Camino de Santiago de Compostela

[John Hussey]

There is a simple way to protect oneself from getting bed bugs, and that is the use of a chemical called Permethrin. This is a liquid which was designed for use by the US military to be applied to battle dress uniforms and equipment so as to protect the soldier from biting insects. This chemical is ideal for use by pilgrims as protection against bed bugs on the Caminos for a number of reasons:

First, for ease of application. Permethrin is not designed to be applied to clothing at the time of manufacture but rather afterward, either in the field by the user or prior to issue. This means the pilgrim can safely apply it to his or her clothing as well as-and likely much more importantly- to his or her own sleeping bag- so as to stop the insects from entering and attacking the user.

Second, because of how long it will last. Permethrin, once applied by the user to the fabric of one's clothing and equipment, will actually last throughout numerous washings and wettings from rain showers, because it was designed to attach itself to the fabric it is applied upon and last beyond such washings and rain showers before subsequent applications are required. This means that only one's clothing may require a subsequent treatment (depending upon how many times it is washed) but that one's sleeping bag, which will not be washed, will not.

The Product:
http://www.caplock.com/Permethrin.htm

Civilian Sources:
http://www.labsafety.com/store/Safety_S ... ant/36704/
http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Premium-Re ... B0009KMWES

Permethrin FAQ's:
http://www.sawyerproducts.com/faqpermethrin.htm

Safety:
http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/documen ... 1Sep01.pdf

Were I to do another Camino, I would use it because it works. Plus, I believe I would suggest one other thing:

Since the multiple use of the same mattresses, pillows, and beds themselves seem to be the common link for the bed bugs' spreading and seeking other fresh hosts for their nightly feasting of fresh blood, one might forgo the complete use of any of those conveniences and instead sleep upon a lightweight backpacking mat like a Thermarest that the pilgrim would carry with them. And, the mat itself would be treated with the above chemical.

It would be my suggestion that If the problem persists upon the Caminos, then this might be the only way that all of the albergues might rid themselves of those unwanted biting insects. Eliminate that common link-the beds- and have pilgrims sleep instead upon portable mattresses directly upon a clean, slick floor where the little devils would have no place in which to hide.. I remember doing that very same thing in one (or two?...) albergues that did not have beds but rather had the pilgrims use the albergues' vinyl covered foam mattresses upon the floor. It would be interesting to learn if those places had the same bed bug problem.

I shudder when I think of getting those bugs. But, not only would I hate to get those bugs upon me but more than that, I would really hate to bring them home with me.

[JohnnieWalker]

Lots of information about permethrin, treated sheets and suppliers here:

equipment-questions/topic2444-25.html

[Rebekah Scott]

one small issue for the hostels: you fit a lot more pilgrims into a small space by stacking them in bunks. Having them lie on the floor would cut capacity in half. That, and imagine the wails of the pilgs who are stiff and sore or otherwise cannot handle climbing into and upper bunk...what would they do if they had to sleep down low, on the floor? How would you get ém up and out in the morning?

Just wondering.
Rebekah
in bedbug-free Ponferrada with 190 pilgrims

[notion900]

Bed bugs are icky but they don't spread any diseases, and unlike fleas they hop off when they have done eating you. But the bites are very itchy. Antihistamine cream will help, such as Anthisan.

People talk about them a lot but they are not that common on the camino. Tell tale signs are tiny flicky black spots on the walls that look like tiny splats of ink - that is their poop! Or you might see a drop of blood where someone splatted one. Their bites are in characteristic lines. They look a bit like a cross between a woodlouse and a ladybird (ladybug) - but much smaller of course! I know all this from travel in Asia, not from the camino, by the way.

Don't be too worried about these bugs, if you get bitten that's unlucky, the main thing is to avoid at all costs bringing them back to your home. I put my sleeping bag in the freezer when I got home, washed all my clothes on hot and sprayed my bag with bug spray and left it outside overnight.

[xerobugs]

Here is a Non Toxic and chemical free product that can be used to repel Bed Bugs, Fleas, Ticks, Mites Head Lice. It will also kill and dissolve the eggs of these bugs. There are no chemicals so it can be sprayed directly on yourself, clothing, mattress, furniture etc.

A REFILLABLE 4 oz atomizer that delivers the perfect spray of BEST YET Insect Control Solution.

BED BUG CONTROL for Hotels, Motels, Homes, Condo's and Apartments.
Use it on the children, pets and yourself to eliminate <strong>Bed Bugs, Mosquito's, Fleas, Flies, Chiggers, No-See-Ums, Mites,</strong> and other biting insects. Make it your traveling companion when ever you leave.

Carry it in your purse or pocket. Made from non collapsible aluminum with a full neck opening for easy refill. Can be used as a scent cover by hunters while keeping biting pests away.

BEST YET is DEET FREE and will provide approximately 12 hours of protection. Fresh Cedar smell is not offensive and the solution will enhance skin condition rather than aggravate it.

BEST YET also dissolves the eggs and larvae. Kills Sugar and Fire Ants upon contact. Excellent for treatment of HEAD LICE and children and adults. BEST YET will not burn the scalp or destroy hair follicles such as chemical treatments are known do. Use BEST YET for parasite control in your home, barn, hotel/motel or any commercial establishment.
Available in 4 oz, 8 oz, 32 oz and gallon sizes.

http://www.xerobugs.com/cedar-based-personal-protection.html

[falcon269]

http://www.afpmb.org/pubs/tims/TG44/TG44.htm

[Anniesantiago]

Falcon, that was an excellent article, but it sure made my skin crawl.

YIKES!

[notion900]

Don't get too scared of these things, you don't need to arm yourself with a whole battery of fearsome weapons of mass (insect) destruction. Normal insect repellent put on before bed will keep them off if they are really annoying (I did this on the sleeper trains in India but I didn't find it was ever needed on the Camino).

You can't be sure to avoid them entirely so stop worrying. Just be super careful not to take them home with you, or you'll be off on a treadmill of expensive pest control. Tumble drying is a good method of killing them, as is freezing for a couple of days.