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Hi, I've done the Camino Frances in three goes and each time have taken a single fitted bedsheet treated with Permethrin. I've never had trouble with bedbugs, though I've only ever stayed in one hostel where other people were. So I guess the permethrin-treated bedsheet probably works and it weighs very little and doesn't take up too much room, but maybe bedbugs aren't all that common in the albergues anyway. Hope this is of some help.Hi!
Heading out in September, and just wanted to know if bed bugs are an issue this year? I've read that treating your stuff with Permethrin works well at keeping the little suckers at bay, anyone try this and succeed? Also lavender oil for your skin? I really don't want to bring these little guys home with me. Any tips and advice is really welcomed! Also been thinking about just staying in hotels instead of the albergues, will that make any difference? Thanks so much!
Annarosa
Permethrin is about all you can do. It is an insecticide rather than a repellent, but no repellent has been proven useful against bed bugs. It is an effective insecticide and likely will kill anything that crawls into your backpack at night.I've read that treating your stuff with Permethrin works well at keeping the little suckers at bay, anyone try this and succeed? Also lavender oil for your skin? I really don't want to bring these little guys home with me. Also been thinking about just staying in hotels instead of the albergues, will that make any difference? Thanks so much!
Annarosa
What also works is to put your clothes into a black garbage-plastic bag, close it well and expose it to the sun for 2-3 hours; bugs will be exterminated by the heat, no chemicals required.To prevent them from coming home with you, put all your equipment in a large garbage bag when you return, spray inside with permethrin, then wait a day to open it.
So you are saying that the Irish peregrinoI know this is being a bit pedantic but as this recurs on beg bug threads, can I just point out that:
The majority of pilgrims don't get bitten by bed bugs. If you have a permethrin sheet and you don't get bitten by bed bugs it doesn't necessarily follow that you didn't get bitten because you had a permethrin sheet (or lavender oil, or tea tree oil, or DDT etc) . The only thing you can really say is that to date no-one on this forum who has taken a permethrin sheet has reported being bitten - but that is a very long way from being able to say that it is effective.
)A seasoned Irish peregrino recommended to additionally drink a bottle of wine (or was it two?) during the process; this would not only disinfect the bite-wounds from the inside but also inebriate the bugs to oblivion.
I would agree...I have seen VERY few people who I suspected of getting bit by bed bugs...I also think you could send out the same number of folks that canvas the different Caminos to any city in the World and statistically I bet there will be just as many if not more people getting bit staying at accomodations ranging from hostels to resorts.I know this is being a bit pedantic but as this recurs on beg bug threads, can I just point out that:
The majority of pilgrims don't get bitten by bed bugs. If you have a permethrin sheet and you don't get bitten by bed bugs it doesn't necessarily follow that you didn't get bitten because you had a permethrin sheet (or lavender oil, or tea tree oil, or DDT etc) . The only thing you can really say is that to date no-one on this forum who has taken a permethrin sheet has reported being bitten - but that is a very long way from being able to say that it is effective.
The real question is the degree to which the bed bug is pyrethroid resistant. Resistant populations take longer to die (if at all) which means they can still cross the sheet and bite. This is not just anecdotal stories; resistance is regularly tested scientifically, and a Google search will readily identify many such studies, However, as most populations have not yet developed resistance, permethrin (and similarly proven insecticides) are likely to be highly effective, though not guaranteed.I know this is being a bit pedantic but as this recurs on beg bug threads, can I just point out that:
The majority of pilgrims don't get bitten by bed bugs. If you have a permethrin sheet and you don't get bitten by bed bugs it doesn't necessarily follow that you didn't get bitten because you had a permethrin sheet (or lavender oil, or tea tree oil, or DDT etc) . The only thing you can really say is that to date no-one on this forum who has taken a permethrin sheet has reported being bitten - but that is a very long way from being able to say that it is effective.
Do you know where I can get Permethrin in Canada? I've checked Canadian Tire and Home Depot, not really sure where to find it. And as to the lavender oil I hate the smell lol so if its an iffy thing I'm not using it. Thanks for saving me from that headache
A twin fitted is perfect! I was not on one bed where mine did not fit.What size of a fitted sheet do I need? Twin? Or there is some kind of hostel" style?
