How to Stop Flies & Mosquitoes in Your Caravan Awning (2026 UK Guide)

There’s nothing worse than settling down in your caravan awning with a cup of tea on a warm summer evening only to find yourself constantly swatting away flies and mosquitoes.

Whether you’re staying on a seasonal pitch, touring around the UK, or enjoying a European camping holiday, insects can quickly become an unwelcome part of campsite life.

Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to reduce the number of flies and mosquitoes around your caravan awning and make your outdoor living space far more comfortable.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to keep insects away from your awning and enjoy more relaxing evenings outdoors.

Why Are Flies and Mosquitoes Attracted to Caravan Awnings?

Caravan awnings create the perfect environment for insects because they often contain:

• Food and drink

• Cooking smells

• Standing water nearby

• Warm sheltered areas

• Lighting during the evening

Mosquitoes are particularly active during warmer weather and around dusk, while flies are attracted to food preparation areas and outdoor dining tables.

Use a Magnetic Fly Screen

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce insects entering your caravan or awning is by fitting a magnetic fly screen.

A magnetic fly screen allows fresh air to circulate while helping prevent flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects from entering.

Benefits include:

• Improved airflow during hot weather

• Reduced insect entry

• Hands-free access

• Easy installation and removal

• Ideal for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans

For summer touring, a magnetic fly screen can dramatically improve comfort while helping keep your living space cooler.

Use Mosquito Coils Around Your Seating Area

Mosquito coils remain one of the most popular campsite insect deterrents.

When positioned safely around your awning or outdoor seating area, they help create a protective zone that can discourage mosquitoes and other flying insects from gathering nearby.

They are particularly useful for:

• Evening meals

• Outdoor drinks

• Seasonal pitches

• BBQs

• Awning relaxation areas

Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions when using mosquito coils.

Keep Food Covered Outdoors

Food is one of the biggest attractants for flies.

Using pop-up mesh food covers helps protect:

• Sandwiches

• Cakes

• Fruit

• BBQ food

• Picnic items

Not only do they help keep insects away, but they also prevent leaves and debris from landing on food during breezy weather.

Only £14.78

Avoid Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in standing water.

Check around your pitch for:

• Buckets

• Water containers

• Plant trays

• Waste water spills

• Pooled rainwater

Even small amounts of stagnant water can attract mosquitoes during warm weather.

Be Careful With Outdoor Lighting

Many insects are attracted to bright lights.

To reduce attraction:

• Switch off unnecessary lights

• Use warm-coloured lighting where possible

• Close awning curtains during peak insect activity

• Avoid leaving caravan doors open with interior lights on

• 
  

Keep Your Awning Clean

Food crumbs, spills, and rubbish can quickly attract insects.

Simple habits that help include:

• Wiping tables regularly

• Emptying bins frequently

• Cleaning BBQ equipment after use

• Removing food waste promptly

A tidy awning is generally a less attractive environment for flies.

Outdoor Cooking Can Help

Cooking inside a caravan can generate heat and cooking smells.

Many caravanners prefer using:

• Portable camping kitchens

• Cadac BBQs

• Outdoor grills

• Awning cooking stations

Outdoor cooking not only helps keep the caravan cooler but can also make cleaning easier and reduce food smells inside the living area.

Best Insect Protection Products for Caravan Awnings

Useful products include:

• Magnetic fly screens

• Mosquito coils

• Pop-up mesh food covers

• Outdoor storage cupboards

• Covered bins

• Citronella-based deterrents

• Awning lighting solutions

These products can work together to create a more comfortable and insect-free touring environment.

Common Mistakes

Leaving Food Uncovered

Even a few minutes can attract flies during warm weather.

Leaving Caravan Doors Open

Without a fly screen, insects can quickly enter the caravan.

Allowing Water to Collect

Standing water encourages mosquito activity.

Not Emptying Bins Regularly

Food waste attracts both flies and wasps.

Using Bright Lights All Evening

Strong lighting can attract insects from surprising distances.

Quick Checklist

✔ Install a magnetic fly screen

✔ Use mosquito coils safely

✔ Cover food outdoors

✔ Keep bins emptied

✔ Avoid standing water

✔ Keep awning tables clean

✔ Use sensible lighting

✔ Store food properly

Final Thoughts

Flies and mosquitoes are a common part of summer touring, but they don’t have to spoil your caravan holiday.

A combination of good campsite habits, food protection, fly screens, and mosquito deterrents can make a huge difference to your comfort, particularly during warm evenings spent relaxing in your awning.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy more time outdoors and make your caravan awning a far more pleasant place to spend time during the touring season.

FAQs

Do magnetic fly screens work on caravans?

Yes. Magnetic fly screens are one of the most effective ways to improve airflow while helping prevent insects from entering your caravan or awning.

Are mosquito coils safe to use on campsites?

When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, mosquito coils can be an effective way to deter insects around outdoor seating areas.

Why are there so many flies around my awning?

Food, rubbish, cooking smells, and warm sheltered spaces can all attract flies.

What is the best way to protect food outdoors?

Pop-up mesh food covers are a simple and effective way to keep flies and insects away from food.

Do mosquitoes like caravan awnings?

Mosquitoes are attracted to sheltered areas, warm temperatures, standing water, and people sitting outdoors, making awnings a popular gathering spot.

Related Guides

• How to Keep Cool in Your Caravan or Motorhome During the UK Summer

• Caravan & Campervan Cooking Guide (2026 UK)

• The Ultimate Caravan Campsite Setup Guide

• Best Caravan Cooling Accessories for UK Heatwaves