Walking the Camino de Santiago is life-changing, though it can have its challenges. One issue that has occasionally affected pilgrims is bed bugs. This can happen in busy hostels and albergues where there is a high turnover of guests and bedding. In this post, we’ll explore the issue of bed bugs on the Camino de Santiago, how you can protect yourself, and highlight a new solution: Terre de Sommières.
Why Bed Bugs Appear Along the Camino
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that spread in places with high foot traffic and frequent use of shared spaces. This includes the accommodations pilgrims use along the Camino. The influx of walkers staying in communal sleeping areas creates the perfect environment for these pests to hitchhike from one place to another.
Bed bugs can spread quickly as they latch onto clothes, backpacks, and bedding. Although they don’t carry diseases, their bug bites can cause irritation and discomfort. This is the last thing any pilgrim wants after a long day of walking.
A New Solution: Terre de Sommières
A recent breakthrough may offer a safe, ecological way to deal with bed bugs: Terre de Sommières. Originally used as a household product to remove grease stains, it is now gaining attention for its ability to fight bed bugs. A study from the University Hospital Institute (IHU) in Marseille has shown that this natural mineral can kill bed bugs through dehydration in as little as 24 hours.
How does it work? When bed bugs come into contact with Sommières earth, the product sticks to their exoskeleton and absorbs their bodily fluids. This process dehydrates them, leading to their death.
Why Terre de Sommières is a Game-Changer
Unlike chemical insecticides, which can pose health risks and contribute to bed bug resistance, Terre de Sommières is environmentally friendly and safe for both humans and pets. It’s an ideal solution for accommodations along the Camino looking to maintain cleanliness while protecting the health of their guests.
Additionally, Sommières earth is accessible and easy to use, making it a practical option for both individuals and professionals. In areas with high traffic, like pilgrim accommodations, it can help prevent the rapid spread of infestations and reduce the time needed to resolve an outbreak.
How to Protect Yourself on the Camino
While accommodations along the Camino are doing their best to prevent bed bug issues, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
- Check your bed: Upon arrival, inspect the mattress and bedding for signs of bed bugs, such as tiny brown or reddish stains or small eggshells.
- Keep your belongings safe: Store your backpack and clothes off the floor and away from the bed to reduce the chance of bugs getting into your belongings.
- Use a sleeping bag liner: A tightly woven sleeping bag liner can provide a barrier against bed bugs.
- Be prepared: Bring a small amount of Terre de Sommières or another safe bed bug treatment with you. If you notice any signs of bed bugs, this can be a quick and effective way to treat your belongings.
Ready to Plan Your Camino Experience?
Don’t let the fear of bed bugs stop you from embarking on your journey of a lifetime. At Follow the Camino, we work closely with trusted accommodations to ensure your stay is comfortable and worry-free. Whether you’re planning your first pilgrimage or returning to explore new routes, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Contact us today to start planning your Camino adventure, and rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands!
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Planning to walk in 2026.