Bed bug sheet, any use?

[Lisi]

I found this bed bug sheet by Lifrsystems. Has anyone used it on the Camino? Comments?(https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/bed-bug-sheet-single), description : A flat netting bed bug sheet for use on suspect double beds when travelling. Impregnated with EX8 anti-mosquito long lasting impregnation for added protection to repel bed bugs and other insects.

 

[David]

I don't know the answer to that so am keen to hear replies ... when they appear on Camino they are a horrid thing so if they work they could be a good thing. Though I guess one could take a spray?
I had thought of spraying a sheet liner but was concerned about then having my skin rubbing on the chemicals.

Before the revolution in France when there were still aristocrats, when they travelled they took a baby pig with them. A servant would put it in their bed for a couple of hours and then remove it when the aristo went to bed - the bed bugs were fed by then, left the aristo alone

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Before the revolution in France when there were still aristocrats, when they travelled they took a baby pig with them. A servant would put it in their bed for a couple of hours and then remove it when the aristo went to bed - the bed bugs were fed by then, left the aristo alone

Plus a nice warm bed

 

[André Walker]

Before the revolution in France when there were still aristocrats, when they travelled they took a baby pig with them. A servant would put it in their bed for a couple of hours and then remove it when the aristo went to bed - the bed bugs were fed by then, left the aristo alone

I really like this approach by the French aristocracy. Maybe we can convince the albergues to have a couple of them? Pilgrims could share the pigs. In order of arrival.

 

[Xali1970]

If it puts your mind at ease it's worth it,
OTOH do you really want to sleep bathing in insecticide?

 

[davebugg]

According to their information, EX8 is basically their proprietary name for Permethrin, as it is the active ingredient in the the sheet. This is problematic in a few ways:

• Permethrin is not really an insect repellant but an insecticide. For mosquitos and tick control it is usually combined with deet or picaridin to get applications that have repellency, while the permethrin kills the insects by direct contact.
• It does not repel bed bugs. Permethrin works as a contact insecticide for bedbugs and can kill them, but only after a delayed effect. A bed bug can still have his meal, then crawl away to die later. . or not. The newest information about resistance to permethrin indicates bed bugs now have a high resistance to Permethrin in many regions globally.
• Bed bugs will crawl on top of the sheet from nearby cracks, crevices and from under bed frames and behind headboards. The sheet would trap bed bugs hiding in bedding seams, but that still leaves the bed bugs hidden in other locations.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

I really like this approach by the French aristocracy. Maybe we can convince the albergues to have a couple of them? Pilgrims could share the pigs. In order of arrival.

You need to travel with your own pig. If the albergue had a pig on duty it would just support a growth in the bed bug population. The bugs would work in shifts - pig shift followed by pilgrim shift.

So that's the first problem. The second problem is pig shift.

 

[Robo]

You need to travel with your own pig. If the albergue had a pig on duty it would just support a growth in the bed bug population. The bugs would work in shifts - pig shift followed by pilgrim shift.

So that's the first problem. The second problem is pig shift.

Dang. Packing lists! Pack sizes!

How many liters is a baby pig and how much does it weigh?

What size baby pig is the optimal size?

Can I take my pig as carry on luggage?

What do they eat?

'New Gear' always throws up more questions than answers

This little piggy is only 9 months old and weighs 50 pounds!
According to the stats, it's going to get a lot heavier as your Camino progresses.

Who's daft idea was this?

 

[Lisi]

According to their information, EX8 is basically their proprietary name for Permethrin, as it is the active ingredient in the the sheet. This is problematic in a few ways:

• Permethrin is not really an insect repellant but an insecticide. For mosquitos and tick control it is usually combined with deet or picaridin to get applications that have repellency, while the permethrin kills the insects by direct contact.
• It does not repel bed bugs. Permethrin works as a contact insecticide for bedbugs and can kill them, but only after a delayed effect. A bed bug can still have his meal, then crawl away to die later. . or not. The newest information about resistance to permethrin indicates bed bugs now have a high resistance to Permethrin in many regions globally.
• Bed bugs will crawl on top of the sheet from nearby cracks, crevices and from under bed frames and behind headboards. The sheet would trap bed bugs hiding in bedding seams, but that still leaves the bed bugs hidden in other locations.

