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Also, unless you are particularly attached to any of that gear, I'd get rid of all the soft stuff.
And if not that, DO NOT TAKE IT INSIDE YOUR HOUSE.
Undress in the garage and put it directly into the washer/dryer or a black garbage bag.
I had one client who spent over $4000 getting rid of the bedbugs she carried into her house.
It's just not worth it - and don't put your backpack in your car if you're still getting bites.
Have whomever picks you up at the airport bring a LARGE black plastic bag to wrap it up in until you get it home.
Personally I would wash AND dry everything in hot hot water.
And then I'd spray the hell out of it.
You can find bug spray at hardware stores and sometimes markets.
I'm so sorry but the minute I saw bedbug sign I would have left that place.
Just not worth it.
Freezing also kills bedbugs, so if you have the capability of putting your shoes in a bag (I'd add a spray) and putting them in a freezer for a few days, I'd do that. Good luck!Thank you - yes, I’m leaning towards getting rid of the clothes… most things really, possibly also my backpack. But I don’t want to get rid of the shoes, I’m sort of attached to them now(will need to be careful as you suggested).
First encounter with bed bugs and I hate them sooo much. The havoc they wreck is unbelievable.
Mrs HtD got rid of my clothes; and every scrap of fabric on me the one time I arrived home with tales of bedbugs. If it happened again, it would happen again.Thank you - yes, I’m leaning towards getting rid of the clothes… most things really, possibly also my backpack. But I don’t want to get rid of the shoes, I’m sort of attached to them now(will need to be careful as you suggested).
First encounter with bed bugs and I hate them sooo much. The havoc they wreck is unbelievable.
Yes, Could be quite useful for a few items. I generally use the freezer for several days (I have tested the temperature in the freezer of my regular two-door refrigerator, and it does reach -17C.) However, if you are desperate to look at your credential, guidebook and other papers right away, you could pop them into the microwave. Somewhere it was mentioned that this has been effectively used by libraries. However, I wouldn't put my passport in there - I'm not sure how the holograms, etc., would react.My conclusion from the microwave thread was that it would only work on small items that contain no metal.
Thank you, I have forgotten about pYes, Could be quite useful for a few items. I generally use the freezer for several days (I have tested the temperature in the freezer of my regular two-door refrigerator, and it does reach -17C.) However, if you are desperate to look at your credential, guidebook and other papers right away, you could pop them into the microwave. Somewhere it was mentioned that this has been effectively used by libraries. However, I wouldn't put my passport in there - I'm not sure how the holograms, etc., would react.
Apparently bed bug eggs look like grains of rice and are visible to the naked eye. I’ll inspect my passport carefully for eggs, but yes, I won’t be popping it into a microwave. Maybe the freezer.Yes, Could be quite useful for a few items. I generally use the freezer for several days (I have tested the temperature in the freezer of my regular two-door refrigerator, and it does reach -17C.) However, if you are desperate to look at your credential, guidebook and other papers right away, you could pop them into the microwave. Somewhere it was mentioned that this has been effectively used by libraries. However, I wouldn't put my passport in there - I'm not sure how the holograms, etc., would react.
Honestly, you can treat your gear on the trail and you don't have to get rid of anything.
After a half hour in a hot dryer any bugs and eggs will be dead. It's not necessary to wash the clothes first - it's the hot dryer that does the trick.
No need to panic!
Don't put passport in freezer, the chip may in this case, may not take to being frozen, just saying...Thank you, I have forgotten about p
Apparently bed bug eggs look like grains of rice and are visible to the naked eye. I’ll inspect my passport carefully for eggs, but yes, I won’t be popping it into a microwave. Maybe the freezer.
It should be pretty easy to examine a passport to see if there are bed bugs or their eggs in it. They are not microscopic.Don't put passport in freezer, the chip may in this case, may not take to being frozen, just saying...
