How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in Your RV (Without the Stink!)

1/9/2026

Stink bugs are one of the most annoying pests RVers deal with—especially during fall and spring travel. They don’t bite or damage your RV, but they do smell awful and love sneaking into warm, well-lit rigs through vents, slide-outs, and door seals.

Why Stink Bugs Love RVs

RVs offer everything stink bugs are looking for: warmth, light, and plenty of small entry points. They often hitchhike in on camping gear, clothes, or pets, then hide behind trim, in ceiling lights, around windows, or inside RV vents.

When Stink Bugs Are Worst

  • Fall: Bugs look for warm places to overwinter

  • Spring: Hidden bugs become active and try to escape
    They’re most common in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest.

How to Keep Stink Bugs Out of Your RV

  • Seal cracks, seams, and slide-out gaps with RV-safe sealant

  • Add weather stripping to storage bays and access doors

  • Install vent screens (without blocking airflow)

  • Switch exterior lights to yellow “bug” LEDs

  • Wipe window sills and door frames regularly

  • Use peppermint, clove, or eucalyptus oil sprays around entry points

How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs in an RV

  • Vacuum trick: Use a nylon stocking inside the vacuum hose to trap bugs without releasing odor

  • Light + soapy water trap: A desk lamp over a shallow dish of soapy water works overnight

  • Sticky traps: Place near windows and vents (keep away from pets)

Bottom Line

Stink bugs in your RV are a smelly nuisance—but with proper sealing, smart lighting, and safe removal methods, you can keep your RV pest-free and enjoy stink-free camping all season long.

For more info and to read the entire article, visit https://www.doityourselfrv.com/how-to-get-rid-of-stink-bugs-in-your-rv/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_16245879

If you would like to reserve a stay with us and enjoy the Williamston, Greenville, Washington and Eastern NC area please give us a call 252-943-1699 or visit our website: Treeside RV Park

To reserve a spot, give us a call 252-943-1699

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