I was bitten by bedbugs in late April, either in an albergue in Santiago or in a hotel in Finisterre, right before heading home. My stuff is still in a plastic garbage bag in the shed 4 weeks later. Ha! It hasn't been hot enough for me to feel confident in the sun's bug-killing power. Anyone know how long the critters can last wrapped in plastic? I'm opting for overcautious here.
LOVE this original idea!There's little you can do to prevent yourself being bitten where bedbugs are present, bar vacuum-packing yourself and all your belongings!
Put all your stuff in the freezer for 48 hours. Guaranteed to kill the little b........sI was bitten by bedbugs in late April, either in an albergue in Santiago or in a hotel in Finisterre, right before heading home. My stuff is still in a plastic garbage bag in the shed 4 weeks later. Ha! It hasn't been hot enough for me to feel confident in the sun's bug-killing power. Anyone know how long the critters can last wrapped in plastic? I'm opting for overcautious here.
The covers are for hygiene, not bed bug protection, so don't expect much. The mesh fabric give bed bugs a good foot hold!just stay at municipals where they give you the bed bug covers as part of the deal.
What type of fitted sheet did you use and where did you get it?Hi, I've done the Camino Frances in three goes and each time have taken a single fitted bedsheet treated with Permethrin. I've never had trouble with bedbugs, though I've only ever stayed in one hostel where other people were. So I guess the permethrin-treated bedsheet probably works and it weighs very little and doesn't take up too much room, but maybe bedbugs aren't all that common in the albergues anyway. Hope this is of some help.
A fitted sheet alone won't help much, because it doesn't completely cover the mattress on all sides AND top and underneath. The bed bugs are frequently found in the sewn ridge surrounding the mattress - top and bottom. Also, bed bugs can be hiding in any crevice and joints of the bed itself. AnneWhat type of fitted sheet did you use and where did you get it?
I know this is being a bit pedantic but as this recurs on beg bug threads, can I just point out that:
The majority of pilgrims don't get bitten by bed bugs. If you have a permethrin sheet and you don't get bitten by bed bugs it doesn't necessarily follow that you didn't get bitten because you had a permethrin sheet (or lavender oil, or tea tree oil, or DDT etc) . The only thing you can really say is that to date no-one on this forum who has taken a permethrin sheet has reported being bitten - but that is a very long way from being able to say that it is effective.
I know this is being a bit pedantic but as this recurs on beg bug threads, can I just point out that:
The majority of pilgrims don't get bitten by bed bugs. If you have a permethrin sheet and you don't get bitten by bed bugs it doesn't necessarily follow that you didn't get bitten because you had a permethrin sheet (or lavender oil, or tea tree oil, or DDT etc) . The only thing you can really say is that to date no-one on this forum who has taken a permethrin sheet has reported being bitten - but that is a very long way from being able to say that it is effective.
I don't like creepy crawlies but just reading this thread makes me worry about something else. How much permethrin am I likely to breath in in all the clouds put out by pilgrims in communal accommodation? Are people considerate enough to open the windows so that others can breath? I understand that in a dry state it's considered harmless to humans but what about all those aerosols?
It was probably Astorga. One of the Albergues has a sort of bad reputation! AnneYep, found about 10 to 15 red spots on my upper back today. Hardly itching though. Stayed in Foncebadon last night, the night before in Astorga. No idea how I can check if I am carrying them with me. They must be big enough to see, I guess.
Hi, Luka!Yep, found about 10 to 15 red spots on my upper back today. Hardly itching though. Stayed in Foncebadon last night, the night before in Astorga. No idea how I can check if I am carrying them with me. They must be big enough to see, I guess.
Yep, found about 10 to 15 red spots on my upper back today. Hardly itching though. Stayed in Foncebadon last night, the night before in Astorga. No idea how I can check if I am carrying them with me. They must be big enough to see, I guess.
