Jennifer Partika
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- October 2018
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beautiful Roncesvalles main albergue to find a bed bug
punaise de lit
Curse you, France...
Where did you sleep on SJPP ?Woke up this morning in beautiful Roncesvalles main albergue to find a bed bug crawling across the bed. I took a picture, then killed it. I only saw one and thus far no bites noticed. I had sprayed my sleeping bag and backpack so maybe that kept them off me.
The staff were great about helping me wash and dry all my belongings and even sprayed my bag with insecticide.
Not a great way to start my morning but didn’t let it dampen the magic of this amazing trip which so far has exceeded expectations. In Zubiri now, hoping to not encounter any more critters along the way to Santiago!
Woke up this morning in beautiful Roncesvalles main albergue to find a bed bug crawling across the bed. I took a picture, then killed it. I only saw one and thus far no bites noticed. I had sprayed my sleeping bag and backpack so maybe that kept them off me.
The staff were great about helping me wash and dry all my belongings and even sprayed my bag with insecticide.
Not a great way to start my morning but didn’t let it dampen the magic of this amazing trip which so far has exceeded expectations. In Zubiri now, hoping to not encounter any more critters along the way to Santiago!
IMHO, that is why we always see a pattern of nil bed bug sightings, then building to a crescendo in August, then dropping off in September, and October. Iti is also why I choose to do my Caminos in the spring, being sure to get off the Camino routes before June, and opt to stay in commercial lodging.
Bed bugs are generally unknown on the Camino during the early 'hip" months in April, May and into early June
I wouldn't argue with the general statement that there are fewer bedbugs early in the season than later, for the reasons you describe. However, you lose credibility (in my literalistic mind) by overstating the case with the words "generally unknown" and "nil... sightings." That is simply not true, and many people on the forum have reported them in spring. I have been bitten in March - twice, different years, different caminos - both times in very clean private lodging. I am convinced that those 2 bedbugs had been fasting all winter, waiting for me!we always see a pattern of nil bed bug sightings
San Sol, 5km before Hontanas, closed due to bed bugs. Traveller saw spray team there today 18th September 2018Woke up this morning in beautiful Roncesvalles main albergue to find a bed bug crawling across the bed. I took a picture, then killed it. I only saw one and thus far no bites noticed. I had sprayed my sleeping bag and backpack so maybe that kept them off me.
The staff were great about helping me wash and dry all my belongings and even sprayed my bag with insecticide.
Not a great way to start my morning but didn’t let it dampen the magic of this amazing trip which so far has exceeded expectations. In Zubiri now, hoping to not encounter any more critters along the way to Santiago!
That is the problem inherent in specifically attacking an accommodation as the infested source. There can be a time lag. The bites may be from bed bugs you carried with you for a stage or two. Bites may not even be from accommodations.Turns out we did get bitten but took a day or two to show up.
I walked this year from early May and was worried about getting bitten as I decided against spraying my bag etc. No bites or spottings, although I a met a few who were bitten. However, I agree it appears that with summer there is more activity. If I walk again I will do it spring.Bed bugs on the Camino seem to me to have a seasonal pattern. Since joining this forum some six years ago, and after six caminos, I have observed a pattern.
Bed bugs are generally unknown on the Camino during the early 'hip" months in April, May and into early June. Yes, there are sightings, but they tend to be few and far between, at least at that time of year.
However, once the pilgrim and tourigrino throngs hit the Camino Frances from mid-June, through September, the numbers of reported sightings, bites, and infestations at lodging places increases. I have a hypothesis...
Most albergues tend to close for the season at the end of October. That is when the autumn 'hip" season ends. After that, you have, basically winter pilgrims. These closed albergues reopen around Easter as the next 'Camino season' commences. The pattern of bites and infestations follows closely the human distribution across the Camino.
While they are closed, for nearly five months, there is ample time for cleaning, fumigation and disinfection. I submit that this is when the bed bug life cycle is broken, and they are mostly killed off. To be sure, some are missed, or some locations do not do a proper fumigation / disinfection job. Nothing is perfect in life.
IMHO, that is why we always see a pattern of nil bed bug sightings, then building to a crescendo in August, then dropping off in September, and October. Iti is also why I choose to do my Caminos in the spring, being sure to get off the Camino routes before June, and opt to stay in commercial lodging.
Knock wood, I have not yet had a run-in with the little beasties...
Hope this helps.
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