Bedbugs

Deleted member 56069 · Jul 23, 2020

First off...it is so refreshing to talk about something Camino related other than covid issues adnauseam!
After walking six Camino's and having had zero bed bug issues or even talking to anyone that had an issue, I think it isn't something you shouldn't lose a whole bunch of sleep about.
I have never used or will use any chemicals for prevention of bed bugs. Yes I know they claim all the chemicals are safe until they aren't...
So plan your walk and get excited about the Camino and please don't stress about bed bugs. The issue is completely over blown in my opinion and personal experience.
There has been alot of good advice what to do if you do get them on this thread and tips to prevent carrying them with you to the next albergue.

C clearly · Jul 23, 2020

zrexer said:
Yes I know they claim all the chemicals are safe until they aren't...

True

zrexer said:
The issue is completely over blown in my opinion and personal experience.

Similarly, the issue is over blown until it isn't.

malingerer · Jul 23, 2020

henrythedog said:
That’s the problem with engineers and scientists, you do insist on basing your opinions on facts.

We economists (retired) reserve the right to hold two concurrent conflicting opinions as equally valid and change our mind more often than our underwear.

even when going commando?

samarkand.

Camino Chrissy · Jul 23, 2020

malingerer said:
even when going commando?

The bedbugs could really do some damage down there.

André Walker · Jul 23, 2020

jag said:
So my plan at this point is to make a sack out of insect netting or tulle that is big enough to get completely inside with my stuff and zipper shut.

Hi Jag,

You've had so many replies to your post and you've also come up with a very creative idea yourself. So you don't need my advice.

Just something to cheer you up: I've walked 4 camino's so far and haven't encountered a single bed bug. Maybe just sheer luck, who knows.

But I carry a shotgun anyway, in case one of those s*ck*rs crosses my path.

malingerer · Jul 23, 2020

André Walker said:
Hi Jag,

You've had so many replies to your post and you've also come up with a very creative idea yourself. So you don't need my advice.

Just something to cheer you up: I've walked 4 camino's so far and haven't encountered a single bed bug. Maybe just sheer luck, who knows.

But I carry a shotgun anyway, in case one of those s*ck*rs crosses my path.

Try the flammenwaffer!

Samarkand.

AZgirl · Jul 25, 2020

I'm another lucky Pilgrim who hasn't had bed bugs, and hasn't used chemicals. I do try and check the beds, etc. I'm a bit of a worrier but it heartens me to know that many pilgrims have dealt with and were still able to complete the Camino. In fact, I use that alot when walking to keep myself from getting to worked up about stuff. As long as I can carry on walking, even in a day or day it's nothing to much deal with.

lisaflora · Oct 27, 2020

Mr Magoo said:
Lots of good info here for you, I havent read it all , but this is what I had (if the image downloads.Maybe it wont. Use your imagination!).
Its like what you propose. Its a homemade bug bivvy made with an ultralight silnylon floor and a midge netting tube. No zips, just a very large drawcorded hole to get in. As you see it hangs up, a wire hoop isnt needed.
I needed this for sleeping out under my poncho, which I did on 3 nights, doing the Primitivo. I also slept in it in albergues to assuage my not-taking-bugs-home-at-any-cost pessimism. I merely slept in lower bunks and hooked it up onto to the slats above me, along with socks, etc..
Nobody objected or even commented, The Camino is full of nutters like us, so go ahead.
Of course it got too hot under it sometimes, but then I just used it like a liner, unhooked. It was treated with permethrin,
When I got home it went in the freezer for a week along with everything else. I didnt want to go through what a chap I knew went through...months of misery surrounded by plastic bags as "experts" failed to decontaminate his young family's home.
People will accuse us of being paranoid (same as with following covid advice) but we can accuse them of being lazy , cant we ?

Did you put your backpack in side this with you? I presume the midge netting was fine enough mesh to prevent the bugs?

RRat · Oct 27, 2020

I had three small red dots on my lower leg that I didn't notice until someone brought up the subject. I guess they could have been bedbugs but they could have been bug bites from walking off trail to relieve myself.

Mr Magoo · Nov 5, 2020

lisaflora said:
Did you put your backpack in side this with you? I presume the midge netting was fine enough mesh to prevent the bugs?

Hi Llsaflora,
In reply. I would put my backpack in a big drawstring poly bag, hooked up at the foot of my bunk, or (when bivvying ) outside the net, next to me.
The mesh was a very fine version of midge netting, supplied by Totally Herby. However, I actually wouldnt advise this brand for making a bivvy cover. Its splendid for headnets but when sewn to make , say, a bivvy or a hammock net, the weave opens out along the stitches when its stressed. I have remade my bivvy using midge netting from German supplier Extremtextil.
My hope was that the netting would certainly stop adult bedbugs . I also treated the netting with Permethrin, which I believe doesnt act immediately, but can eventually kill bedugs. Unless they're resistant.
Nevertheless, nobody I met complained of being bitten. My sleep was only ever disturbed by barking dogs.

linkster · Nov 5, 2020

I made a lightweight pack hanger out of a loop of tach cord and a small carabiner. The loop was tied with a fisherman's knot. I use a larks head to hang the loop around the bunk bed.

You may want to check out something like a Nylofume bag to use as a pack liner or to store your pack in when not in use.

¡Buena suerte!

Mr Magoo · Nov 5, 2020

linkster said:
I made a lightweight pack hanger out of a loop of tach cord and a small carabiner. The loop was tied with a fisherman's knot. I use a larks head to hang the loop around the bunk bed.

View attachment 86925

You may want to check out something like a Nylofume bag to use as a pack liner or to store your pack in when not in use.

¡Buena suerte!

Reply to linkster : Thank you for most interesting link to Nylofume bag, seems much better than a poly bag, affordable too. Guess small 32 litre pack would fit in it. Lot of other interesting bits & bobs on that site as well, youve sorted my Xmas gift problem ! Yes, larks head a very handy knot

trecile · Nov 5, 2020

linkster said:
I made a lightweight pack hanger out of a loop of tach cord and a small carabiner. The loop was tied with a fisherman's knot. I use a larks head to hang the loop around the bunk bed.

View attachment 86925

You may want to check out something like a Nylofume bag to use as a pack liner or to store your pack in when not in use.

¡Buena suerte!

How can you use a bag covering the pack and hang it up?

C clearly · Nov 5, 2020

trecile said:
How can you use a bag covering the pack and hang it up?

My dry bag forms a loop like this

linkster · Nov 5, 2020

trecile said:
How can you use a bag covering the pack and hang it up?

For the Nylofume or other plastic bag, you can twist the top of the bag, then fold it over, and use a slip knot or clove hitch. The larks head knot would probably work just as well.

I have a Zpacks pack liner that has a roll top closure similar to @C clearly above. I use the biner in my scenario, but it would not be necessary with the Nylofume or other plastic bag. The Nylofume or other plastic bag is a lower cost alternative.

Mr Magoo · Nov 5, 2020

trecile said:
How can you use a bag covering the pack and hang it up?

I hung the pack using a cord round the haul loop, then lifted the poly bag over it & drew it tight with the poly bag drawcord. Guess you could knot the bag opening. I treated the polybag with permethrin, its safe for us but not cats or Canadians.( Or is that DEET I'm thinking about.)

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Bedbugs

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