That makes sense...thanks

 

[kelleymac]

I don't know the answer to that so am keen to hear replies ... when they appear on Camino they are a horrid thing so if they work they could be a good thing. Though I guess one could take a spray?
I had thought of spraying a sheet liner but was concerned about then having my skin rubbing on the chemicals.

Before the revolution in France when there were still aristocrats, when they travelled they took a baby pig with them. A servant would put it in their bed for a couple of hours and then remove it when the aristo went to bed - the bed bugs were fed by then, left the aristo alone

Hmmm... I'm not sure a piglet would fit in my pack... ... and can you imagine the noise if everyone had their own piglet?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

@davebugg beat me to my opinion. I was sceptical about the product and looked up EX8. As Dave wrote, it is permethrin. Permethrin will not stop or slow bed bugs enough to prevent them from getting to you. It is good for packs though where a long term exposure will kill them. Buy a pig instead.

 

[Robo]

@davebugg beat me to my opinion. I was sceptical about the product and looked up EX8. As Dave wrote, it is permethrin. Permethrin will not stop or slow bed bugs enough to prevent them from getting to you. It is good for packs though where a long term exposure will kill them. Buy a pig instead.

Seems like there isn't really a repellant as such.
I must say I always check around the bed and check the mattress seams for blood/droppings.
But it's a bit of a lottery I reckon.

 

[trecile]

I agree with @davebugg and @Rick of Rick and Peg.
This sheet will do nothing to stop bedbugs from biting you. I always treat my sleeping gear, inside of my backpack, and all my cloth stuff sacks with permethrin - not to avoid getting bitten, but if those little buggers get into my pack I want to make sure that they aren't getting out alive ! I don't want to be the pilgrim transporting them from albergue to albergue - or back home !

 

[André Walker]

A piggy of only 9 months old weighs 50 pounds! It’s going to get a lot heavier as your Camino progresses. Who's daft idea was this?

I agree, instead of carrying them around, we probably should eat them after debugging our beds and sheets.

Apparantly they do very well as part of a pilgrim’s menu.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Personally, I "think" I'd rather deal with a few bedbugs rather than sleep with a pig.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Seems like there isn't really a repellant as such.
I must say I always check around the bed and check the mattress seams for blood/droppings.
But it's a bit of a lottery I reckon.

I "think" I would rather find bedbug droppings over pig droppings.

 

[Ullamae]

I have actually used one. It's a bit on the small side, so a double is good for a single bed. I place it on the mattress, then my, also treated, sleeping bag on it, so I never sleep on the sheet.

As to whether or not it works I don't know. I've never been bit though, even though my friend next to me was.

 

[lisaflora]

I found this bed bug sheet by Lifrsystems. Has anyone used it on the Camino? Comments?(https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/bed-bug-sheet-single), description : A flat netting bed bug sheet for use on suspect double beds when travelling. Impregnated with EX8 anti-mosquito long lasting impregnation for added protection to repel bed bugs and other insects.

Do a search...I saw many good reviews 9n this forum of this but it was out of stock. I made my own with a silk sleep sack and sewed a huge piece of noseeum netting on the top to envelope myself inside. And made another simple bag from the leftover netting for my backpack. But in 12 days...have not seen bedbugs on Norte

 

[C clearly]

to envelope myself inside

That is probably the best protection against bedbugs - don't give them access to any skin. If that is impractical, perhaps some Deet repellant on the exposed skin.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

That is probably the best protection against bedbugs - don't give them access to any skin. If that is impractical, perhaps some Deet repellant on the exposed skin.

Deet was found to be effective at repelling bed bugs in a scientific study. The results of the study are at the end of the paper and can be accessed directly with this URL.

Repellency of Selected Chemicals Against the Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

In recent years, the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), became a major public health concern in urban communities. Bed bugs are n

academic.oup.com

Also the discussion section says

Permethrin is used as an effective repellent against a variety of biting insects by the U.S. military (McCain and Leach 2006). It effectively repels mosquitoes, sand flies, black flies, and ticks (Lindsay and McAndless 1978, Mercier et al. 2003). However, it exhibited low repellency against bed bugs at the commonly used rate.

 

[davebugg]

I agree, instead of carrying them around, we probably should eat them after debugging our beds and sheets.

Apparantly they do very well as part of a pilgrim’s menu.

That makes pigs a multitasker. If I had a pig, I'd name him 'Bacon'.

 

[SkyDancer]

can you imagine the noise if everyone had their own piglet?

