Connie Sue 👒

When You Share Your Van Home With a Tiny Carnivore

In years gone by…

When I spent winter at a campground in southeast Florida, my legs would get chewed up by invisible critters hiding in the Florida grass. And that was on day 1!

I have bug spray but almost never remember to use it when I first arrive at the campground. I’ve never had to use the spray anywhere other than south Florida.

The challenge of using bug spray…

MCS makes for an interesting scavenger hunt when trying to find a bug spray that actually works without triggering anaphylaxis.

Nikki helped me find Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick Bug Repellent spray. She doesn’t skip a beat when it comes to her Mom’s MCS needs.

The spray works well for me - when I remember to use it 🙄

This past winter…

While at the extended stay hotel, I didn’t use bug spray a single time.

I was there for 4 months and didn’t have a single bug bite.

Until I left the hotel and got back into van life.

My first few days back in the van…

I woke up with a bite or two on my lower legs, arms, or other uncovered places on my body.

The next day, same thing.

And again the next day.

Then, I decided to spray bug repellent around my bed area. I also used the spray on myself before I went to bed - and woke up with no bites.

I thought the problem was solved…

But the night I didn’t spray, I woke up with more bites.

I suspect a critter set up house in my van while I was at the hotel.

The culprit makes a daytime appearance…

Yesterday, I arrived at a campground in Chattanooga TN.

After setting up camp and getting the window coverings up inside the van, I saw a tiny critter looking straight at me.

It was a spider - which is what I suspected from the very first bite.

I calmly grabbed a paper towel and snatched him up. I didn’t feel like opening the door to toss him outside so I had no choice but to impose the death penalty - which was swiftly carried out.

The remains of Mr Spidey were laid to rest in my trash can. The trash bag was tightly closed - just in case Mr Spidey made a spontaneous resurrection.

Parting thoughts…

I can’t use pesticides or toxic products, yet in the 10+ years I’ve been living on wheels, I haven’t had to deal with indoor critters much at all.

The number of spiders I’ve seen in my van can be counted on one hand with fingers left over.

But, after the fall harvest in northern Illinois, the Asian Beetles that flock in to every nook and cranny is a whole other story. I’m sure I’ll share that drama - if I’m still in northern Illinois come autumn.

I had way more critters when I lived in a stationary house or apartment than I do in my van.

All this to say… this morning I woke up bite-free. Hopefully the problem is solved and my wounds can heal 🕸️

Connie 🌼

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Life Right Now

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