something out of a sitcom — if that sitcom starred two very grossed-out RVers and a traumatized dog.

Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant, Stay Flexible

Pests in your RV are one of those “not if, but when” situations — especially if you travel full-time or love staying off the beaten path. But the good news is that they’re manageable with a little preparation, a good sense of humor, and quick action when they do sneak in.

Whether it’s your first RV mouse or the fifth time you’ve found ants on your counter, don’t panic if you discover your RV is infested. Take a breath. Clean it up. Seal the entry points. And get back to what really matters: enjoying your time on the road.

After all, the only creatures you want curling up in bed with you are the ones you brought with you — preferably the furry, four-legged kind — unless it’s the middle of the night and she randomly wakes you from a dead sleep by landing on your stomach in a panic.