bed bugs

Bed bugs are a perennial topic on the forum and I thought it might be an idea to list those places that are willing to help you (on a regular bases, not just the occasional hospitaler@) if you have/suspect to have unwanted passengers in your backpack. I know of one for sure, but it would be...

Hello all, I am planning a camino trip in early October (my first). Does anybody know whether bed bugs a big problem this year? I react very strongly to their bites and need serious medication when bitten, so would be nice to know how worried/prepared I should be. Also if I bring a small...

Hello all, I just stayed in the municipal albergue in Cadavedo on 13/8/2016, and there were many, MANY bedbugs. The beds in the room on the left had it the worst, those people were covered in bites. They hid during the day and when we left at 6 am the next morning, they were all over the walls...

Any good Chinches stories out there? Any specific camino that is reputed to have them? I ran into them twice on the Camino Norte. The second time I actually caught a few crawling on me and slipped them into a plastic bag, to show the manager of the pension. They shut the pension down for a few...

Hello Camino folks! First off, thanks for all of the quality advice these forums provide - I haven't posted before, but have gotten a lot out of reading other people's discussions. I just finished the Camino Frances and had an amazing time. I'm in Barcelona currently and am leaving for...

This post is now also available as a handy PDF in the resources section here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/de-bed-bugging-your-camino-gear.483/ ************* As I just went again through the whole procedure, I thought I write it all together and post it here. Some of the...

Bed bugs appear to have a strong preference for particular colours - a quirk that could be used against the troublesome pests, say scientists. According to the work in the Journal of Medical Entomology, the blood-sucking insects love black and red but hate yellow and green. This information...

If you know an Albergue owner please share! Also.. "The next time you're packing for a trip, you might want to reach for your brightest-colored luggage. It could help keep bedbugs away. A new study finds that bedbugs -- just like flies and other insects -- have favorite colors. They really...

Hello all, My first Camino will be this May, along with two other friends of mine. We are walking the whole of the Frances and are worried about what we've heard about bedbugs. One of us is opting for a silk sleeping bag liner, though I'm concerned that this won't properly prevent bedbugs as...

Hi All I am starting my Camino in May and as I previously had an unpleasant contact with bedbug I would like to make sure I am not bitten and none is brought back from my trip! Everyne is mentioning to use Permethrin but I am having some problems with finding it on UK websites. What products...

Dear Pilgrims, Please see the attached article (2013) detailing scientifically validated experiments testing the effectiveness of different commercially available repellents against the common bed bug. In short (and against the received wisdom on this forum that permethrin is most effective)...

Hi, I have had an unfortunate experience tonight to be bitten by bed bugs in the Municipal Albergue in Burgos. I am sure it was bed bugs because I managed to catch several at night in my bed (and took pictures in the morning). I stayed two nights in this albergue, but different beds - the first...

I have been considering adding a lightweight bed bug protector sheet to my gear. My plan is to place this sheet on top of the mattress and under my sleeping bag. Are barrier sheets effective? Looking online I found in the UK the "Pyramid Single Bed bug Protector Sheet" at...

I just completed a mid January Camino Frances. It was my 3rd or 4th walk on the CF and ninth Camino overall. I have walked in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. I had never seen a bedbug or been in a albergue or hotel/pension that reported them except for one time...

Hi everyone Do I have to leave the backpack outside the room? Do I have to carry a big plastic bag to protect my backpack ?I'm alergic and it was a big problem on my last camiño. I was bitten at Vilafranca and it's not easy... Katia

I have been trying to purchase Permethrin spray to treat our sleeping bags and some clothing. I have tried pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores and camping stores but none of them in my stock it. Does anyone know if I can buy some on the Camino if I need it? We will be walking late October...

Hello! I am contemplating a Camino adventure next April/May and am debating the virtues of Frances vs. Via de la Plata. Frankly the talk of bedbugs is freaking me out. Would I have a reduced likelihood of encountering these pests on the VdlP? Also, does staying in a hotel or pensione instead...

Hey, I know there are a million threads on the topic, but on a cell and need to post this warning. The "hippie place " in grañon, not the one in the church is full of bed bugs. The outbreak is severe and all who stay seem to be bitten extremely badly. Many other albergues refuse to accept...

Sorry.....but I couldn't find my answer in the "bed bug" thread. (I leave in less than two weeks for SJPDP and hope I"m doing the right thing) I sprayed Permethrin on: 1) Backpack--inside and out 2) Sleeping (flannel-like) sheet. --inside and out 3) Backpack cover--inside and out I know (on...

Hi There, I plan to bring a down sleeping bag for my walk starting late September (I often get cold at night so am playing it safe with the bag). However, I don't like the idea that if I get warm and unzip my big, I will be welcoming bed bugs to join me. I already plan on treating my bag with...