We have always been big on protecting our travel trailer from Wasps, Bees, and Mud Daubers. They can find their way into really tight spots as well as nest in areas you wouldn’t expect. I’ve seen them work their way into the awning roller; where you wouldn’t think there would be enough room to set up shop. They have also nested inside the bumper; where we store the sewer hose. Sometimes they can even nest under the Travel Trailer. This is why you need to purchase flying insect screens.

In the above scenarios it’s really not difficult to get rid of them, because they are for the most part out in the open where you can spray them. On the other hand if they start setting up shop inside the back of your refrigerator, furnace, or water heater, that becomes a real problem.

You can buy flying insect screens made by Camco or JCJ to protect yourself from these flying menaces. For the most part they are relatively easy to install. Some screens, like the refrigerator, are attached by removing the service panel and then using small zip ties to hold them in place. As you can see from the picture the screens will prevent any flying insect from getting in that area. We have noticed a change on a few refrigerator models where there are some side vents that next to the large ones, and the manufactures have yet to come up with a solution for the small side vents. My recommendation would be to buy some screen and cut it to size and then zip tie it as well…at least until someone like Camco provides a solution.

Refrigerator screens

The water heater screen is attached with spring clips. The kit includes a slotted screwdriver for attaching the clips.

water heater screen

The Furnace screen attachment will vary depending on the model you have. Sometimes the screens fit inside the furnace panel. Other times they are externally attached. My model uses two spring clips, attached externally.

Until recently the newer furnaces on the last two Jayco Models that we have owned did not have a screen made for it. As a result I bought an over-sized screen and attached it because I knew if I didn’t take some precaution I would have a problem in my hands.

Over-sized Furnace Screen

Fortunately Camco has now manufactured a screen that fits the new style furnace port. FYI: Jayco is not the only travel trailer using this type of furnace, there are many including Forest River etc. The new item for this furnace is Camco’s item number 42155.

Camco’s new 42155 bug screen

The Perfect Fit

One caveat to using these screens is that the manufacturer of your refrigerator, furnace, or water heater may say your warranty is voided if you use them and then have a system failure. I can say that we have used them for over 20 years with no issues. So do some research and then let your conscience be your guide.

If you are concerned about your warranty you can have the best of both worlds; just remove the screens when you go camping and then put them back on when you return. I think you will find they are easy enough to install that this will not be an issue.

As far as your rear bumper is concerned, the only access they have is through the cut out in the end caps. Oddly enough I found a sparrows nest inside my bumper when I got to a campsite once. It was an empty nest but it was a mess just as well. If you have an issue you can always cover the cutout with a piece of tape.

One last piece of advice since we are talking about insects. Make sure you always check your window seals and make sure you don’t have any gaps. Insects can and will find their way into those areas if the seals are not a tight fit. Unfortunately I know this from experience.

So save yourself a headache and protect your investment, the expense of the screens is minimal and will save you from an expensive repair down the road.