John Hussey
Active Member
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.
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.
I swelled because I react allergically.
