Bed Bug Tax

[Br. David]

Well, I suppose it is a good idea. The Spanish government have announced a fund-raising tax to combat bed bug infestations along the Camino Frances. From next month there will be a 2 Euro charge for a credential stamp at all refugios.

Whether those at bars and town halls and so on will be affected I don't know.

They estimate that they will raise enough money each year to fumigate all refugios at the same time, every January.

Now I'm not too fond of extra taxes, and this will add about 70 Euros to the cost of walking the Frances for a pilgrim but this could be a good idea I suppose - IF it gets rid of bed bugs .. what do you think?

 

[JohnnieWalker]

The way I read that same report is that there is an additional supplementary tax on people who get bitten by bedbugs whilst those who take precautions are bite free are not charged - this is an incentive for pilgrims to take countermeasures against the spread of bed bugs.

 

[Steve.Belfast]

I believe Alprilofo is an efficacious insecticide.

 

[renegadepilgrim]

I believe Alprilofo is an efficacious insecticide.

I agree!

 

[scikowski]

I believe Alprilofo is an efficacious insecticide.

Does it cost less than 70 euros? And is it available in the US?? And who performs the bedbug bite inspection? Could be a whole new career for someone enterprising. No fooling.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Do you think the TSA scanners catch bedbugs?

 

[grayland]

Do you think the TSA scanners catch bedbugs?

I don't think the scanners can detect the bedbugs.....but the high dose of radiation should make them infertile and stop the breeding.

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

70€ will buy you enough Vino Tinto not to care if the bugs bite or not. I've also heard that if your drunk they die of alcohol poisoning. Beats a tax any day.

 

[renegadepilgrim]

Do you think the TSA scanners catch bedbugs?

Oh, if only it were that easy....actually, that might be a great way to get out of the enhanced patdown....tell em you have bedbugs....or worse, scabies! Can you tell I have a strong dislike for the TSA????

 

[KiwiNomad06]

I've heard it won't be a flat fee- it will be 'experience rated' ie those places known to have more bedbugs will have to charge a higher levy. This will actually help pilgrims to more easily avoid such accommodation.
Margaret

 

[ffp13]

Does the fact that this story came out on1 April make it any less believable

 

[Br. David]

:wink:

 

[Anniesantiago]

A party pooper around every corner... :roll:

 

[ffp13]

April fools pranks are only valid till midday on April 1st, given that many on the forum are up to one day behind Australia, I did not say anything till our April 2nd after midday it is the prankster that becomes the fool I will admit that I initially calculated the cost of my bed bug tax for my extended camino.

Off topic- if volunteering for say 1 week at a hostel are you expected to pay for your bed?

 

[Br. David]

Was quite good wasn't it!

Actually, I was thinking about this 1st world plague of bedbugs - appearing in hotels in the capitals and spreading - and it just occurred to me .... could it be pilgrims returning from the Camino that has spread it globally?? Is it 'us' ? :shock: