Gettin a Little Nervous About The Bed Bugs Biting

[1hero2princesses]

Ok. I get it. Bed bugs are becoming a problem. Ironically that was what my parents always said to me as a kid when I went to bed. Didn't know what it meant then! How exactly do I look for them when we first get in? I lived in Florida with my parents on and off. I am used to big bugs, frogs, snakes. Heck I once lived in a roach infested apartment building. But now I have kids. One of whom has turned out to be very allergic to bug bites. He swells like a balloon. We actually had to take him to the ER a few months ago. His arm was so swollen they were concerned about infection. We have never had bed bugs but based on his allergic issues I sure wouldn't want to see what would happen if we did. So what do I do when I get into the room? Do I have to tear the bed apart? Do I need to bring a flashlight? Can I bring a flashlight in a carryon?

[thesupersmartguy]

Pull up the edge of the sheets and look in the seams of the mattress.

[mickey2000]

[GDD Mouse Fan]

I posted on the other "bed bug" thread but:
I work in medial equipment and we have to spray upholstery for bedbugs if we pick up equipment, we use a product called sterifab, you can get it off the internet if you are really concerned. I has a strong rubbing alcohol smell but that goes away after a few hours. It also kill fleas, lice, mold, viruses (H1N1 anyone?)

[Minnie&Nana]

Originally Posted by GDD Mouse Fan

I posted on the other "bed bug" thread but:
I work in medial equipment and we have to spray upholstery for bedbugs if we pick up equipment, we use a product called sterifab, you can get it off the internet if you are really concerned. I has a strong rubbing alcohol smell but that goes away after a few hours. It also kill fleas, lice, mold, viruses (H1N1 anyone?)

Checked this out on line - a rather larger container. Not sure if it could be packed in luggage for plane travel.

[HelenParr]

OP, I think many of us want to be sure we have a bed bug free zone on vacation, and will check, even if it seems mildly neurotic.

If you do a careful inspection when you arrive...pull back sheets, check box spring seams, mattress seams. Look for anything not white. It wouldn't hurt to take a small flashlight and check once this first night (because the day time inspection should be enough, but just in case these bed bugs are better hiders). The overwhelming chances are you will be all clear. But it is reaonsable to look (and best to do before you unpack!)

(I can't say about the sterifab. Not sure I'd spray prophylactically unless I had a specific concern.)

[GDD Mouse Fan]

Originally Posted by HelenParr

(I can't say about the sterifab. Not sure I'd spray prophylactically unless I had a specific concern.)

This product or two others are probably what Disney uses as there are only three "approved treatments" for bed bugs (at least in IN, here you have to have a license to "disinfect" mattresses). they do sell a smaller size (1pint), I've use this stuff at home also, it kills dust mites and I've got a house full of allergy laden people, and it really helps with the beds and the carpet!

But as far as being concerned about bed bugs...I college I worked at a hotel, and If you inspect your room before you "settle in " If you find anything wrong the hotel will insure that they make it right. I always check the room for cleanliness. Bathrooms (shower curtains are the worst!!!) and make sure the comforters are clean.

I also check around the edge of the beds on the floor (you'd be suprized how often this is overlooked during cleaning I've found a chicken bone and Rx pills under there) After I'm satisfied that the room was cleaned to the best of their ability (remember they get tons of people that come through each year hotels will always have to possibility of one issue or another) I settle in for my vacation and don't think about the room again!!!

[cottontail]

Hello:

Has there been a problem with bed bugs at wdw hotels lately? I have been down 8 times and never a problem.

Deb.

[momof3+twins]

I have never seen ANY bug in my room at Disney. I think you are safe. In fact..I don't think I have ever been bitten by even a mosquito there!

[disnut8]

Bed bugs can be anywhere at any time. They can be at a five star hotel all the way down to the Bates Motel. Bed bugs don't know how much people pay for a room, they just live.

That being said, just check your room when you get there. If you see nothing, relax and have a good time. Disney does an excellent job with dealing with bed bugs but there's absolutely no way for any establishment to ever say they have never nor will never have bed bugs. Because they don't control what people bring in with them. And the people who bring in bed bugs almost always don't realize they are doing just that.

[exit30]

My new pajamas for Oct.

[rflorek]

If you're that worried about bed bugs, NEVER order a mattress from a company that will deliver but also take away your old mattress. There have been many stories in my area recently about people who bought a new mattress that was held on a box truck with old, removed mattresses. The bed bugs migrated from the old mattresses to the new.

[pixidustmom]

Originally Posted by exit30

My new pajamas for Oct.

[Melanie230]

Originally Posted by exit30

My new pajamas for Oct.

Too funny!

[Rootskate]

Originally Posted by rflorek

If you're that worried about bed bugs, NEVER order a mattress from a company that will deliver but also take away your old mattress. There have been many stories in my area recently about people who bought a new mattress that was held on a box truck with old, removed mattresses. The bed bugs migrated from the old mattresses to the new.

You know, I never would have thought about that but it makes perfect sense. Eww.....