At least that would cover up all the snoring…

 

[JerryStroebele]

I have used the Lifesystems silk "bedbug" sleeping bag liner on 5 Caminos and have not been bitten. I sliced it open and just use it as a "ground sheet" on the bed. I sleep directly on it -- the minimal sleeping bag just lies on top of me. But I also spray my clothes, backpack, sleeping bag, etc with permethrin within the week before starting a Camino. At 3 different albergues on the del Norte fellow peregrinos have been bitten. Fortunately, not me. I live in Alaska, the mosquitos here are voracious. I don't like Deet, use it only as a last resort. But, after reading this thread I may bring some along on the Via de la Plata this September.

 

[Ivan_Prada]

@davebugg beat me to my opinion. I was sceptical about the product and looked up EX8. As Dave wrote, it is permethrin. Permethrin will not stop or slow bed bugs enough to prevent them from getting to you. It is good for packs though where a long term exposure will kill them. Buy a pig instead.

Buy the pig and the end of the camino; roast it….

 

[Walton]

According to Google, natural enemies to bedbugs are;

Short list of bed bug predators are:

• Argentine Ants.
• Red Imported Fire Ants.
• Pharaoh Ants.
• American Cockroaches.
• Thanatus Flavidus Spiders.
• House Centipedes.
• The Masked Hunter also known as the Masked Bed Bug Hunter.

You can search for this list yourself using the words "natural enemy to bed bugs" without the inverted commas of course.

I'm sure Ivar will soon be stocking Pharoah Ants, especially imported from the Land of the Pharoahs, - Egypt, Argentine ants from Argentina, (Naturally) and Thanatus Flavidus Spiders from the home of Latin, also known as Italy.

Every order will most likely come with a free house centipede if you ask nicely when making an order.

The Americans can catch their own cockroaches (lucky them) or maybe bring a fire ant or two from Texas. Dave Bugg probably has a collection in the depths of his special cupboard somewhere.

If you are on Camino and you see someone wearing a mask, you should ask them to hunt bed bugs for you. These will be the Masked bed bug hunters for sure.

See, there are lots of natural remedies for these things and they are all much, much lighter than a baby pig. Baby pigs are cute all the same. Lots of oinking!

Have a nice oink today!!

Cheers

Graham

 

[Anamiri]

That makes pigs a multitasker. If I had a pig, I'd name him 'Bacon'.

Mine could be Kevin
I wonder how far they can walk - I just laughed until I cried thinking of all these pilgrims walking along with a pig on a leash.
I think I'd rather a pig than a centipede.

 

[Esperanza]

This little piggy is only 9 months old and weighs 50 pounds!
According to the stats, it's going to get a lot heavier as your Camino progresses.

Sorry, but your pig cannot exceed ten percent of your body weight!

 

[kelleymac]

That makes pigs a multitasker. If I had a pig, I'd name him 'Bacon'.

If I had a pig I'd name him Hamlet.

 

[taigirl]

I found this bed bug sheet by Lifrsystems. Has anyone used it on the Camino? Comments?(https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/bed-bug-sheet-single), description : A flat netting bed bug sheet for use on suspect double beds when travelling. Impregnated with EX8 anti-mosquito long lasting impregnation for added protection to repel bed bugs and other insects.

I stayed in a pension in Navarette and woke in the night to a moving mass of black on my top sheet - none actually in the bed. Fortunately I either wasn't bitten or am not allergic to bedbugs or the lavender oil spray I always sprayed into the beds before getting in worked. I had wondered why the legs of the bed were wrapped in plastic!
I am not advocating the use of lavender. I heard it was anti bugs so had nothing to lose. I also picked pieces on the way and popped them in my backpack. At the least I always smelled good. lol.

 

[davebugg]

If I had a pig I'd name him Hamlet.

Hmmmm. . . Hamlet bocadillo, por favor. Maybe, 'Jamonlet bocadillo, por favor?"

In Spain with bocadillos, I think I'll change Bacon's name to "Tocino".

Having your own pig means you have an emergency food supply. Like I said, a multitasker.

 

[Walton]

The only thing that scares me more than anything else while walking a Camino, is bed bugs. Oh ... and fast cars driven by mad drivers, and bicycles on walking tracks, equally ridden rapidly my mad cyclists.

Has anyone tested silk liners sprayed with lavender oil, I wonder?

Also, how do bed bugs find a human? Is it through body heat detection or scent or something else?

