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Plus a nice warm bedBefore the revolution in France when there were still aristocrats, when they travelled they took a baby pig with them. A servant would put it in their bed for a couple of hours and then remove it when the aristo went to bed - the bed bugs were fed by then, left the aristo alone
I really like this approach by the French aristocracy. Maybe we can convince the albergues to have a couple of them? Pilgrims could share the pigs. In order of arrival.Before the revolution in France when there were still aristocrats, when they travelled they took a baby pig with them. A servant would put it in their bed for a couple of hours and then remove it when the aristo went to bed - the bed bugs were fed by then, left the aristo alone
You need to travel with your own pig. If the albergue had a pig on duty it would just support a growth in the bed bug population. The bugs would work in shifts - pig shift followed by pilgrim shift.I really like this approach by the French aristocracy. Maybe we can convince the albergues to have a couple of them? Pilgrims could share the pigs. In order of arrival.
You need to travel with your own pig. If the albergue had a pig on duty it would just support a growth in the bed bug population. The bugs would work in shifts - pig shift followed by pilgrim shift.
So that's the first problem. The second problem is pig shift.
That makes sense...thanksAccording to their information, EX8 is basically their proprietary name for Permethrin, as it is the active ingredient in the the sheet. This is problematic in a few ways:
- Permethrin is not really an insect repellant but an insecticide. For mosquitos and tick control it is usually combined with deet or picaridin to get applications that have repellency, while the permethrin kills the insects by direct contact.
- It does not repel bed bugs. Permethrin works as a contact insecticide for bedbugs and can kill them, but only after a delayed effect. A bed bug can still have his meal, then crawl away to die later. . or not. The newest information about resistance to permethrin indicates bed bugs now have a high resistance to Permethrin in many regions globally.
- Bed bugs will crawl on top of the sheet from nearby cracks, crevices and from under bed frames and behind headboards. The sheet would trap bed bugs hiding in bedding seams, but that still leaves the bed bugs hidden in other locations.
Hmmm... I'm not sure a piglet would fit in my pack...I don't know the answer to that so am keen to hear replies ... when they appear on Camino they are a horrid thing so if they work they could be a good thing. Though I guess one could take a spray?
I had thought of spraying a sheet liner but was concerned about then having my skin rubbing on the chemicals.
Before the revolution in France when there were still aristocrats, when they travelled they took a baby pig with them. A servant would put it in their bed for a couple of hours and then remove it when the aristo went to bed - the bed bugs were fed by then, left the aristo alone
@davebugg beat me to my opinion. I was sceptical about the product and looked up EX8. As Dave wrote, it is permethrin. Permethrin will not stop or slow bed bugs enough to prevent them from getting to you. It is good for packs though where a long term exposure will kill them. Buy a pig instead.
I agree, instead of carrying them around, we probably should eat them after debugging our beds and sheets.A piggy of only 9 months old weighs 50 pounds! It’s going to get a lot heavier as your Camino progresses. Who's daft idea was this?
I "think" I would rather find bedbug droppings over pig droppings.Seems like there isn't really a repellant as such.
I must say I always check around the bed and check the mattress seams for blood/droppings.
But it's a bit of a lottery I reckon.
Do a search...I saw many good reviews 9n this forum of this but it was out of stock. I made my own with a silk sleep sack and sewed a huge piece of noseeum netting on the top to envelope myself inside. And made another simple bag from the leftover netting for my backpack. But in 12 days...have not seen bedbugs on NorteI found this bed bug sheet by Lifrsystems. Has anyone used it on the Camino? Comments?(https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/bed-bug-sheet-single), description : A flat netting bed bug sheet for use on suspect double beds when travelling. Impregnated with EX8 anti-mosquito long lasting impregnation for added protection to repel bed bugs and other insects.
That is probably the best protection against bedbugs - don't give them access to any skin. If that is impractical, perhaps some Deet repellant on the exposed skin.to envelope myself inside
Deet was found to be effective at repelling bed bugs in a scientific study. The results of the study are at the end of the paper and can be accessed directly with this URL.That is probably the best protection against bedbugs - don't give them access to any skin. If that is impractical, perhaps some Deet repellant on the exposed skin.
Permethrin is used as an effective repellent against a variety of biting insects by the U.S. military (McCain and Leach 2006). It effectively repels mosquitoes, sand flies, black flies, and ticks (Lindsay and McAndless 1978, Mercier et al. 2003). However, it exhibited low repellency against bed bugs at the commonly used rate.
