BUGS

[jzaman1]

Hi, Recently bought a 1981 13' Scamp. Pretty new to camping. Put out some nice string lights around our awning last time we camped and before long...seemed like 1000's of bugs. Quite a few (mainly gnats) got in "Scampi". Not a huge deal but kind of irritating.
So wondering if anybody had some good ideas/tips concerning keeping bugs away.
Thanks!

[Darral T.]

You're going to hear all SORTS of opinions on incandescents vs LEDs/clear vs amber. Hot vs cool bulbs. I found the amber lens on my porch light (to which we burn VERY little...too close to the door and bugs) DOES help a little and by keeping my lights off in my Scamp when I'm in and out a lot helps as well.

The wife and I finally settled on the "Tiffany" cups that Camping World use to sell. I was very skeptical about them having the incandescent C7 bulbs. What I wound up doing was going to Lowes and picking up a "dimmer". When the bugs are raging, I simply turn the dimmer down and so far, it's helped a 100%. Not a total fix but it does help and it should help for ANY ac incandescent bulb. Plus, this dimmer had "toned" down our area from the C7 brightness. Again, we've really been happy with this setup.

Here's the link to the dimmer I bought. You would have to check and see if they're compatible with LED's if that's what you're using.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Lutron-Crede...Dimmer/3189447

[jzaman1]

Thanks Darral, appreciate it. Definitely sounds like it's worth a try.
I was just looking at mosquito netting as well. I might try that...not to make it super secure but just to use as a curtain to help keep some out.

Thanks!

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by jzaman1

Hi, Recently bought a 1981 13' Scamp. Pretty new to camping. Put out some nice string lights around our awning last time we camped and before long...seemed like 1000's of bugs. Quite a few (mainly gnats) got in "Scampi". Not a huge deal but kind of irritating.
So wondering if anybody had some good ideas/tips concerning keeping bugs away.
Thanks!

Hi: jzaman1... Don't feed them... and for heavens sake don't give them a drink!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[jzaman1]

But we're so friendly here in the Midwest

[stevebaz]

Turn on your fan in the trailer blowing in assuming you have a roof fan. That way when you open the door the outgoing pressure keeps the small air patrol out. Can also use a circulating fan under the awning. Small flying critters don't like turbulent air.

[emij]

Come and camp in the mountains and further west! We never have bugs when we are camping

I grew up in Nebraska, so I COMPLETELY understand the bug issue! We've only camped back there once since getting our Scamp, and I had forgotten how bad they can get. Great suggestions you are getting!

[tractors1]

If you have a fan, aim it at the area you don't want bugs. We use a 12V fan to blow across the picnic table area during dinner, then at our chairs while relaxing with a glass of wine. No bug problems - their little wings don't stand a chance in a gentle breeze.

[Mary F]

I turn a light on inside the trailer that's as far away from the door or any open window as I can get. It helps keep the bugs on the outside...

[Darral T.]

This DOES work. Earlier this year at the first of June in Alabama, we were experiencing this with mosquitos especially in the evening! I carry a "box" fan with us and at night, I would turn it on when we were sitting outside- not just for bugs either! But as yall have mentioned, the small lightweights cant handle the strong air currents.

Originally Posted by tractors1

If you have a fan, aim it at the area you don't want bugs. We use a 12V fan to blow across the picnic table area during dinner, then at our chairs while relaxing with a glass of wine. No bug problems - their little wings don't stand a chance in a gentle breeze.

[jzaman1]

Thanks so much. A lot of good ideas. I'm also considering fashioning some sort of screen door from light grade PVC and mosquito netting, but need to figure that out. 😕

[alan H]

I had good luck using one of those
" as seen on tv screens"
Used some velcro ( heavy duty)
Above the door it had magnets to close the 2 halves worked well
Just a thought



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[jzaman1]

I just checked out some videos of MagicMesh. Looks good. Wonder what modifications would be needed to fit Scamp door? Thanks for the tip!

[alan H]

I had mine on a 13' perris pacer
The only mod was shortening it


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[Badger]

Originally Posted by stevebaz

Turn on your fan in the trailer blowing in assuming you have a roof fan. That way when you open the door the outgoing pressure keeps the small air patrol out. Can also use a circulating fan under the awning. Small flying critters don't like turbulent air.

Now this seems ingenious. But don't you need to keep all of the windows shut for this to work?

[jzaman1]

I would love to see a pic if its no trouble of how its attached to door frame...Thanks!

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by jzaman1

Hi, Recently bought a 1981 13' Scamp. Pretty new to camping. Put out some nice string lights around our awning last time we camped and before long...seemed like 1000's of bugs. Quite a few (mainly gnats) got in "Scampi". Not a huge deal but kind of irritating.
So wondering if anybody had some good ideas/tips concerning keeping bugs away.
Thanks!

Camp after a heavy frost . Works in the North plus it is environmentally friendly.