Buzz Off – The Ultimate Guide to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

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.

So, while we won’t be able to eliminate these little buzzers, these tips may keep them away from us while enjoying the outdoors.  And, believe it or not, they do have some redeeming value as pollinators and a food source for other critters.  If you have any additional hints to keep mosquitoes at bay, let us know.

Your turn

Do you have a secret weapon you use against mosquitoes? Add your mosquito‑busting tip or trick remedy in the comments below.