{"id":5406,"date":"2023-05-23T15:45:09","date_gmt":"2023-05-23T13:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/non-classifiee\/punaises-de-lit-le-fleau-des-refuges-gr20-en-corse\/"},"modified":"2025-10-02T11:08:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T09:08:32","slug":"bedbugs-the-scourge-of-corsicas-gr20-refuges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/en\/our-advice\/bedbugs-the-scourge-of-corsicas-gr20-refuges\/","title":{"rendered":"Beware of bed bugs on the GR20 trail in Corsica!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A must-see for hiking enthusiasts, Corsica’s GR20 trail attracts many visitors every year. Unfortunately, bed bugs are now invading the lodges, refuges and hostels along the trail. All tourist establishments are affected, even Corsica Ferries boats. With such a high turnover of hikers, it is difficult to get rid of these highly resistant bed bugs. Here are our useful tips to protect yourself against bed bugs during your hike. From packing your bag to returning home, we tell you everything you need to know to ensure your GR20 adventure remains beautiful and unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Key information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u27a1\ufe0f The GR20 is particularly prone to bed bugs due to the high number of hikers, shared sleeping arrangements, and wooden shelters that are conducive to infestations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Signs to look out for:<\/strong> black or reddish-brown spots on bedding, clusters of itchy bites, insects clustered in seams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Good habits when hiking:<\/strong> use a washable sleeping bag, mattress cover or mosquito net, store your belongings in sealed bin bags, inspect each sleeping area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u27a1\ufe0f In case of bites or contamination:<\/strong> clean the skin, apply a soothing cream, isolate your belongings, then wash or freeze all textiles upon your return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Prevention is a collective effort:<\/strong> hikers, shelters and authorities must cooperate to limit the spread and protect the reputation of the GR20 Corsica.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why are bed bugs present on the GR20?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Punaises<\/figure>
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High numbers of hikers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The GR20 trail in Corsica attracts between 15,000 and 18,000 hikers<\/a> from all over the world every year. This high volume of travellers is the main cause of bed bug infestations. All it takes is for one sleeper to arrive with a contaminated bag or sleeping bag for these tiny blood-sucking insects to take up residence in a refuge. This is what happened, for example, at the Manganu and Usciolu refuges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Several hikers have also reported infestations in certain mountain huts in the south, particularly around Sart\u00e8ne. Some accounts describe difficult nights with multiple bites, sometimes forcing hikers to sleep outside in tents for lack of a better option.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ideal conditions in shelters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The shelters and lodges along the GR20 trail provide an environment that is very favourable to bedbugs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n