I guess those experiments we did in Jr. High with frogs have me wondering if they come back to life when they thaw out?!Freezing also kills bedbugs, so if you have the capability of putting your shoes in a bag (I'd add a spray) and putting them in a freezer for a few days, I'd do that. Good luck!
But the eggs are very tiny. I'd probably just wipe each page with something.It should be pretty easy to examine a passport to see if there are bed bugs or their eggs in it. They are not microscopic.
If you are covered in bites I would see a doctor. It's unusual to be covered with bed bug bites.Last few kilometres on the Frances route to Santiago, but excitement dampened because I came across bed bugs at an albergue at Triacastella (saw it with my own eyes and flattened it, was full of blood). Two days afterwards my arms/ hands/ neck/ shoulders/ back are covered in bites/ welts.
I’ve machine washed and machine dried almost all my gear (including backpack, poncho etc). It seems that new bumps are still coming up, through these could be previous bites that Im only just reacting to… not sure.
I could find threads on what people did once they’ve suffered from bed bugs on the Camino. Do you get rid of all your gear (I don’t want to bring the bugs home)? Is it brought to machcine wash and dry all your gear? Thought he and suggestions greatly appreciated!
Think the deal was many years ago when i walked the francis was you had to but everthing into a plastic bag tie it tight and the heat killed them but im sure things have come on since. Prior to my walks i always use a treatment Pyrethrins and pyrethroids got it off a well known website and kept a small bottle in my ruck just in caseDon't waste your time and money washing your things it is the heat that kills the bugs.
On warm days it's still an option to put things that can't go into a hot dryer in a black plastic trash bag, seal it and set it in the sun for a few hours.Think the deal was many years ago when i walked the francis was you had to but everthing into a plastic bag tie it tight and the heat killed them but im sure things have come on since. Prior to my walks i always use a treatment Pyrethrins and pyrethroids got it off a well known website and kept a small bottle in my ruck just in case
You can more than likely expect to find more if you're following somebody else or those people that stayed previous to you in that albergue.Honestly, you can treat your gear on the trail and you don't have to get rid of anyth
After a half hour in a hot dryer any bugs and eggs will be dead. It's not necessary to wash the clothes first - it's the hot dryer that does the trick.
You can put anything that can't go into the dryer inside a plastic garbage bag and either spray insecticide in the bag and seal it up for a few hours, or on a warm sunny day seal it up and set it outside where it can get good and hot inside the bag for a few hours.
I've seen crawling bed bugs in my room on the Camino and have been bitten too, but after following these procedures have not brought any bugs into my home.
No need to panic!
Good point, thank you. Won’t be doing that then.Just to add...passport + microwave will result in a fried computer chip. This is then a damaged passport with all the attendant hassle.
Don.
It was a bit of an over reaction on my part, it’s just felt so bad that’s why. It’s actually around the arms/ shoulders/ hands and some on the neck and a few on the side of my face. But it felt so super itchy.If you are covered in bites I would see a doctor. It's unusual to be covered with bed bug bites.
I am sorry to read this we also had two nights of beds bugs.. called Santiago ways and they said there wasn’t anything they could do. Tried not to let it dampen our spirits.Last few kilometres on the Frances route to Santiago, but excitement dampened because I came across bed bugs at an albergue at Triacastella (saw it with my own eyes and flattened it, was full of blood). Two days afterwards my arms/ hands/ neck/ shoulders/ back are covered in bites/ welts.
I’ve machine washed and machine dried almost all my gear (including backpack, poncho etc). It seems that new bumps are still coming up, through these could be previous bites that Im only just reacting to… not sure.
I could find threads on what people did once they’ve suffered from bed bugs on the Camino. Do you get rid of all your gear (I don’t want to bring the bugs home)? Is it brought to machcine wash and dry all your gear? Thought he and suggestions greatly appreciated!
Where were you, i.e. what hotels etc.? What camino route were you on? I am about to start the Portuguese Camino Oct 3 with Santiago Ways. It would be helpful to have a warning.I am sorry to read this we also had two nights of beds bugs.. called Santiago ways and they said there wasn’t anything they could do. Tried not to let it dampen our spirits.
