What are bedbugs?
Bedbugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects. They are reddish-brown in colour, do not jump, but move around on walls, furniture, mattresses and clothing. They feed on blood, but beware, they do not transmit diseases and are not associated with dirty spaces.
Why do they appear?
Bedbugs are nocturnal insects and hide during the day in mattresses, sheet seams, bed frames or any crevice. They do not fly, but they are expert travellers: they tend to hide in backpacks, sleeping bags or clothes. That is why, even if a hostel is clean, it is enough that a pilgrim takes them with him or her so that they can settle and spread.
Where can we find them?
The most frequent locations are:
Hotels, hostels and hostels.
Private homes.
Public transport (trains, buses, planes).
Second-hand furniture.
Is it common to find bedbugs on the Camino de Santiago?
It can happen, but it is not normal. The hostels, especially municipal and private hostels that receive large numbers of pilgrims, are very attentive to this problem. Most carry out frequent cleaning and preventive treatments to avoid any infestation. However, due to the constant flow of people and backpacks, the risk is never zero.
What to do if you are bitten by a bedbug?
The bites usually appear in a straight line, with redness and itching. They usually bite several times in the same area. If you suspect you have been bitten by bed bugs:
Wash the area with soap and water.
Apply an antihistamine cream or aloe vera to relieve itching.
Wash your clothes and sleeping bag in hot water if possible.
Inform the hostel: do not feel guilty. It is important that the hostel acts as soon as possible to prevent it spreading to other pilgrims.
What can be done to prevent them?
Here are some practical tips to minimise the risk:
Check the mattress before going to bed: look for black spots (bedbug droppings) or small brown bugs in the seams and corners.
Don't put your backpack on the bed: keep it hanging or on separate surfaces.
Use a sheet or sleeping bag cover: there are specially designed bed bug-proof covers available.
Spray your backpack with bedbug repellent spray: you can carry a small one as part of your first aid kit.
Wash clothes frequently in hot water, if you have access to laundry facilities.
In a nutshell
Yes, bedbugs can appear on the Camino de Santiago, but it is not something frequent and should not discourage you. With caution and common sense, it is entirely possible to avoid the problem or manage it without major consequences. And remember: the Camino is full of unforgettable experiences, and no bedbug should overshadow them.
Frequent FAQ's
Are there bedbugs in the hostels on the Camino de Santiago?
Yes, it is not common but they can appear. The constant passage of pilgrims makes the hostels are very attentive to this problem. Most hostels carry out regular cleaning and preventive fumigation.
Why are there bedbugs if the hostel is clean?
Bedbugs have nothing to do with dirt. They can arrive in backpacks, sleeping bags or pilgrims' clothes. Once inside, they hide in mattresses, seams or cracks, and reproduce quickly if not detected in time.
What does a bedbug bite look like?
They are red bumps, lined up or grouped together, itch a lot (especially at night), and appear on the arms, legs, neck or back. They are distinguished from mosquito bites by their straight or zigzag shape.
What do I do if I am bitten by bedbugs?
Wash the area with soap and water.
Apply antihistamine cream or aloe vera.
Wash your clothes and bag in hot water if you can.
Inform the hostel staff.
It is not your fault, but it is important that the place takes measures to prevent contagion to other pilgrims.
How can I prevent carrying bedbugs with me?
Don't put your backpack on the bed.
Use an anti-bedbug sheet or cover.
Check the mattress before going to bed.
Carry a repellent spray in travel format.
Wash clothes frequently when you have access to laundry facilities.
Do bedbugs transmit diseases?
No. So far, they have not been shown to transmit diseases to humans. But their bites can cause discomfort, insomnia and scratching infections if not treated well.
Should I worry about bedbugs on the Camino?
Not too much. It is good to be informed and take precautions, but most pilgrims have no problems. And if it happens to you, it can be easily managed. Don't worry and ¡Buen Camino, pilgrim!