Australian Carpet pythons and many other snakes have a special heat receptor organ that can detect incredibly minute temperature differences in the dark. Bed bugs might posess something similar perhaps?

 

[C clearly]

Has anyone tested silk liners sprayed with lavender oil, I wonder?

I'm sure they have. Silk is a great fabric, but has no special bedbug properties. Any fabric barrier will stop bedbugs. The lavender oil is probably it is more repellent to other people than to bedbugs.

lso, how do bed bugs find a human? Is it through body heat detection or scent or something else?

They are presumably attracted to the carbon dioxide we breath out.

 

[trecile]

The lavender oil is probably it is more repellent to other people than to bedbugs.

Yes, please don't use lavender anything near me!

 

[Lisi]

I have actually used one. It's a bit on the small side, so a double is good for a single bed. I place it on the mattress, then my, also treated, sleeping bag on it, so I never sleep on the sheet.

As to whether or not it works I don't know. I've never been bit though, even though my friend next to me was.

IF I use it I may use your way but with sleeping bag liner instead...thanks

 

[Lisi]

I have used the Lifesystems silk "bedbug" sleeping bag liner on 5 Caminos and have not been bitten. I sliced it open and just use it as a "ground sheet" on the bed. I sleep directly on it -- the minimal sleeping bag just lies on top of me. But I also spray my clothes, backpack, sleeping bag, etc with permethrin within the week before starting a Camino. At 3 different albergues on the del Norte fellow peregrinos have been bitten. Fortunately, not me. I live in Alaska, the mosquitos here are voracious. I don't like Deet, use it only as a last resort. But, after reading this thread I may bring some along on the Via de la Plata this September.

thanks...

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Also, how do bed bugs find a human? Is it through body heat detection or scent or something else?

Carbon dioxide may be the main element. I did read of an experiment where clothing piled on the floor attracted a good number of bugs so scent may be involved too.

 

[ScottPilgrim]

I thought good old rubbing alcohol was used to kill bedbugs. You can put some in a small travel spray bottle. The smell is strong but dissipates quickly.

 

[Lavonne Feyen]

I have always used a lightweight large scarf sprayed with Pemethrin before I left home. Laid it on the bed under sleeping bag. Never got a bite even though we saw bedbugs and others in the room were bitten.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I thought good old rubbing alcohol was used to kill bedbugs. You can put some in a small travel spray bottle. The smell is strong but dissipates quickly.

Rutgers University conducted a test and got just a 50% kill rate under lab conditions and directly applying it. Having amateurs widely and ineffectively spraying a flammable liquid (that may stain) around other people's property isn't a good idea. Then too, how much of the stuff do you want to carry with you?

Entomologists at Rutgers has a webpage with some useful information. BTW, they say that most tested essential oils are ineffective.

FS1251: Cost-Effective and Money-Wasting Bed Bug Control Methods (Rutgers NJAES)

FS1251,

njaes.rutgers.edu

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I thought good old rubbing alcohol was used to kill bedbugs. You can put some in a small travel spray bottle. The smell is strong but dissipates quickly.

I much prefer a good single malt but I like the idea of decanting it into an inconspicuous container

 

[ScottPilgrim]

Interesting link. 50% better than nothing presuming my goal is to get through the night not serve as a freelance exterminator. I wasn't planning on atomizing rubbing alcohol about the room fwiw. I know people who've used a small 3 oz bottle to spray it on a dubious mattress when traveling, which is an amount I would feel fine carrying.

 

[John Holland]

Ullamae, when you say you actually used one. Just wondering what was it you used....pig or blanket? How about both? I would recommend taking the Australian version of both. It is a delicacy called a "pig in a blanket". It is a snag (sausage) in a piece of sliced bread, preferably done on a barbie (something like an American hotdog).

 

[trecile]

. I know people who've used a small 3 oz bottle to spray it on a dubious mattress when traveling

I really doubt this would have any effect at all on bedbugs. The alcohol would dry on the mattress well before bedtime when the bedbugs come out to feast.

 

[MichaelC]

I had a light weight, inexpensive silk sleeping sack that I treated with pemethrin before my caminos. I never had a problem with bed bugs, even when I was in a room where others did. And I really liked the sack; it was comfortable and felt almost like a security blanket.

Now for the plot twist: I recently had do deal with bed bugs at home. I thought mosquitoes were getting in my house, and then I blamed the cat for carrying biting things. And then one night I flung off the covers, turned on all the lights ... and saw them. Little horrible blood filled monsters.

