Bed bug alarm in the Alps: Watch out hikers! Protect yourself!

Bed bug alarm in the Alps: Watch out hikers! Protect yourself!

In recent years, the number of bed bugs (Cimex Lectularius) has increased in worrying in the Bavarian Alps in the Bavarian Alps. According to Watson , the problem is largely caused by hiking, which the pests bring in their laundry, sleeping bags or backpacks. This development is not only a challenge for the overnight guests, but also for the hut owners who are faced with difficult and often cost -intensive control.

bed bugs are tiny insects that are between 3 and 6 mm tall and are extremely resistant to cold. You can survive for a long time without eating what makes your fight complicated. It is particularly problematic that the bugs can not only get into the huts through a single overnight guest, but also by visiting several quarters during multi -day tours. The community is therefore severely affected - overnight guests, hosts and sections of the Alpine Club alike.

Enlightenment and prevention

The Alpine Club Munich & Oberland has already taken steps to raise awareness of the topic. Hut owners ask the guests not to put their backpacks into the room in order to avoid spreading the bugs. It is also recommended to thoroughly check backpack and clothing before a hut trip. Effective treatment can be done by washing at least 60 degrees or by freezing at -18 degrees. For faster control, the experts recommend treating backpacks in the microwave if necessary.

If there is suspicion of infestation, guests should of course keep calm and do not lend a hand themselves or dispose of mattresses. Instead, it is important to inform the hut hosts or hutkeepers immediately, as they are also affected. A factual handling is important in order not to put any further strain on the work of the hosts.

The challenges of fighting

Combating the bed bugs is a complex and costly matter. Many huts are now using professional pest controls who not only proceed with special powder agents against the bugs, but also receive support from sniffer dogs in order to find the pests in hard -to -reach areas. The bugs often hide in wooden cracks, which also makes full control more difficult. The Deutsche Alpenverein (DAV) Invested to improve the situation for the guests and for the hut owners.

Although stings of the bed bugs are usually not dangerous, they can cause unpleasant, itchy reactions that can last up to a week. Home remedies such as soap water, lemon juice or aloe vera offer relief. The DAV offers brochures with important information and recommendations for action in order to provide support for affected people. The Federal Environment Agency also advises the organization on this matter.

Bed bug fighting is a joint project that requires both information and preventive measures. Only together can guests and innkeepers encounter the challenges that come from these small but annoying insects.