@Kanga is the repellent you use the one you can buy in SJPP at some albergues or maybe also other places? That french repellent?
Clako in France, what do you buy in Spain?
1. Find an albergue with a clothes dryer (not so easy, but possible). I think dryers get the clothes hotter for longer than any water from a water heater can, which may explain KinkyOne's problems. 2. Wash/dry (on highest heat) everything possible except (of course) the clothes you are wearing (your walking clothes). Put the cleaned items in large plastic bag. I had a white trash compactor bag which is extra thick, but I've never heard of bed bugs being able to bite through anything. 3. Shower and shampoo. 4. Put on cleaned clothes. 5. Wash/dry (on highest heat) remaining dirty clothes and towel. 6. Use the plastic bag to separate your belongings from your backpack, because you will probably never find a dryer in France or Spain large enough for your backpack. Be sure to close the plastic bag very tightly every time after opening it. 7. Inspect your guidebook, etc., to try to eliminate any pests hiding there, but store them outside the plastic bag just to be safe. No need to wash down (feather) sleeping bags; you can run them through a hot dryer only. 30 minutes at the highest heat appears to be the magic number. These actions work even if it's raining outside and there's no sun to heat your belongings, but you do need to pay for two separate runs in the dryer. By the end of the Camino I was running my sleeping bag and pajamas through the dryer every morning every time I came across one, just prophylactically. When people ask what the worst part of my Camino was, I tell them bed bugs. But I learned how to deal with them and they didn't wreck an otherwise amazing experience.
@anna, it wasn't San Javier, but the albergue at the beginning of town.
Thanks for the advice! Washing my clothes at 90 would ruin them though (wool). I heard something about putting them in the freezer? The red spots have almost gone and it looks like I haven't been bitten last night.
Which one ?It was probably Astorga. One of the Albergues has a sort of bad reputation! Anne
Sorry, I can't write that in the Forum. I can only mention that one of the two Albergues there has wood floors, the other ceramic. Go figure! AnneWhich one ?
Hi Folks.Sorry, I can't write that in the Forum. I can only mention that one of the two Albergues there has wood floors, the other ceramic. Go figure! Anne
In fact they are also in hotels nowadays! Hospitalero friends of ours who serve most years in Rabanal, one year went on to Santiago, stayed in a good hotel and were bitten by bedbugs! Anne
@anna,
Thanks for the advice! Washing my clothes at 90 would ruin them though (wool). I heard something about putting them in the freezer? The red spots have almost gone and it looks like I haven't been bitten last night.
@anna, it wasn't San Javier, but the albergue at the beginning of town.
Thanks for the advice! Washing my clothes at 90 would ruin them though (wool). I heard something about putting them in the freezer? The red spots have almost gone and it looks like I haven't been bitten last night.
That's a surprise! So, in that case, Astorga has a problem! Anne@anna, it wasn't San Javier, but the albergue at the beginning of town.
Thanks for the advice! Washing my clothes at 90 would ruin them though (wool). I heard something about putting them in the freezer? The red spots have almost gone and it looks like I haven't been bitten last night.
It might have been Foncebadon. I read a comment on the eroski site about bedbugs in the same albergue.That's a surprise! So, in that case, Astorga has a problem! Anne
I agree. We used permethrin on the backpacks and kept our clothes inside in plastic bags. We had no hitchhikers when we got home and no bed bug problem throughout our Camino. We stayed at albergues, both public and private and also one hotel. Buen Camino.What also works is to put your clothes into a black garbage-plastic bag, close it well and expose it to the sun for 2-3 hours; bugs will be exterminated by the heat, no chemicals required.
A seasoned Irish peregrino recommended to additionally drink a bottle of wine (or was it two?) during the process; this would not only disinfect the bite-wounds from the inside but also inebriate the bugs to oblivion.