I agree, instead of carrying them around, we probably should eat them after debugging our beds and sheets.
Apparantly they do very well as part of a pilgrim’s menu.
At least that would cover up all the snoring…can you imagine the noise if everyone had their own piglet?
Buy the pig and the end of the camino; roast it….@davebugg beat me to my opinion. I was sceptical about the product and looked up EX8. As Dave wrote, it is permethrin. Permethrin will not stop or slow bed bugs enough to prevent them from getting to you. It is good for packs though where a long term exposure will kill them. Buy a pig instead.
Mine could be KevinThat makes pigs a multitasker. If I had a pig, I'd name him 'Bacon'.
Sorry, but your pig cannot exceed ten percent of your body weight!This little piggy is only 9 months old and weighs 50 pounds!
According to the stats, it's going to get a lot heavier as your Camino progresses.
If I had a pig I'd name him Hamlet.That makes pigs a multitasker. If I had a pig, I'd name him 'Bacon'.
I stayed in a pension in Navarette and woke in the night to a moving mass of black on my top sheet - none actually in the bed. Fortunately I either wasn't bitten or am not allergic to bedbugs or the lavender oil spray I always sprayed into the beds before getting in worked. I had wondered why the legs of the bed were wrapped in plastic!I found this bed bug sheet by Lifrsystems. Has anyone used it on the Camino? Comments?(https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/bed-bug-sheet-single), description : A flat netting bed bug sheet for use on suspect double beds when travelling. Impregnated with EX8 anti-mosquito long lasting impregnation for added protection to repel bed bugs and other insects.
If I had a pig I'd name him Hamlet.
I'm sure they have. Silk is a great fabric, but has no special bedbug properties. Any fabric barrier will stop bedbugs. The lavender oil is probably it is more repellent to other people than to bedbugs.Has anyone tested silk liners sprayed with lavender oil, I wonder?
They are presumably attracted to the carbon dioxide we breath out.lso, how do bed bugs find a human? Is it through body heat detection or scent or something else?
Yes, please don't use lavender anything near me!The lavender oil is probably it is more repellent to other people than to bedbugs.
IF I use it I may use your way but with sleeping bag liner instead...thanksI have actually used one. It's a bit on the small side, so a double is good for a single bed. I place it on the mattress, then my, also treated, sleeping bag on it, so I never sleep on the sheet.
As to whether or not it works I don't know. I've never been bit though, even though my friend next to me was.
thanks...I have used the Lifesystems silk "bedbug" sleeping bag liner on 5 Caminos and have not been bitten. I sliced it open and just use it as a "ground sheet" on the bed. I sleep directly on it -- the minimal sleeping bag just lies on top of me. But I also spray my clothes, backpack, sleeping bag, etc with permethrin within the week before starting a Camino. At 3 different albergues on the del Norte fellow peregrinos have been bitten. Fortunately, not me. I live in Alaska, the mosquitos here are voracious. I don't like Deet, use it only as a last resort. But, after reading this thread I may bring some along on the Via de la Plata this September.
Carbon dioxide may be the main element. I did read of an experiment where clothing piled on the floor attracted a good number of bugs so scent may be involved too.Also, how do bed bugs find a human? Is it through body heat detection or scent or something else?
Rutgers University conducted a test and got just a 50% kill rate under lab conditions and directly applying it. Having amateurs widely and ineffectively spraying a flammable liquid (that may stain) around other people's property isn't a good idea. Then too, how much of the stuff do you want to carry with you?I thought good old rubbing alcohol was used to kill bedbugs. You can put some in a small travel spray bottle. The smell is strong but dissipates quickly.
I much prefer a good single malt but I like the idea of decanting it into an inconspicuous containerI thought good old rubbing alcohol was used to kill bedbugs. You can put some in a small travel spray bottle. The smell is strong but dissipates quickly.
I really doubt this would have any effect at all on bedbugs. The alcohol would dry on the mattress well before bedtime when the bedbugs come out to feast.. I know people who've used a small 3 oz bottle to spray it on a dubious mattress when traveling
We had one named Rasher. Unfortunately it grew up to be a monster and went off to the abattoir. But I digress. We didn't sleep with it and still never got bed bugs.That makes pigs a multitasker. If I had a pig, I'd name him 'Bacon'.
If bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, I wonder if wearing a mask to bed would help? Asking for a friend.I'm sure they have. Silk is a great fabric, but has no special bedbug properties. Any fabric barrier will stop bedbugs. The lavender oil is probably it is more repellent to other people than to bedbugs.