I threw all my sheets into the washing machine and set it to "boiling," and then wondered what to do for the rest of the night. I didn't want to call a friend, and risk bringing the monsters to their house. And so I took out my trusty Camino bedbug-proof silk sack, wrapped myself in it, and slept on the floor.

And learned that the silk sacks are not, after all, bugger proof. The monsters found me.

I'll still bring the sack on my next camino, because I like it, but I no longer believe that it offers any real-world protection.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@MichaelC, I am wondering how you thought the bedbugs got into your home, and more importantly, how did you get rid of them? I hear it can be difficult.

 

[TrvlDad1]

That makes pigs a multitasker. If I had a pig, I'd name him 'Bacon'.

We had one named Rasher. Unfortunately it grew up to be a monster and went off to the abattoir. But I digress. We didn't sleep with it and still never got bed bugs.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm sure they have. Silk is a great fabric, but has no special bedbug properties. Any fabric barrier will stop bedbugs. The lavender oil is probably it is more repellent to other people than to bedbugs.

They are presumably attracted to the carbon dioxide we breath out.

If bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, I wonder if wearing a mask to bed would help? Asking for a friend.

 

[C clearly]

If bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, I wonder if wearing a mask to bed would help? Asking for a friend.

Not really. The mask filters the particles, etc., but still lets the carbon dioxide out (and the air in).

 

[davebugg]

If bedbugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, I wonder if wearing a mask to bed would help? Asking for a friend.

Perhaps. . if it were air tight to keep Co2 from leaking, it envelops the head, and it is securely fastened to the neck. It isn't the lack of Co2 that would keep the bedbugs away, it is the horrid shade of blue that is created.

 

[MichaelC]

@MichaelC, I am wondering how you thought the bedbugs got into your home, and more importantly, how did you get rid of them? I hear it can be difficult.

I genuinely don't know how they got in, especially as my social life has been 99% outside this past year. I've heard other units in our building have had issues over the past year. For treatment, I did one deep clean, and sprayed with Raid. I found a few nests deep in the crevices of my couch. I noticed a few bugs the next weekend, did it again. The third weekend I just called an exterminator, and I think that worked ... though every once in awhile I'm still a bit mental and think I just felt one! I have a studio, so it was probably a bit easier to do the full clean than a house would have been.

I now understand how they can spread so easily, though! I didn't see any of the obvious signs we are taught to look for (droppings, dead bugs, black spots) until I literally pulled the bed apart to clean it. And I wouldn't feel the bites until mid morning, so it was easy to think it was just from a mosquito or something.

I also appreciate how strict the French are about not bringing bags into the room!

 

[davebugg]

I genuinely don't know how they got in, especially as my social life has been 99% outside this past year. I've heard other units in our building have had issues over the past year. For treatment, I did one deep clean, and sprayed with Raid. I found a few nests deep in the crevices of my couch. I noticed a few bugs the next weekend, did it again. The third weekend I just called an exterminator, and I think that worked ... though every once in awhile I'm still a bit mental and think I just felt one! I have a studio, so it was probably a bit easier to do the full clean than a house would have been.

I now understand how they can spread so easily, though! I didn't see any of the obvious signs we are taught to look for (droppings, dead bugs, black spots) until I literally pulled the bed apart to clean it. And I wouldn't feel the bites until mid morning, so it was easy to think it was just from a mosquito or something.

I also appreciate how strict the French are about not bringing bags into the room!

It is frustrating trying to get a complete eradication of an infestation. Unfortunately, the specific chemicals used to kill bedbugs in homes can and has left survivors that will re-infest. Bedbugs nowadays have a high resistance to pesticide chemicals that previously worked. To get a complete kill, the most effective is a multi-strategy treatment that involves a tedious inspection and mechanical removal via high suction vacuuming, heat, and judicious pesticide use. To save time, I pasted information about home heat treatment below.