Any hotel, hostel or albergue can be free if bed bugs one day and have them the next. All it takes is one person bringing them in.Where were you, i.e. what hotels etc.? What camino route were you on? I am about to start the Portuguese Camino Oct 3 with Santiago Ways. It would be helpful to have a warning.
Thank you.
I agree!But in my experience the paranoia experienced as a result is equally as terrible as the initial event and lasts longer and unfortunately time is the only treatment for that.
This was what my Camino Daughter and I did when she discovered bed bugs on arrival at Astorga. The staff at the municipal albergue where great. They gave us our own room and help with the washing and HOT drying. I was able to buy a very strong insect spray and treated both our backpacks - inside and out. As for treating the bites themselves most chemists/farmacy will sell you a cream that releaves the itching etc. CheersAlso, unless you are particularly attached to any of that gear, I'd get rid of all the soft stuff.
And if not that, DO NOT TAKE IT INSIDE YOUR HOUSE.
Undress in the garage and put it directly into the washer/dryer or a black garbage bag.
I had one client who spent over $4000 getting rid of the bedbugs she carried into her house.
It's just not worth it - and don't put your backpack in your car if you're still getting bites.
Have whomever picks you up at the airport bring a LARGE black plastic bag to wrap it up in until you get it home.
Personally I would wash AND dry everything in hot hot water.
And then I'd spray the hell out of it.
You can find bug spray at hardware stores and sometimes markets.
I'm so sorry but the minute I saw bedbug sign I would have left that place.
Just not worth it.
I'm just paranoid about those things.
Actually, being aware of the paranoia but not giving in to it is the best cure, and that doesn't take time so much as attention and discipline.But in my experience the paranoia experienced as a result is equally as terrible as the initial event and lasts longer and unfortunately time is the only treatment for that.
And you want to sleep in this stuff? And wear it? No thanks.Here's a video that shows bed bugs in contact with a permethrin treated surface.
I’ve zapped most of my gear in a very hot dryer yesterday (albergue had one that reached 150 degrees… apparently).
But will also take the advice of buying new clothes, and then zapping absolutely everything else into a very hot dryer when I get to Santiag
Prevention better than cure thank you for that explanation always treat gear at home in a well ventilated dry area and externally on trail mucho gratiousOn warm days it's still an option to put things that can't go into a hot dryer in a black plastic trash bag, seal it and set it in the sun for a few hours.
It's good to pre-treat your gear at home with permethrin, but you shouldn't be spraying it anywhere in albergues. It is toxic while wet, but safe when the treated fabric has dried.
Also, permethrin is not a deterrent, nor will it kill bed bugs on contact. Instead, it kills them over a period of hours when they are in contact with a permethrin treated surface. That's why I treat my sleep sack, the inside of my backpack and my cloth stuff sacks with permethrin. I figure that if they get into my gear that they aren't coming out alive.
Here's a video that shows bed bugs in contact with a permethrin treated surface.
It is miserable. Take antihistamines. Check seams and crevices of gear for eggs or hiding creatures.Last few kilometres on the Frances route to Santiago, but excitement dampened because I came across bed bugs at an albergue at Triacastella (saw it with my own eyes and flattened it, was full of blood). Two days afterwards my arms/ hands/ neck/ shoulders/ back are covered in bites/ welts.
I’ve machine washed and machine dried almost all my gear (including backpack, poncho etc). It seems that new bumps are still coming up, through these could be previous bites that Im only just reacting to… not sure.
I could find threads on what people did once they’ve suffered from bed bugs on the Camino. Do you get rid of all your gear (I don’t want to bring the bugs home)? Is it brought to machcine wash and dry all your gear? Thought he and suggestions greatly appreciated!
This is so rightIt is miserable. Take antihistamines. Check seams and crevices of gear for eggs or hiding creatures.
