Whether they are seasoned campers or newcomers, children eagerly anticipate their time at camp. From forging new friendships to immersing themselves in nature and embracing novel experiences, every moment at camp is a journey filled with cherished memories destined to endure a lifetime.
Despite the many joys of camp life, the presence of an unwelcome guest can sometimes dampen the experience. In recent times, the resurgence of bed bugs in North America has become a concern, with these pests often lurking in hotels, multi-unit residences, and temporary accommodations like camps. While bed bugs can be bothersome, it’s important to note that they do not transmit diseases to humans.
Fortunately, there are straightforward measures that can be implemented to prevent children from inadvertently bringing bed bugs to camp or returning home with them. We are actively implementing preventive measures within our camp facilities, and we kindly ask for your cooperation in adhering to the packing guidelines outlined below:
Packing For Camp
- Conduct a visual inspection of your belongings for any signs of bugs. Remove sleeping bags, blankets, and luggage from storage, and carefully examine them outdoors for any indications of bugs or eggs.
- Place bedding or luggage in the clothes dryer and tumble them on a high heat setting for 30 minutes. The heat effectively eliminates bed bugs and their eggs. For items unsuitable for the dryer, consider vacuuming or cleaning them with soap, water, or alcohol-based products to eradicate bed bugs.
- Utilize a heavy gauge garbage bag as a liner inside your luggage. Seal all clothing within the liner by tightly twisting and knotting it to prevent bed bugs from infiltrating. Similarly, encase bedding in a separate garbage bag for added protection. Opting for duffle bags as campers’ luggage is advisable since they can be easily accommodated in a dryer for thorough cleaning.
- Ensure you pack additional garbage bags for your child. Include two extras—one designated for dirty clothing and the other for soiled bedding.
- Insect repellents. Encourage children to apply insect repellent during outdoor activities to ward off mosquitoes and ticks. However, refrain from using repellents while sleeping. Safeguard your child’s belongings from bed bugs by applying products containing permethrin, specifically labeled for fabric use, onto backpacks, duffel bags, and the exterior of sleeping bags. Always adhere to the instructions on the product label when applying permethrin products.
Coming Home From Camp
- Before bringing items indoors, thoroughly inspect those that cannot be laundered in a washer/dryer for any signs of bed bugs outdoors. Clean them if necessary before bringing them inside. Place bedding and clothes stored in garbage bags directly into the washer/dryer, then dispose of the plastic bag outdoors.
- Ensure all camp items are thoroughly cleaned. For items suitable for laundering, utilize a hot water setting and tumble dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. For items unsuitable for laundering, such as suitcases, consider vacuuming or cleaning them with soap, water, or alcohol-based products as alternative options.
- Wipe off shoes. Cleanse the soles of shoes by wiping them with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
This information was made available by the Michigan Bed Bug Working Group. For additional information & resources, see:
- https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/bed-bugs
- https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs
- https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/emergingdiseases/Folder2/Bed_bugs_camps.pdf
ESS Universal manufactures and supplies high-quality, cost-effective commercial grade beds, mattresses, and furniture to camps, hostels, shelters, dorms and more. View our entire line of furniture products including our popular waterproof foam mattress for institutional use, single metal bed frames, single over single bunk beds, single over double bunk beds, and triple bunk beds. Download our catalog for detailed information on our complete product line.
