Camino Frances Bedbugs: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

[InOrlando]

My husband and I just returned from 35 days along the Camino Frances, and I did everything I could to prevent bites from bedbugs:
1. I sprayed our silk sleep sheet liners and sleeping bags with Permethrin
2. We used either one--or both--every night in the albergues.
And we were not bitten by bed bugs. But we saw the ravages of their attack on so many of our fellow walkers. At first, I thought there was some connection between the quality of the albergue (some are huge, with many, many pilgrims in the summer months), but this was not the case. From the nicest, smallest, most quaint albergue to the largest--no place was absolutely immune.
But I was determined that we would not to get bitten, so I was often sweaty in my sleep sheet--pulled up to my chin. But again, I was not bitten.
That is, until we decided to spend an extra night in a Ponferrada pension (a small hotel), and I lowered my guard: I slept with one arm, and (apparently) my feet outside the sleep sheet.
By morning, the damage was done: I had reddish bumps all over my left hand and arm, and all over my feet.
So this is a rule of thumb that might be helpful:
Use the Permethrin on your sleep sheet or sleeping bag. It works.
But a curious side note: My husband suffered no bites, and he slept *without our sheets/bags* by my side in the pension. Go figure.

[Covey]

The bed bugs always head for the juiciest skin!

[InOrlando]

Ewww, Covey:
I hate to think that's why they didn't bite my husband. But you might have a point. He's less meaty, and a lot hairier. I guess they have good taste.

[Covey]

You have to look at life from the bed bugs perspective.

There you are trying to scratch a living and all you get is hairy Spaniards who have overdosed on garlic and red wine, then along comes something different. You cosy up to the first victim and discover to your horror that he also is hairy, and being a pilgrim, a bit on the thin side, and being male, a little tough and leathery.

Then just as you are thinking that life is a bummer, up pops a finely crafted ankle which looks pretty tasty, and suddenly your luck has changed. Pucker Time, lick the lips and sidle up to feast on a succulent Floridian rather the thin hairy one.

Who wouldn't!!!!

[InOrlando]

All I asked, Covey, is that they respect the chemicals, ya know? Just respect the Permethrin!

I know, I know: A Florida ankle is a rare treat--a delicacy, even. But c'mon, man! I went to a lot of trouble to douse my bedding in possibly carcinogenic substances! Respect the chemicals!

[Covey]

But I would have died a very happy little bug!

Paradise, then the long drop.