"Unfortunately, some tenants disregard the established regulations regarding bedbugs in mountain huts"
## Bedbug Problem at August-Schuster-House: Solutions and Prevention
In a bid to address a persistent bedbug issue at the August-Schuster-House in Pürschling, Munich, a comprehensive approach focusing on solutions and prevention measures has been implemented.
### Understanding Bedbugs
Bedbugs, small, reddish-brown insects about 4-5 mm long, are nocturnal creatures that feed on human blood. They are most active at night, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day.
### Solutions to Bedbug Infestation
To combat the bedbug infestation, a combination of professional treatment, non-chemical methods, and chemical solutions is being employed.
1. **Professional Treatment**: Pest control services specializing in bedbug eradication have been engaged. Additionally, heat treatments, a non-chemical method that uses special equipment to heat rooms to a lethal temperature for bedbugs, are being utilized.
2. **Non-Chemical Methods**: Washing and drying all bedding, clothing, and other items that can be washed in hot water (at least 120°F) and high heat, as well as thorough vacuuming of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and other areas where bedbugs may be hiding, are part of the non-chemical approach.
3. **Chemical Methods**: Insecticides specifically labeled for bedbug control are being used, always adhering to the instructions on the label.
### Prevention Measures
Preventive measures include regular inspections, sealing entry points, using mattress encasements, being cautious with secondhand items, education and communication, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
1. **Regular Inspections**: Regular checks for signs of bedbugs, such as small red spots or bloodstains, are conducted.
2. **Seal Entry Points**: Cracks and crevices around windows, door frames, and other areas where bedbugs might hide are being sealed using caulk.
3. **Protective Covers**: Mattress encasements that are bedbug-proof are being used to trap bedbugs inside or prevent them from entering the mattress.
4. **Avoid Secondhand Items**: Secondhand furniture or items are being handled with caution, as they can harbour bedbugs.
5. **Education and Communication**: Residents and staff are being educated about how to identify and report bedbugs early, and open communication is encouraged to ensure prompt action if bedbugs are found.
6. **Regular Cleaning**: High standards of cleanliness and hygiene are being maintained in all areas, especially in sleeping quarters.
The renovation of the August-Schuster-House, scheduled for completion in July, will eliminate the "endless" cracks where bedbugs hide during the day, reducing their hiding spots. The renovation will also result in 58 overnight accommodations instead of 60 at the Pürschling House.
The Deutsche Alpenverein (DAV) aims to permanently solve the problem with freshly renovated rooms in the August-Schuster-House. Visitors are required to put their backpacks in a separate room, and hut sleeping bags are disinfected in the microwave to contain the spread of bedbugs.
Despite the bedbug problem and the withdrawal of bookings, Judith Krabbat, who has been managing the Pürschling House since May, remains optimistic. The August-Schuster-House had a complete shutdown of the winter operation due to bedbugs in 2016.
The DAV section Bergland is spending a significant amount of money to tackle the bedbug problem at the Pürschling House. The responsible parties are appealing to their guests to help address the issue. The Pürschling House will rely on heat treatments instead of chemical or biological agents to eliminate bedbugs.
During the day, the insects sleep, but at night, their six little legs come to life, making them a nuisance for adult humans. The insects feel comfortable in rooms filled with wood, including mountain huts, which may contribute to the persistence of the bedbug problem in such environments.
In the midst of the renewal efforts at the August-Schuster-House, a pet-friendly outdoor living space is being introduced to complement the home-and-garden area, catering to four-legged companions of guests.
To ensure a comfortable lifestyle for all, special attention will be given to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene for both the home-and-garden and pet-friendly outdoor areas, including regular checks for signs of unwanted pests, such as bedbugs.
