Are you working on getting rid of ants in an RV? Well, you’re not alone. Ants are one of the most common pests, and they’re especially pesky because they can nest in seemingly impossible places. No matter how tightly sealed your RV may be, ants will still find ways to enter and take up residence.
Throughout our experience when we were full time RV living with kids, RV ants were one of the most common pests we encountered. Keep in mind though, that ants usually inhabit the RV when you stay in a campground or park for extended periods. When you’re moving around, you typically don’t have much of a problem with them.
There are several ways to eliminate and prevent ants in a camper from returning. In this article, I’ll share tips on getting rid of ants in an RV.
THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL, A FAMILY TRAVEL AND RV LIVING EXPERT.
Ants in An RV FAQs
How to get rid of ants in an RV?
There are many ways to get rid of ants in an RV, either naturally or using chemical or store-bought ant repellant that you can purchase at any local store. Some products are more effective than others, depending on your needs.
How to fumigate an RV?
If you want to fumigate an RV, using a professional pest control service is the best way. Professional services have the tools and products to eliminate ants more efficiently. If you try to do it yourself, chances are you won’t get rid of all the ants, or they’ll return soon after.
How to get rid of ants in camper ceiling?
It can be a bit hard if you want to get rid of ants on the ceiling because they’re usually hidden away. The best way to do this is by finding their source and destroying or sealing it. You could also use ant bait traps which are easy to install in tight spots like the camper ceiling.
Related blog: 45 Easy RV Organization Accessories And Hacks
8 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Ants in An RV
1. Seal Off All Cracks and Crevices
If you don’t want to see ants in RV walls climbing in from the outside, seal off all the small cracks and crevices you can see. This will prevent them from entering your RV in the first place.
If you already see them, the best way to stop them is to follow where the ants are coming from and seal off the hole they are entering. Use this EverBond RV Roof Waterproof Coating from Amazon if it comes from your ceiling. It’s made to seal off any gap or crevice and is incredibly easy to use. If not, the Geocel Pro Flex Clear RV Flexible Sealant is perfect for sealing outdoor cracks and crevices.
2. Keep your RV Interior Clean
Bugs, especially ants, are attracted to food messes and spills. Ensure the kitchen area is always swept and mopped with a proper cleaning solution to keep them away from your RV. Additionally, store all food items in airtight containers as we suggest in our post all about RV pantry storage ideas.
You might also want to check out our blog post sharing the best RV vacuum cleaner to find the right one for cleaning out your RV.
3. Keep Your Outlet Seals Clean
Another way to prevent ants from coming inside the RV is by keeping your outlet seals clean. Ants may use these seals as an entryway into your RV, so keeping them clean and sealed off with caulk or expanding foam is essential. Some RVers experienced ants coming out of electrical outlets, so watch out!
4. Sprinkle Some Ground Cinnamon Everywhere
Ground cinnamon is an excellent natural ant repellent, as ants hate its smell and taste. Not only that, but it also makes your RV smell nice and fresh–a win-win situation!
To use this method, sprinkle some ground cinnamon powder around the entry points of your RV. This will help to keep ants away from your RV and discourage them from entering.
5. Use Non-Toxic Ant Repellant
Using non-toxic ant baits is another excellent way to get rid of ants in an RV without harsh chemicals or insecticides. I found this non-toxic ant and pest repellant from the Safer Brand on Amazon, which is also one of the best ant deterrent for RV. It’s organic, non-toxic, and safe to use around your children or if you’re RVing with dogs.
6. Use Strong Insect Baits
I’ve learned that many RVers use this Maxforce Complete Granular Insect Bait, which contains hydramethylnon, to eliminate ants inside their RVs. It’s effective for most ant species, and it works by luring the ants in and killing them off through a slow-release poison that will eventually take down the entire colony.
7. Liquid Ant Killers
Another way to get rid of ants in an RV is using liquid ant killers. These are also known as bait traps. The TERRO Liquid Ant Killer is a highly recommended one that I’ve used in the past. This liquid ant bait is designed to attract and kill ants quickly and can be easily applied anywhere in your RV, making it more effective than sprays or powders.
8. Professional Pest Control Services
Hiring a professional pest control service is best if you find it hard to get rid of ants in an RV by yourself. These services typically come with the right tools and products to eliminate ants in an RV. And if done correctly, they can prevent ants from returning anytime soon.
Before You Go….
Getting rid of ants in an RV doesn’t have to be complex or complicated. There are many ways to eliminate ants in a camper; you only need the right tools and products.
Regardless of your chosen method, just remember that prevention is the best way to eliminate ants in an RV. One of the top RV cleaning tips for ants is to seal off any entry points, being proactive.
Also, remember to check for signs of ant activity around the exterior of your RV. Ants can be hard to detect when they are on the move, but looking for their trails will give you an idea of where to focus your prevention efforts.
Check out some other helpful blog posts:
RV tips for beginners
34 RV Must Haves
10 Best RV Books For Beginners
Good luck and happy travels! 🚐🤗😁