RV bug screens are protective mesh barriers that install over your appliance vents—specifically furnace, water heater, and refrigerator vents—to prevent wasps, mud daubers, rodents, and other pests from entering and building nests that interfere with airflow and cause expensive damage.
Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than discovering wasps have built a nest in your furnace vent or mice have chewed through your water heater wiring. The good news? Installing RV bug screens is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your rig from costly pest damage.
Whether you're a weekend warrior hitting the campground or a full-timer living the nomad dream, bug screens are essential gear. They're like mosquito nets for your RV's vital organs—simple to install, cheap to buy, and worth their weight in gold when it comes to preventing repair bills.
RV bug screens are fine mesh barriers made of stainless steel or durable synthetic materials that cover appliance vents to block insects, birds, and small animals while maintaining proper airflow for safe appliance operation.
Bug screens protect your RV's furnace, water heater, and refrigerator vents from insects and debris that can interfere with airflow and cause serious damage to appliances. Here's what they protect against:
Pest damage is most common when RVs are in storage, as creatures seek warm, sheltered spaces and can cause thousands in damage by eating wires and nesting in walls. According to RV industry pest prevention experts, geographic region and weather patterns affect pest activity, with shorter winters and warmer weather meaning longer breeding periods and earlier emergence from overwintering states.
Bug screens install over three critical vent areas: furnace exhaust vents (usually round, located on the exterior), water heater vents (typically rectangular on the rear or side), and refrigerator vents (found on the exterior side of your rig).
Most RV furnace vents are round and fit Duo-Therm and Suburban brands, with screens featuring heavy-duty stainless steel mesh. Look for these small circular vents on your RV's exterior—usually on the side or rear.
Water heater screens are typically rectangular and sized specifically for different gallon capacities (6, 10, 12, or 16-gallon units) from brands like Dometic, Suburban, and Atwood. These vents are commonly found on access doors on the exterior.
Refrigerator vents often have long louver openings (like 20-inch Dometic models) that require specially-sized screens to cover the entire opening.
Pro tip: Measure your vents before shopping. Different RV manufacturers use different vent sizes, and getting the wrong size defeats the purpose.
Most RV bug screens install using spring-loaded clips or fasteners included in the kit—simply hook the spring to the screen, position it over the vent, and use the installation tool to secure the other end to the vent housing.
Here's the basic process that works for most screen types:
Use zip ties to secure rectangular refrigerator screens to the vent covers—simple zip ties hold them effectively in place.
Installation time: About 5-10 minutes per screen. No special tools needed beyond what's included in the kit.
Check screens before and after each trip for damage or debris buildup, and clean vents regularly to remove dust and debris that can accumulate and reduce airflow effectiveness.
Basic maintenance is straightforward:
Seasonal tip: During storage season, screens work overtime protecting against nesting creatures, so inspect them extra carefully before your first trip of the year. Bug screen maintenance is just one part of keeping your RV in good condition year-round.
Beyond vent screens, create multiple barriers using natural repellents like peppermint oil, campsite devices like Thermacell repellers, and strategic parking choices away from bug-heavy areas.
Peppermint oil is your secret weapon. Professional pest control experts confirm that peppermint oil produces a scent mice find offensive to their nasal cavities, and rodents find the scent unpleasant, causing them to avoid treated areas. Try these approaches:
Thermacell devices like the E90 and EX90 create 20-foot protection zones around your campsite, with rechargeable models perfect for RV camping. The Thermacell Patio Shield can be placed on your picnic table to create a 15-foot diameter zone of mosquito protection.
Camco is the leading manufacturer of RV bug screens, offering model-specific options for most furnace, water heater, and refrigerator brands with stainless steel construction and installation tools included.
Camco - Industry leader since 1966, offering heavy-duty stainless steel mesh screens with installation tools for Suburban, Dometic, Duo-Therm, and Atwood appliances
Valterra - Alternative option with replacement springs available
Miady - Budget-friendly option for basic protection
Price range: $15-45 per screen, depending on size and brand. Quality screens last for years, making this one of the best values in RV maintenance.
You've got the know-how to protect your RV from unwanted visitors. Now make sure you're protected from the unexpected too. Check out Roamly's RV insurance options, including pest damage coverage that kicks in when prevention isn't enough. At Roamly, pest coverage is available at very affordable rates, because we know that even the best preparation sometimes meets the most determined critter.
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