• Heat Treatment – Heat treatments are the quickest way to kill bedbugs. This is not a turn up the heater and goes out to lunch solution, but it can be accomplished in one appointment from the pest control company.
• Licensed professionals with specialized equipment will heat your room to between 135°F (57.2°C) and 145°F (62.7 °C).
• Thermometers are placed around the room and watched closely to ensure the air is heated enough to kill bed bugs but not hot enough to cause damage. Bed bugs and bed bug eggs die immediately at 122°F (50°C).
• This treatment generally takes between 6 to 8 hours and requires careful monitoring by the technician and preparation from you the homeowner. Successful heat treatment can get rid of bed bugs in as little as an afternoon.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Bedbugs can travel from apartment to apartment through even tiny crevices. Seal every hole. Baseboards, cracks in plaster, electric outlets and plumbing come to mind. Insulating foam and caulking may do the job (notice that I'm not guaranteeing anything). You might want to get some energy efficiency technicians in to do pressure and smoke tests to find leaks, especially if you are paying for electric heat. Check with exterminators too. They may do something similar. Good luck.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I'm wondering what the albergues do to get rid of bedbug infestations as surely they do not turn up heating to 132°F for many hours...but what do I know. Isn't there a fumigation technique that would provide a good outcome?

 

[C clearly]

I'm wondering what the albergues do to get rid of bedbug infestations

I expect they do a general cleaning, and use a lot of pesticide. Then they wait until the next infestation, or until the existing infestation flares up. They also do things like use metal frame beds, plastic covered mattresses, and minimal furniture and clutter, so it is easier to clean and fumigate.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I'm wondering what the albergues do to get rid of bedbug infestations as surely they do not turn up heating to 132°F for many hours...but what do I know. Isn't there a fumigation technique that would provide a good outcome?

Sometimes steam guns are used.

 

[Xali1970]

If you encounter the blighters on the Camino, find a laudromat and stick everything you carry in the dryer at 60°C/high temperature for 30 minutes. That will eradicate the bugs and their eggs.
The temperature will not damage your clothing if they are dry to start with.
Inspect your pack closely. If in doubt douse it in insecticides or stick it in the dryer as well.

 

[trecile]

The temperature will not damage your clothing if they are dry to start with.

This is important for people to understand. Don't worry about washing in hot water. It's the hot dryer that does the trick.
If you also need to wash your clothing and sleep gear do the heat treatment in the dryer first then wash and dry as normal.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

This is important for people to understand. Don't worry about washing in hot water. It's the hot dryer that does the trick.

But ... but ... I want to give the buggers a hard time first.

 

[trecile]

But ... but ... I want to give the buggers a hard time first.

The trick is to kill the bugs without ruining your clothes or bedding!

 

[dick bird]

I'm wondering what the albergues do to get rid of bedbug infestations as surely they do not turn up heating to 132°F for many hours...but what do I know. Isn't there a fumigation technique that would provide a good outcome?

From what I have been told by Spanish hospis, they fumigate, and it is not always very effective. A routine fumigation is often done in February, which means the bedbug risk is greater as the year progresses (and albergues are unwilling to shut down during the season). The one time we had to deal with bedbugs ourselves as hospis, we got hold of surface spray, generally used against cockroaches, and sprayed that on the walls just above floor level and lust below the ceiling in combination with ordinary insecticide every day on the bedding and bunks. We washed and dried bedding on high heat. We then instructed all incoming pilgrims to put their backpacks in black plastic bags and leave them in the sun all afternoon. Eventually it all seemed to work, but it was a slow, uphill struggle.

 

[Curly Cath]

I found this bed bug sheet by Lifrsystems. Has anyone used it on the Camino? Comments?(https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/bed-bug-sheet-single), description : A flat netting bed bug sheet for use on suspect double beds when travelling. Impregnated with EX8 anti-mosquito long lasting impregnation for added protection to repel bed bugs and other insects.

Hi this thread is great. Anyone know if I can put this sheet thto a washing machine? Or does it lose its repellance

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi this thread is great. Anyone know if I can put this sheet thto a washing machine? Or does it lose its repellance

My guess is that washing it, it will loose its helpful repellance. Easier to purchase Permethrin on Amazon and treat your things yourself; probably cheaper in the long run.

 

[Curly Cath]

My guess is that washing it, it will loose its helpful repellance. Easier to purchase Permethrin on Amazon and treat your things yourself; probably cheaper in the long run.

Yeah. I take your point. I am a grubby pilgrim currently and overwhelmed by the desire to put everything in a washing machine. I will hang the sheet in the sun briefly.

I think it's not perfect but it definitely helps as I always get bitten by the critters and am doing better this Camino

 

[dougfitz]

Hi this thread is great. Anyone know if I can put this sheet thto a washing machine? Or does it lose its repellance

It depends a little on how it was treated in manufacture or re-treatment. Soaking treatments will remain effective for up to six months or around 50 regular wash cycles. Spray treatments will be effective for a month or so.