Shake out all your gear, put in hot sun in black plastic bag, which you have sprayed out with bug spray. Hot wash and drier 60 degrees. Take soles out of shoes, shake out, inspect and spray.
Make sure your pack and gear are in sealed plastic bag for drive home from airport, so they don't get into the car. When you get home. Get undressed outside if you can, put stuff into plastic bag and into a chest freezer for a few days or straight into hot wash.
Good to be careful, because if they get into your home you are in deep trouble.
I got a bad case of bedbugs walking to Rome, I washed all my kit then put all my kit including rucksack in a tumble for 45 minutes and bought some bed bug spray in a large aerosol, I then put all my kit in a bin liner then sprayed the spray into bin liner and sealed it tight.I then sprayed my rucksack thoroughly in every pocket and all over. Believe me that killed the little swines. Do not panic when new bumps come up I had the same problem .Last few kilometres on the Frances route to Santiago, but excitement dampened because I came across bed bugs at an albergue at Triacastella (saw it with my own eyes and flattened it, was full of blood). Two days afterwards my arms/ hands/ neck/ shoulders/ back are covered in bites/ welts.
I’ve machine washed and machine dried almost all my gear (including backpack, poncho etc). It seems that new bumps are still coming up, through these could be previous bites that Im only just reacting to… not sure.
I could find threads on what people did once they’ve suffered from bed bugs on the Camino. Do you get rid of all your gear (I don’t want to bring the bugs home)? Is it brought to machcine wash and dry all your gear? Thought he and suggestions greatly appreciated!
Hey fellow peregrino,Last few kilometres on the Frances route to Santiago, but excitement dampened because I came across bed bugs at an albergue at Triacastella (saw it with my own eyes and flattened it, was full of blood). Two days afterwards my arms/ hands/ neck/ shoulders/ back are covered in bites/ welts.
I’ve machine washed and machine dried almost all my gear (including backpack, poncho etc). It seems that new bumps are still coming up, through these could be previous bites that Im only just reacting to… not sure.
I could find threads on what people did once they’ve suffered from bed bugs on the Camino. Do you get rid of all your gear (I don’t want to bring the bugs home)? Is it brought to machcine wash and dry all your gear? Thought he and suggestions greatly appreciated!
From my post #23 above - and watch the video in that postMy bedbug experience happened early on, despite my treating every article of clothing and pack with permethrin.
permethrin is not a deterrent, nor will it kill bed bugs on contact. Instead, it kills them over a period of hours when they are in contact with a permethrin treated surface. That's why I treat my sleep sack, the inside of my backpack and my cloth stuff sacks with permethrin. I figure that if they get into my gear that they aren't coming out alive.
I've heard otherwise. I'm too lazy to look it up right now.Freezing also kills bedbugs,
Me too, but I have looked it up in the past and found that -17°C for several days will do it. My normal freezer in a 2-door fridge gets that cold.I'm too lazy to look it up right now.
I had good luck with pack ,shoes rain gear by putting them in a black garbage bag , inflated , tied shut and left in the bright sun for a couple hours. The bag was very hot to the touch by the time I opened it . You could put anything ( except phone )in the bag if you want . Sometimes a Spanish electric dryer is not that hotLast few kilometres on the Frances route to Santiago, but excitement dampened because I came across bed bugs at an albergue at Triacastella (saw it with my own eyes and flattened it, was full of blood). Two days afterwards my arms/ hands/ neck/ shoulders/ back are covered in bites/ welts.
I’ve machine washed and machine dried almost all my gear (including backpack, poncho etc). It seems that new bumps are still coming up, through these could be previous bites that Im only just reacting to… not sure.
I could find threads on what people did once they’ve suffered from bed bugs on the Camino. Do you get rid of all your gear (I don’t want to bring the bugs home)? Is it brought to machcine wash and dry all your gear? Thought he and suggestions greatly appreciated!
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