They are presumably attracted to the carbon dioxide we breath out.
Not really. The mask filters the particles, etc., but still lets the carbon dioxide out (and the air in).If bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, I wonder if wearing a mask to bed would help? Asking for a friend.
If bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, I wonder if wearing a mask to bed would help? Asking for a friend.
I genuinely don't know how they got in, especially as my social life has been 99% outside this past year. I've heard other units in our building have had issues over the past year. For treatment, I did one deep clean, and sprayed with Raid. I found a few nests deep in the crevices of my couch. I noticed a few bugs the next weekend, did it again. The third weekend I just called an exterminator, and I think that worked ... though every once in awhile I'm still a bit mental and think I just felt one! I have a studio, so it was probably a bit easier to do the full clean than a house would have been.@MichaelC, I am wondering how you thought the bedbugs got into your home, and more importantly, how did you get rid of them? I hear it can be difficult.
I genuinely don't know how they got in, especially as my social life has been 99% outside this past year. I've heard other units in our building have had issues over the past year. For treatment, I did one deep clean, and sprayed with Raid. I found a few nests deep in the crevices of my couch. I noticed a few bugs the next weekend, did it again. The third weekend I just called an exterminator, and I think that worked ... though every once in awhile I'm still a bit mental and think I just felt one! I have a studio, so it was probably a bit easier to do the full clean than a house would have been.
I now understand how they can spread so easily, though! I didn't see any of the obvious signs we are taught to look for (droppings, dead bugs, black spots) until I literally pulled the bed apart to clean it. And I wouldn't feel the bites until mid morning, so it was easy to think it was just from a mosquito or something.
I also appreciate how strict the French are about not bringing bags into the room!
I expect they do a general cleaning, and use a lot of pesticide. Then they wait until the next infestation, or until the existing infestation flares up. They also do things like use metal frame beds, plastic covered mattresses, and minimal furniture and clutter, so it is easier to clean and fumigate.I'm wondering what the albergues do to get rid of bedbug infestations
Sometimes steam guns are used.I'm wondering what the albergues do to get rid of bedbug infestations as surely they do not turn up heating to 132°F for many hours...but what do I know. Isn't there a fumigation technique that would provide a good outcome?
This is important for people to understand. Don't worry about washing in hot water. It's the hot dryer that does the trick.The temperature will not damage your clothing if they are dry to start with.
But ... but ... I want to give the buggers a hard time first.This is important for people to understand. Don't worry about washing in hot water. It's the hot dryer that does the trick.
The trick is to kill the bugs without ruining your clothes or bedding!But ... but ... I want to give the buggers a hard time first.
From what I have been told by Spanish hospis, they fumigate, and it is not always very effective. A routine fumigation is often done in February, which means the bedbug risk is greater as the year progresses (and albergues are unwilling to shut down during the season). The one time we had to deal with bedbugs ourselves as hospis, we got hold of surface spray, generally used against cockroaches, and sprayed that on the walls just above floor level and lust below the ceiling in combination with ordinary insecticide every day on the bedding and bunks. We washed and dried bedding on high heat. We then instructed all incoming pilgrims to put their backpacks in black plastic bags and leave them in the sun all afternoon. Eventually it all seemed to work, but it was a slow, uphill struggle.I'm wondering what the albergues do to get rid of bedbug infestations as surely they do not turn up heating to 132°F for many hours...but what do I know. Isn't there a fumigation technique that would provide a good outcome?
Hi this thread is great. Anyone know if I can put this sheet thto a washing machine? Or does it lose its repellanceI found this bed bug sheet by Lifrsystems. Has anyone used it on the Camino? Comments?(https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/bed-bug-sheet-single), description : A flat netting bed bug sheet for use on suspect double beds when travelling. Impregnated with EX8 anti-mosquito long lasting impregnation for added protection to repel bed bugs and other insects.
My guess is that washing it, it will loose its helpful repellance. Easier to purchase Permethrin on Amazon and treat your things yourself; probably cheaper in the long run.Hi this thread is great. Anyone know if I can put this sheet thto a washing machine? Or does it lose its repellance
Yeah. I take your point. I am a grubby pilgrim currently and overwhelmed by the desire to put everything in a washing machine. I will hang the sheet in the sun briefly.My guess is that washing it, it will loose its helpful repellance. Easier to purchase Permethrin on Amazon and treat your things yourself; probably cheaper in the long run.