I have walked the Frances from St John, from Le Puy to Santiago and from Le Puy via the Norte/Primitivo to Santiago always staying in gite d'etapes and albergues and have never been bitten and only twice have I seen any one that was definitely bitten by bed bugs. I have received bad mosquito and horsefly bites in France. I suspect the near paranoia about bed bugs encourages some folk to mistake other insect bites for bed bugs as there is no reliable method for the layman to determine what is a bed bug bite and what is a bite from another insect.The real question is the degree to which the bed bug is pyrethroid resistant. Resistant populations take longer to die (if at all) which means they can still cross the sheet and bite. This is not just anecdotal stories; resistance is regularly tested scientifically, and a Google search will readily identify many such studies, However, as most populations have not yet developed resistance, permethrin (and similarly proven insecticides) are likely to be highly effective, though not guaranteed.
I completely agree with you, Tommy. Unless they are not the classical 3 in a row bites ( breakfast, lunch and dinner), they could be mosquito, spider, ants or other insect bite. AnneI have walked the Frances from St John, from Le Puy to Santiago and from Le Puy via the Norte/Primitivo to Santiago always staying in gite d'etapes and albergues and have never been bitten and only twice have I seen any one that was definitely bitten by bed bugs. I have received bad mosquito and horsefly bites in France. I suspect the near paranoia about bed bugs encourages some folk to mistake other insect bites for bed bugs as there is no reliable method for the layman to determine what is a bed bug bite and what is a bite from another insect.
Sometimes it's nice to be socially bitten
Has anyone treated a down sleeping bag with Permethrin and if so did it affect your bag?Hi!
Heading out in September, and just wanted to know if bed bugs are an issue this year? I've read that treating your stuff with Permethrin works well at keeping the little suckers at bay, anyone try this and succeed? Also lavender oil for your skin? I really don't want to bring these little guys home with me. Any tips and advice is really welcomed! Also been thinking about just staying in hotels instead of the albergues, will that make any difference? Thanks so much!
Annarosa
Has anyone treated a down sleeping bag with Permethrin and if so did it affect your bag?
And fleas like 3 in a row too........... just to cloud the issue. (Noted from time overseas where we actually caught the little horrors. A damp bar of soap makes an effective trapI completely agree with you, Tommy. Unless they are not the classical 3 in a row bites ( breakfast, lunch and dinner), they could be mosquito, spider, ants or other insect bite. Anne
Ohhh, I didn't know about the fleas! What do we do with the damp bar of soap? AnneAnd fleas like 3 in a row too........... just to cloud the issue. (Noted from time overseas where we actually caught the little horrors. A damp bar of soap makes an effective trap)
The soap needs to be sticky enough on one side to dab over the flea before it hops away. It sticks in the soap and can then be washed off down the drain. You can catch several that way at a time if need beOhhh, I didn't know about the fleas! What do we do with the damp bar of soap? Anne
Hi!
Heading out in September, and just wanted to know if bed bugs are an issue this year? I've read that treating your stuff with Permethrin works well at keeping the little suckers at bay, anyone try this and succeed? Also lavender oil for your skin? I really don't want to bring these little guys home with me. Any tips and advice is really welcomed! Also been thinking about just staying in hotels instead of the albergues, will that make any difference? Thanks so much!
Annarosa
It sounds to me like good advice to spray the albergue mattress on arrival and to watch that no bedbugs emerge. I will be starting my Camino mid-September and am very excited but also grossed out at the thought of bedbugs. So I am wondering about carrying spray. Is it readily available in pharmacias in Spain? and how long would a cannister last - should I carry more than one if they are small? Any does anyone know the names of the spray to ask for it in Spanish or French? I speak both languages but have never had to learn this word before now. Thanks in advance for any advice.I don't use a pyrethrum treated sheet, not because there is a problem with it but I haven't needed it. Instead I use the AnnieSantiago method - lightly spray the mattress with pyrethrum spray as soon as I arrive at the albergue. Stand back and watch for ten minutes. The bugs don't like it and will crawl out and be visible. If there are any I report to the hospitalero and let them take action - if no action go elsewhere. It's probably not foolproof but I've found bugs three or four times this way and never been bitten.
