Unwanted visitors

[Natomb]

Not sure if this is the right thread but has anyone picked up bed bugs while camping? Spent several nights along Mississippi River and in WI and MI state parks. Not sure if dog brought them in or one of us did. My husband is getting bitten at night on jackknife sofa? How to get rid of? HELP!

[AtomicNo13]

Are you certain they are bed bugs not fleas?

[Phoenix]

Most likely, they are ticks; and your dog is probably bringing them in. Also, if you walk your dog in grass or weeds (i.e., off the path, sidewalk or road), ticks will attach themselves to your dog's fur, your pant legs, shoes, etc. It's best to inspect for and remove ticks BEFORE entering your Airstream or vehicle.

See links below regarding ticks, removal, treatments, etc.:

• Getting a Tick Off of Your Dog - Humane Society of the US
  
  
• 10 Best Ways to Get Rid of & Prevent Ticks on Dogs - petMD
  
  
• Dog Flea & Tick Medications - Walmart -- These products can repel and/or kill fleas and ticks, but read directions carefully. Improper use/application can be hazardous to your pet, and you.

Ticks can carry Lyme Disease and other ailments; so it's wise to avoid grassy areas, if possible (especially, deep wet grass and weeds), and inspect for ticks on both you and your dog, after walks. However, no need to panic; they're just bugs. Control and treatment are easy, once you are aware of their presence.

[Lily&Me]

Google bedbugs online and make sure that is what you have.

Then google how to rid yourself of them, or whatever else you determine they are.

My experience with ticks is that they imbed, not bite and run.

Maggie

[Natomb]

Thanks, all! Went to Urgent Care and turns out the bites were from chiggers. Eliment cream for killing the imbedded chiggers under the skin. Washed everything washable and sprayed with Rid as per doctor's instructions. We are good to go., lesson learned. (Keep to roads and paths. No shortcuts through the woods.) Again, thanks for all of your ideas.

[xrvr]

One of the reasons we camp is to not get bedbugs from motel rooms.

[centennialman]

Please be careful of pesticide use around your dog(s). Google the word IMHA and read up on it. One of the major suspect items is pesticides as the cause for triggering this horrible disease. You won't know if your dog has it until they actually do. There is no test ahead of time. I lost Oliver, my best buddy in the world to this horrible disease just after a camping trip in July.

[Boxite]

Chiggers, also known as "redbugs" can drive you nuts. They live on foliage awaiting your arrival to get on you for their next meal. Their saliva raises small welts which itch like madd.

Flowers-of-Sulphur.... found in pharmacies and drug stores is a useful and safe repellent. This is sulfur-powder and you can dust it onto your socks, shoes, pants legs, your own legs, etc.. PRIOR to your hike as needed to repel the little buggers.

Treatment is antihistamines like benedryl taken internally, and camphor oil or anti-itch cream and patience.

[Lily&Me]

I got chiggers once, from hiking in woods....wicked little critters.

They get under your skin, and burrow.

I was told to put 1/4 cup or so of bleach in a half bathtub of water and soak for awhile, and it would kill them.

It did.

Maggie