What Every RVer Should Know- Insect Bites

Insects That Can Ruin Your RV Trip in the Midwest

You’ve made it to your campsite, the view is great, and the fresh air is doing its job, but then you hear a small hum and next thing- SMACK- mosquitos. Insects like mosquitoes, fire ants, and ticks are a normal part of nature, but they can cause everything from mild annoyances to serious health concerns during a trip. When you’re out in the middle of a peaceful state park, the last thing you want is a surprise sting or a rash that keeps you up at night.

This article is part of our Happy Trails, Safer Travels series made for real RVers and outdoor explorers who want clear info without the panic. We’ll cover the bugs you’re most likely to run into in the Midwest, how to avoid them, and what to do if they strike. Small disclaimer as always, this article is for educational purposes only. For serious reactions or health concerns, always talk to a medical professional.

If you’ve spent even one evening outside in the Midwest, you’ve probably already met a mosquito or two. Or fifty. They’re most active at dusk, and they love still water, nice shade, and humid air. While their bites are usually just itchy and annoying, mosquitoes can occasionally carry illnesses like West Nile virus in some parts of the country.
Where you'll find them: Near lakes, ponds, wooded campsites, and anywhere with standing water.
What to do: Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in the evening, and keep RV screens closed. If you do get bit, wash with soap and water and apply anti-itch cream. Try not to scratch—it just makes it worse.

Fire ants are small, but their sting packs a punch. These aggressive insects are found mostly in the southern Midwest and beyond. You may not notice their mound until it’s too late—and once disturbed, they swarm fast.
What it feels like: A sharp sting, followed by burning and itchy blisters that show up in clusters.
Where you'll find them: Dry, open areas like grassy clearings, roadside shoulders, or campsite edges.
What to do: Wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and use antihistamine cream if needed. If you have a known allergy or symptoms like trouble breathing, seek emergency help right away.

Ticks don’t fly or sting, they crawl, and then they just latch on and stay put. That’s what makes them dangerous. Some ticks in the Midwest carry Lyme disease or other illnesses, and symptoms don’t always show up right away.
Where you'll find them: Wooded trails, tall grasses, underbrush, and even picnic areas with brush.
What to do: After time outdoors, check yourself and your pets thoroughly. If you find a tick, use tweezers to gently pull it straight out. Wash the bite and monitor for a rash or flu-like symptoms in the days following.
Pro tip: Tuck your pants into your socks and use tick repellent on shoes, clothes, and pets.

Mites (commonly referred to as chiggers) aren't technically insects but their bites are unforgettable. If you read our last article on poisonous plants, you might remember them as the hidden problem behind Queen Anne’s Lace. Their bites show up as red, itchy welts that appear hours after walking through grass or brush.
Where you'll find them: Tall grass, weeds, wildflower patches, and wooded trail edges.
What to do: Wash the area and use anti-itch cream. Showering after your hike helps get them off before they bite. For a refresher on chiggers and the plants they hang around, check out our plant safety article.

These tiny flying insects are often too small to spot, but you’ll feel their presence in the form of itchy red dots—usually around your ankles or wrists. They’re most common around lakes and marshes.
What to do: Use fine-mesh screens and insect repellent, especially early in the morning or just before sunset. After bites, apply a cold compress or anti-itch cream.

Most of the time, bees and wasps just want to be left alone. But if you accidentally disturb a nest or leave sugary drinks uncovered, you could get stung. For many people, it’s a painful but minor problem. For others, it can become serious.
Where you'll find them: Trash bins, picnic areas, bushes, or around uncovered food and drinks.
What to do: Remove the stinger if visible, wash the area, and apply ice. Watch for swelling, especially near the face or throat. If you or a family member is allergic, carry an epinephrine auto-injector and seek immediate medical care.

If you’re RVing with a dog or cat, fleas can be more than a nuisance—they can turn into a campground infestation. Flea bites are itchy and often show up in clusters around your lower legs or waist.
What to do: Make sure your pets are treated with vet-approved flea prevention. Clean your bedding, vacuum carpets or RV floors, and keep pets out of grassy or brushy areas when possible.

Insects are just part of the outdoor experience on your trip, but that doesn’t mean they have to ruin your trip. A few precautions can go a long way: pack the right repellents, wear protective clothing, and keep your campsite clean. Most bites are mild and manageable, but if something looks strange or symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to check in with a medical professional.

Stay tuned for the next post in our Happy Trails, Safer Travels series: Spiders in Your RV & Campsite – What Bites, What Doesn’t, and How to Keep Your Space Peaceful.

You’ve packed the bug spray, zipped the screens, and planned the perfect route. Now it’s time to enjoy the open road. Our RV loans make it easier to own the kind of getaway where peace, fresh air, and freedom are always part of the plan.
Apply now and drive toward your next escape.