This reflects the general advice. Manufacturers should provide specific information about how frequently their products need to be re-treated. If they don't, I suggest that sprayed equipment and soaked clothing will be effective for even longer Camino routes.

Edit: the permethrin molecule apparently binds well to fabrics once it has dried, and resists being washed away.

It will transfer to skin, etc when it is damp, a reason for not treating garments that will come into regular contact with the body's moist areas. If you are using a treated bed sheet, it is advisable to wear untreated under garments or an untreated pair of shorts or have something else to separate you from the treated fabric.

 

[KB Jaffe]

I stayed in a pension in Navarette and woke in the night to a moving mass of black on my top sheet - none actually in the bed. Fortunately I either wasn't bitten or am not allergic to bedbugs or the lavender oil spray I always sprayed into the beds before getting in worked. I had wondered why the legs of the bed were wrapped in plastic!
I am not advocating the use of lavender. I heard it was anti bugs so had nothing to lose. I also picked pieces on the way and popped them in my backpack. At the least I always smelled good. lol.

Would definitely prefer rolling in lavender than deet…

 

[dick bird]

According to their information, EX8 is basically their proprietary name for Permethrin, as it is the active ingredient in the the sheet. This is problematic in a few ways:

• Permethrin is not really an insect repellant but an insecticide. For mosquitos and tick control it is usually combined with deet or picaridin to get applications that have repellency, while the permethrin kills the insects by direct contact.
• It does not repel bed bugs. Permethrin works as a contact insecticide for bedbugs and can kill them, but only after a delayed effect. A bed bug can still have his meal, then crawl away to die later. . or not. The newest information about resistance to permethrin indicates bed bugs now have a high resistance to Permethrin in many regions globally.
• Bed bugs will crawl on top of the sheet from nearby cracks, crevices and from under bed frames and behind headboards. The sheet would trap bed bugs hiding in bedding seams, but that still leaves the bed bugs hidden in other locations.

If it is a ‘he’. A she can lay eggs before expiring. I am pretty sure Permethrin does not kill eggs. Inspect the premises before going to bed and be prepared to take remedial action if you are unlucky e.g. tumble drying your stuff at 60 C+ for an hour. Good luck. If it is any consolation we’ve done many casinos without becoming hosts to the little blighters.

 

[Curly Cath]

It depends a little on how it was treated in manufacture or re-treatment. Soaking treatments will remain effective for up to six months or around 50 regular wash cycles. Spray treatments will be effective for a month or so.

This reflects the general advice. Manufacturers should provide specific information about how frequently their products need to be re-treated. If they don't, I suggest that sprayed equipment and soaked clothing will be effective for even longer Camino routes.

Edit: the permethrin molecule apparently binds well to fabrics once it has dried, and resists being washed away.

It will transfer to skin, etc when it is damp, a reason for not treating garments that will come into regular contact with the body's moist areas. If you are using a treated bed sheet, it is advisable to wear untreated under garments or an untreated pair of shorts or have something else to separate you from the treated fabric.

Thanks that's really helpful.

 

[Katherine Radeka]

We just got home from our Camino and managed to avoid the little buggers — until Santiago.

We heat treated everything we could, including the duffle bags that contained our backpacks, in a hot dryer on our last day, grateful for a flight late enough to allow that.

We sealed everything else in thick garbage bags for the trip home. Once home, we put the bags in the back of our car with an oven thermometer to see how hot it got. Then we parked in the sunniest place we could find.

After two hours the thermometer read 130F so we left it another hour. The car made a good hotbox. Everything was hot but nothing damaged.

 

[davebugg]

Permethrin is not a repellent, it is an insecticide. It won’t keep bedbugs from crawling to their prey and biting. It may, if not part of a resistant population, die afterwards prior to desert.

 

[hawkeyepierce]

This isn't of any use on the camino, but I have a bed beg suitcase heater that I use when I get home from travel. I've had some run-ins with the bugs in the past and use this as my last line of defense to keep them out of my home.

Bed Bug Heaters at Bed Bug Supply

www.bedbugsupply.com

It's essentially a zippered tent and heater. You slide your entire suitcase and contents into it, turn the device on and wait eight hours. By then everything inside will have been above 122F long enough to kill every bug and egg inside.