It depends a little on how it was treated in manufacture or re-treatment. Soaking treatments will remain effective for up to six months or around 50 regular wash cycles. Spray treatments will be effective for a month or so.Hi this thread is great. Anyone know if I can put this sheet thto a washing machine? Or does it lose its repellance
Would definitely prefer rolling in lavender than deet…I stayed in a pension in Navarette and woke in the night to a moving mass of black on my top sheet - none actually in the bed. Fortunately I either wasn't bitten or am not allergic to bedbugs or the lavender oil spray I always sprayed into the beds before getting in worked. I had wondered why the legs of the bed were wrapped in plastic!
I am not advocating the use of lavender. I heard it was anti bugs so had nothing to lose. I also picked pieces on the way and popped them in my backpack. At the least I always smelled good. lol.
If it is a ‘he’. A she can lay eggs before expiring. I am pretty sure Permethrin does not kill eggs. Inspect the premises before going to bed and be prepared to take remedial action if you are unlucky e.g. tumble drying your stuff at 60 C+ for an hour. Good luck. If it is any consolation we’ve done many casinos without becoming hosts to the little blighters.According to their information, EX8 is basically their proprietary name for Permethrin, as it is the active ingredient in the the sheet. This is problematic in a few ways:
- Permethrin is not really an insect repellant but an insecticide. For mosquitos and tick control it is usually combined with deet or picaridin to get applications that have repellency, while the permethrin kills the insects by direct contact.
- It does not repel bed bugs. Permethrin works as a contact insecticide for bedbugs and can kill them, but only after a delayed effect. A bed bug can still have his meal, then crawl away to die later. . or not. The newest information about resistance to permethrin indicates bed bugs now have a high resistance to Permethrin in many regions globally.
- Bed bugs will crawl on top of the sheet from nearby cracks, crevices and from under bed frames and behind headboards. The sheet would trap bed bugs hiding in bedding seams, but that still leaves the bed bugs hidden in other locations.
Thanks that's really helpful.It depends a little on how it was treated in manufacture or re-treatment. Soaking treatments will remain effective for up to six months or around 50 regular wash cycles. Spray treatments will be effective for a month or so.
This reflects the general advice. Manufacturers should provide specific information about how frequently their products need to be re-treated. If they don't, I suggest that sprayed equipment and soaked clothing will be effective for even longer Camino routes.
Edit: the permethrin molecule apparently binds well to fabrics once it has dried, and resists being washed away.
It will transfer to skin, etc when it is damp, a reason for not treating garments that will come into regular contact with the body's moist areas. If you are using a treated bed sheet, it is advisable to wear untreated under garments or an untreated pair of shorts or have something else to separate you from the treated fabric.
I purchased the permethrin embedded liner by Sea-to-summit. It does what it says. I sprayed a silk liner with permethrin for my first Camino in 2014. That also worked.I found this bed bug sheet by Lifrsystems. Has anyone used it on the Camino? Comments?(https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/bed-bug-sheet-single), description : A flat netting bed bug sheet for use on suspect double beds when travelling. Impregnated with EX8 anti-mosquito long lasting impregnation for added protection to repel bed bugs and other insects.
Correlation does not equal causation. Permethrin does not repel, and lots of pilgrims use no special protection and not get bitten, and vice versa. Even in places that are infested.I purchased the permethrin embedded liner by Sea-to-summit. It does what it says. I sprayed a silk liner with permethrin for my first Camino in 2014. That also worked.
The one night I stayed in a lovely private room and did NOT sleep with my liner all the way on me-- bed bugs were swarming up from the bottom of the bed when I got up in the morning! No exaggeration. They were swarming. My face and chest were on the liner because I put it over the pillow. I just put my legs out of it. (BYW: I’d checked every single bed before that one. The clean white sheets and private room lulled me into complacency. Always check your sleeping accommodations. It’s not about cleanliness.
I’m a research type person. I researched everything I could about making sure the bugs were not brought home with me. The long and the short of it is that only high heat will be guaranteed to kill the eggs of the bed bugs. I spent the money to buy one of those big killing heater boxes. Not cheap! But everything can go in it. Souvenirs. Journal. Pole tips! Whatever. Much cheaper than trying to get those annoying critters out of your house after they’ve gotten in.
In 2018, I used the pre-treated sleep liner everywhere AND checked every bed. My brother was sure he didn’t have to. He ended up with them in our last albergue before Burgos. Off to the laundromat we went to treat his things in a dryer. And some of my things just to be safe. We still came home and put everything through our bug zapper box. It’s been worth every dime.
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