You will be spraying private property in a communal area. I suggest you ask the hospitalero before doing anything that adds toxins to his place. Other pilgrims may be allergic to what you spray, so perhaps you also should canvas their opinion. You certainly have the right to protect yourself, but not to the detriment of others. If everyone sprayed that mattress you contemplate spraying, it is hard to imagine how toxic it would be by now.It sounds to me like good advice to spray the albergue mattress on arrival and to watch that no bedbugs emerge.
You will be spraying private property in a communal area. I suggest you ask the hospitalero before doing anything that adds toxins to his place. Other pilgrims may be allergic to what you spray, so perhaps you also should canvas their opinion. You certainly have the right to protect yourself, but not to the detriment of others. If everyone sprayed that mattress you contemplate spraying, it is hard to imagine how toxic it would be by now.
Same here Don (except for the bit about rare showers, ha ha, although I did drink a lot of vinoAfter a number of times walking on the Camino, I have never encountered a bedbug. There were some people I was walking with who claimed they were bitten on their night at Granon , but I stayed there the same night and was I bite free. Okay, so I rarely shower and drink a liberal quantity of vino tinto, so maybe that is the best prophylactic for warding off bug bites.
Be sure and go online and watch videos regarding permethrin spraying. Do it outdoors with no wind, do not spray it inside your sleeping bag, nor inside boots/shoes, nor inside your pack. Spray the outsides, though! Don't spray around cats or fish and make sure it's dry before cats "rub" on it. It's lethal when wet to cats.Hi!
Heading out in September, and just wanted to know if bed bugs are an issue this year? I've read that treating your stuff with Permethrin works well at keeping the little suckers at bay, anyone try this and succeed? Also lavender oil for your skin? I really don't want to bring these little guys home with me. Any tips and advice is really welcomed! Also been thinking about just staying in hotels instead of the albergues, will that make any difference? Thanks so much!
Annarosa
That would definitely eliminate any worries about bedbugs. More expensive, but definitely no bedbugs and there are many nice and reasonable hotels/pension houses/hostels on the Camino. Also the smaller, less crowded, but a bit more expensive private albergues are also an option.Hi!
Heading out in September, and just wanted to know if bed bugs are an issue this year? I've read that treating your stuff with Permethrin works well at keeping the little suckers at bay, anyone try this and succeed? Also lavender oil for your skin? I really don't want to bring these little guys home with me. Any tips and advice is really welcomed! Also been thinking about just staying in hotels instead of the albergues, will that make any difference? Thanks so much!
Annarosa
Half the bed bugs I have actually seen were in hostales/hoteles! They are not immune from the scourge, and you are tempted to use their linens, not your sleep sack, which may have been treated with permethrin. Without the protection, they eat you alive. Do not count on money keeping you safe, though the really high end hoteles may be less infested than lower end accommodations.That would definitely eliminate any worries about bedbugs. More expensive, but definitely no bedbugs and there are many nice and reasonable hotels/pension houses/hostels on the Camino.
That would definitely eliminate any worries about bedbugs. More expensive, but definitely no bedbugs and there are many nice and reasonable hotels/pension houses/hostels on the Camino. Also the smaller, less crowded, but a bit more expensive private albergues are also an option.
Yeah, true that. A bedbug would not discriminate due to economic status of a location. ha haMark, have to disagree with you. Bedbugs have no respect for the dollar or the yen. I have a close friend in the pest control business, his "best" customers are the airport transit hotels around Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead, plus a long list of central London hotels. Between the bedbugs in the bedrooms and the cockroaches in the kitchens he makes a good living.
Hi there, unfortunately hotels pensions all places can have bed bugs.. My Camino that I returned from today was ruined due to the severity of the bites I received all down one side of my body... Treat everything with permethrin and if you spot any bugs report them immediately.,Hi!
Heading out in September, and just wanted to know if bed bugs are an issue this year? I've read that treating your stuff with Permethrin works well at keeping the little suckers at bay, anyone try this and succeed? Also lavender oil for your skin? I really don't want to bring these little guys home with me. Any tips and advice is really welcomed! Also been thinking about just staying in hotels instead of the albergues, will that make any difference? Thanks so much!
Annarosa
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