I pack anything that can be heated up in ziplocs and put them at the top of my pack so I can easily remove them (medications, laptop, etc). I've put my suitcase through this thing dozens of times and it's held up just fine.

Bed bugs aren't just on the camino, they can be found anywhere from the lowliest pension to the Ritz Carlton.

Not everyone will want to drop $200 on such a device. There's a cheaper alternative that will keep bugs out of your bed and give you early warning are ClimbUp Interceptors: https://www.insect-interceptor.com/

These are "dishes" you place under the legs of your bedframe and put a little diatomaceous earth in. The DE destroys the bugs' exoskeleton. The device is designed with two wells: a circular well for the leg of the bedframe which is surround by a "donut" well. This lets you know if the bugs are coming from the mattress or heading towards the bed, depending on which well you find them in.

Remember, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites, so just because you didn't find any bites on the camino doesn't mean you aren't carrying them home! Take some precautions before you get home no matter way.

(To be clear I don't mean you should bring that product with you, I'm suggesting it for use when you get home)

 

[DoughnutANZ]

@hawkeyepierce Bed bug heaters. I had visions of groups of the little critters, sitting in a circle around a heater, with their beanies and mittens on, all warming up!

I put my backpack in the deep freeze for a couple of weeks after I get home.

 

[Sandi Smith]

I found this bed bug sheet by Lifrsystems. Has anyone used it on the Camino? Comments?(https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/mosquito-nets/bed-bug-sheet-single), description : A flat netting bed bug sheet for use on suspect double beds when travelling. Impregnated with EX8 anti-mosquito long lasting impregnation for added protection to repel bed bugs and other insects.

I purchased the permethrin embedded liner by Sea-to-summit. It does what it says. I sprayed a silk liner with permethrin for my first Camino in 2014. That also worked.

The one night I stayed in a lovely private room and did NOT sleep with my liner all the way on me-- bed bugs were swarming up from the bottom of the bed when I got up in the morning! No exaggeration. They were swarming. My face and chest were on the liner because I put it over the pillow. I just put my legs out of it. (BYW: I’d checked every single bed before that one. The clean white sheets and private room lulled me into complacency. Always check your sleeping accommodations. It’s not about cleanliness.

I’m a research type person. I researched everything I could about making sure the bugs were not brought home with me. The long and the short of it is that only high heat will be guaranteed to kill the eggs of the bed bugs. I spent the money to buy one of those big killing heater boxes. Not cheap! But everything can go in it. Souvenirs. Journal. Pole tips! Whatever. Much cheaper than trying to get those annoying critters out of your house after they’ve gotten in.

In 2018, I used the pre-treated sleep liner everywhere AND checked every bed. My brother was sure he didn’t have to. He ended up with them in our last albergue before Burgos. Off to the laundromat we went to treat his things in a dryer. And some of my things just to be safe. We still came home and put everything through our bug zapper box. It’s been worth every dime.

 

[davebugg]

I purchased the permethrin embedded liner by Sea-to-summit. It does what it says. I sprayed a silk liner with permethrin for my first Camino in 2014. That also worked.

The one night I stayed in a lovely private room and did NOT sleep with my liner all the way on me-- bed bugs were swarming up from the bottom of the bed when I got up in the morning! No exaggeration. They were swarming. My face and chest were on the liner because I put it over the pillow. I just put my legs out of it. (BYW: I’d checked every single bed before that one. The clean white sheets and private room lulled me into complacency. Always check your sleeping accommodations. It’s not about cleanliness.

I’m a research type person. I researched everything I could about making sure the bugs were not brought home with me. The long and the short of it is that only high heat will be guaranteed to kill the eggs of the bed bugs. I spent the money to buy one of those big killing heater boxes. Not cheap! But everything can go in it. Souvenirs. Journal. Pole tips! Whatever. Much cheaper than trying to get those annoying critters out of your house after they’ve gotten in.

In 2018, I used the pre-treated sleep liner everywhere AND checked every bed. My brother was sure he didn’t have to. He ended up with them in our last albergue before Burgos. Off to the laundromat we went to treat his things in a dryer. And some of my things just to be safe. We still came home and put everything through our bug zapper box. It’s been worth every dime.

Correlation does not equal causation. Permethrin does not repel, and lots of pilgrims use no special protection and not get bitten, and vice versa. Even in places that are infested.

I agree about treatment. 120 to 135f, depending how long you have to let things heat.