The little critters you meet at the campsite (and how to handle them)
The little critters you meet at a campsite - silverfish in damp sanitary blocks, mosquitoes, wasps, ants and spiders - are part of outdoor life and almost always harmless. Good hygiene, keeping food covered and closing your tent or caravan properly prevent most nuisance. The oak processionary caterpillar is the summer exception: never touch it, as its hairs can cause itching and irritation.
When you camp, you share nature with its smallest residents. At the shower block, on the pitch or around the terrace you will nearly always run into a few critters. A clip about silverfish near the sanitary block recently put this in the spotlight again (via BNNVARA). The good news: almost all of these creatures are normal and largely harmless. Here are the most common ones, with practical tips to keep nuisance to a minimum.
Silverfish in the sanitary block
Those silvery-grey, fast-moving creatures you see darting away near the shower or sink in the evening are silverfish. They love damp and darkness, and a sanitary block with wet floors and condensation is an ideal spot for them. They do not bite, carry no diseases and are completely harmless to people.
Silverfish are mainly a sign that a place is humid. In your own caravan or awning you can keep them at bay by ventilating well, not leaving wet towels lying around and keeping crevices dry. In shared sanitary blocks there is little you can do yourself - cleaning and ventilation there are the campsite's job.
Mosquitoes near water and in the evening
Mosquitoes are probably the most common complaint at the campsite, especially at pitches near water, ditches or damp meadows. Female mosquitoes need blood to lay their eggs; their bite itches, but in our regions it is usually harmless.
Reduce nuisance by wearing covering clothing in the evening, using a mosquito net over the tent opening and emptying any standing water around your pitch (buckets, bowls). An insect repellent on exposed skin helps as well. Try not to scratch a bite; a cold compress eases the itch.
Wasps at the terrace and sweet food
Wasps become more active in late summer and are drawn mainly to sweet food, meat and soft drinks. They are not looking for a fight: most stings happen because a wasp feels threatened or is accidentally crushed.
The best approach is to stay calm and not swat wildly. Cover food and drinks, clear away leftovers right away and keep a lidded bin nearby. Outdoors, drink from a cup with a lid or a straw so a wasp cannot end up in your glass. If you are allergic, always carry your medication.
Ants on the pitch
Ants belong to almost every grassy field and will find your pitch the moment crumbs appear. They are harmless and mostly do their job as nature's cleaners, but a trail of ants across your picnic table is not pleasant.
Keep food in sealed containers, wipe away crumbs and do not leave sweets open on the ground. If you spot a trail, follow it to the source and clean that spot; ants follow each other's scent trail, so removing it often helps right away.
Spiders and the oak processionary caterpillar
Spiders like to creep into a folded awning, shoes or corners of the caravan. The species you meet at campsites in Western Europe are harmless and actually useful, as they catch mosquitoes and flies. Give your shoes a quick shake before putting them on and you are rid of them in no time.
One real exception is the oak processionary caterpillar, found in and under oak trees in summer. The tiny hairs of this caterpillar can cause itching, a skin rash and irritated eyes or airways. Never touch the caterpillars or their nests, do not camp directly under an affected oak and follow the warning signs. If you do get symptoms, rinse the skin with water and see a doctor if the irritation persists.
How to choose a well-maintained campsite
A lot of insect nuisance comes down to the surroundings and how well a campsite is kept. Clean, well-ventilated sanitary blocks, regularly emptied bins and a tidy layout make a big difference to how many critters you actually notice.
On the Ovisola map you can compare campsites across Europe and filter by amenities, so you find a spot that fits your wishes. Read reviews from previous guests and look out for comments on cleanliness and upkeep; that often tells you more about your comfort than which critters live in the area.
Frequently asked questions
Are silverfish at the sanitary block dangerous?+
No. Silverfish do not bite and carry no diseases. They simply indicate a damp environment and are completely harmless to people.
How do I prevent mosquito nuisance at the campsite?+
Wear covering clothing in the evening, use a mosquito net over your tent, empty any standing water around your pitch and apply an insect repellent to exposed skin.
What should I do about wasps at mealtimes?+
Stay calm and do not swat wildly, cover food and drinks, clear away leftovers immediately and drink from a cup with a lid or a straw when outdoors.
Is the oak processionary caterpillar really dangerous?+
Its tiny hairs can cause itching, a skin rash and irritated eyes or airways. Never touch the caterpillars or their nests and follow the warning signs near oak trees.
How do I find a campsite with well-maintained sanitary facilities?+
Compare campsites on the Ovisola map, filter by amenities and read reviews from previous guests; comments on cleanliness and upkeep tell you a lot about your comfort.
