Bedbug Protection

**Covey** · 30-09-2011, 10:21 AM

On my trip up the Camino Portuguese and to Finesterre I carried a UK single size fitted sheet and pillowcase which had been treated with a 0.5% solution of Permethrin called SkitoStop.

The fitted sheet "fitted" all the Albergue mattresses I came across as well as mattresses in various hostels and hotels.

The advantage of the fitted sheet concept is that it protects the whole of the top of the mattress surface and also the sides and avoids the problems of your arms being outside the sleeping bag and coming in to contact with unprotected areas of the mattress.

The Permethrin also keeps the mozzies away!!

I placed the sheet and pillowcase in a plastic bag, emptied in 500ml of SkitoStop and allowed to soak for 24 hours, and then hung the sheet out to dry.

According to the instructions for SkitoStop, the treatment will remain effective for at least 6 washes!!

**John Hussey** · 30-09-2011, 12:26 PM

I have been considering the fitted sheet route soaked with Permethrin and wonder if you would supply the actual size of your fitted sheet and mention how well it fit those mattresses in the albergues. I discovered there is a plethora of sizes out there for sheets to cover a plethora of mattress sizes and while I have a vague recollection of the mattresses on the Camino being similar to military ones, for the life of me I cannot remember the size.

I purchased the sawyer product and will use the soak method. I have not used it yet but was going to apply it to just my sleeping bag and backpack only but I keep getting horrible thoughts of bringing a mating pair of those little critters home with me, hitching a ride hidden in some of my gear. Since I live in the sub-tropics, I suspect they will propagate quickly and I have no desire to deal with that problem in my home. So, while hating to carry the extra weight of the fitted sheet, I am considering it carefully. Your help would be appreciated.

**Covey** · 30-09-2011, 01:16 PM

The subject of bed sizes is confusing at the best of times, but the UK Single Mattress size is normally 36" x 75" (91 x 191cm) whereas the usual US Single (aka Twin Single) is 39" x 80". The usual quoted European single size is 35" x 75", but the 1" difference in width is neither here or there in actual use.

Given that the "sides" are usually elasticated in a fitted sheet, I think the US Single Fitted Sheet will work OK. On my travels through Portugal and Spain my UK Single worked fine on all the mattresses I found in albergues, hostels and hotels.

The Permethrin not only keeps the bedbugs at bay, but also deters the Mozzies!!

**John Hussey** · 30-09-2011, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Covey

The subject of bed sizes is confusing at the best of times, but the UK Single Mattress size is normally 36" x 75" (91 x 191cm) whereas the usual US Single (aka Twin Single) is 39" x 80". The usual quoted European single size is 35" x 75", but the 1" difference in width is neither here or there in actual use.

Given that the "sides" are usually elasticated in a fitted sheet, I think the US Single Fitted Sheet will work OK. On my travels through Portugal and Spain my UK Single worked fine on all the mattresses I found in albergues, hostels and hotels.

The Permethrin not only keeps the bedbugs at bay, but also deters the Mozzies!!

Thanks for the reply. Here is what confused me so about sizes: http:

//www.cozytownlinens.com/400tc-cotton-fitted-sheet-p-553.html

Out of the first 8 or 9 likely choices, the twin at 39" x75" is the most widely available-for "bunk" or "twin" beds. So, if I go that route, and I lean heavily towards it, mine will just be slightly wider than your UK version and so the elasticized bottom should account for the difference.

I am not much concerned about mosquitoes because I just don't recall ever seeing one in Spain. Perhaps, as a Floridian I have become somewhat accustom to them unless they are concentrated in the huge swarms as we have in our saltwater marshes

**Pouveer** · 16-01-2012, 10:01 AM

You may nevertheless get some bedbugs. They often lay their eggs behind the jacket hooks. If you are bitten by them, the best thing is to wash all your stuff at 60°C and to put it in the tumblydryer (also 60°C). We got them twice last year. If you steer clear of the very cheap hostels and go for the slightly more expensive ones (about €10 per night), you are less likely to have problems.

**Sonadora** · 03-02-2012, 04:07 AM

There were indeed a few bedbugs on the camino last month. I have worked in some very high end NYC hotels, and I can tell you that you are as likely to get them there, as in a 5 Euro alburgue that tries diligently to prevent them. They are everywhere that luggage goes. It takes 36 to 48 hours for the bites to become swollen and itchy, so it's not always possible to tell which location has them. I was bitten somewhere in or after Sarria. Permethrin is a very toxic substance and can give you a wicked rash--if you are sensitive use caution. Do not use the pillows provided. A hot wash and dry of your clothes is helpful, but the sleeping bag and pack itself can carry them. When you get home, put your pack, sleeping bag, and all clothes in the freezer, if you have a large one, or in your refrigerator set on the coldest setting overnight. If it's summer, leave your gear in the boot of your car and park in the hot sun for a day or two--the same if it's below freezing. Extremes of heat and cold kill the bugs better than chemicals. Whatever you do, don't bring your post-camino gear into your home until it's been given the hot or cold treatment. It is hell to get rid of bed bugs once they've moved in.