Crossing the Pyrenees, or GR10, is an epic hiking adventure offering breathtaking scenery and an exciting challenge. It’s 450km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea as the crow flies. On foot, it’s 900km and 48,000m of ascent! The route is divided into 4 sections: Pyrénées Occidentales, Pyrénées Centrales, Pyrénées Ariegeoises, and Pyrénées Orientales, and runs mostly from west to east, from Hendaye to Banyuls. There’s also the GR11 (Senda Pirenaica), a Spanish variant that runs from Cap Higuer to Cap de Creus. On this incredible wilderness experience, you’ll leave one sea and arrive at another. Along the way, you’ll be able to stay in 110 supervised structures (gîtes, refuges, inns, hotels). As with any place that welcomes people on the move, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid the inconvenience of bed bugs. Here are a few tips for bed bug-free hiking on the GR10 or GR11.
Research refuges
Before setting off on your GR10 or GR11 crossing, do some thorough research on the refuges along the route. Opt for “reputable”, well-maintained refuges that have a good reputation and no recent bed bug problems. Online reviews and recommendations from other hikers can help you make an informed decision.
Inspect your accommodation
When you arrive at a hut, take the time to thoroughly inspect your accommodation. Examine the bed, mattress, sheets, seams, carpets and furniture for signs of bed bugs infestation, such as bloodstains, excrement (small black spots) or empty shells. If you find any signs of infestation, report it immediately to the shelter staff.
Protect your luggage
To avoid bringing bed bugs home with you, take precautions to protect your luggage while hiking. Use waterproof, airtight storage bags to keep your clothes and gear safe from potential bed bugs. Also use a repellent spray such as Sereni-d® textile SHIELD spray to keep any bedbugs away from your bag.
Wash and dry your clothes regularly
While crossing the GR10 / GR11, try to wash your clothes regularly at high temperatures whenever you can, or put them in direct sunlight. Bed bugs don’t survive high temperatures, and this will eliminate any potential parasites on your clothes. Make sure you dry your clothes thoroughly before putting them away, too, as dampness encourages bed bugs to survive.
Use a personal sleeping bag
If you plan to spend the night in shared shelters or dormitories, it’s a good idea to use your own sleeping bag. This will create an extra barrier against potential bed bugs in beds or mattresses. Before putting your sleeping bag away in the morning, take care to shake it out and, if possible, leave it in the sun for a while.
Watch for symptoms
Even with all the precautions you’ve taken, it’s still possible to be exposed to bed bugs. If you develop itching, redness or a rash while out and about, keep an eye out for symptoms. If you are bitten, you can soothe your bites with Sereni-d® Soothing Bite Roll-On.
In conclusion
Hiking the GR10 / GR11 is an unforgettable experience, and by taking a few simple precautions, you can minimize the risk of bed bug infestation in mountain huts. Choose reputable refuges, inspect your accommodation, protect your luggage, wash your clothes regularly and use your own sleeping bag. Enjoy your crossing of the Pyrenees without worrying about bed bugs, concentrating on the beauty of nature around you.
