Bed Bugs and the Immortelle de Corsica

Do you know this big bright tufty ball of yellow? It’s a lovely aromatic plant that gives off a warm spicy curry smell.  The Helichrysum (Immortelle d’Italie) likes well drained, arid soil and strong Mediterranean sunshine, understandably, It thrives in Corsica.

What has this got to do with the GR20?  For the last 10 years there has been an epidemic of bedbugs in the refuges.  An alternative to using chemical repellants is to try some essential oils, such as (immortelle d’italie, lavender or citronelle) The immortelle is one of the most potent, powerful and versatile oils in existence and it grows all over the island.

There is nothing in the immediate future that indicates a solution will be found  to this problem.  There are walkers that transport  bugs in their rucksacks and sleeping bags to and from the different refuges and tents daily.  There is  plenty of wood in the old refuges for them to nestle into.