Ants

[westjones]

We just stayed at BWVs for the first time last week. We loved the resort and the location. The only problem we encountered was ants. We had a problem with ants at OKW when we stayed there in 2003. Is this common in all DVC resorts? Do you usually pack ant spray or can you request they put some in your room? How do you guys handle it? I realize that it is Florida and there will be bugs, I just want to know how we should deal with this issue in the future since it seems to be a common problem.

Thanks,
DJ

 

[jimh13432]

we've always found that if you leave absolutely NO TRACE what-so-ever of food, crumbs, soft drinks, sugar, or any food product , you will minimize any ants. Other than that, welcome to Florida!

 

[DebbieB]

I agree, be sure to keep the counters wiped up. Last year we were in 3123 and my mom accidentally left a package of crackers open on the counter. We had ants in the morning. Took the food off the counter, wiped it down and it was OK. This year we were in 5051 and came back from MVMCP one night and found ants on the counter. Nothing was left open but it's possible a little syrup was spilled or a crumb left. Again, we wiped it down and didn't see too many after that. I would put any food you have on the table rather than the counter. I really think they come out of the sink, I saw some in there. I ran hot water in the sink. I wonder if the garbage disposal attracts them too.

 

[westjones]

We found the ants around a paper cup that had Coke in it that my DD left by the sink. I am sure that is what attracted them this time.

Last time we had them in the laundry room under the portable hamper we set up with our dirty clothes. Must has had food some one piece of clothing we put in there.

I guess we just have to be careful. We don't have problems with ants too often here in Indiana except in the summer, and we put ant stuff (powder) around the house and that usually takes care of it, so we are not use to them.

I will tell the girls to clean up after themselves better next time.

DJ

 

[rocketriter]

It's not a DVC problem, it's a Florida problem. Remember, the Everglades are technically classified as a "jungle" and anything near them is, shall we say, especially rich in bio-material. Keep everything wiped, and if that doesn't work, call MS. They're used to dealing with ants.

 

[kathleena]

I've never had ants at BWV, OKW or BCV.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Never had ants at SSR - but I'm sure it's too far for them to walk.

 

[Pa@okw95]

10 years of vacations at OKW and never saw an ant and really only one bug and that was on the porch at night with the light on. I don't know what to tell you except if you find ants you have to break their trail from where they are coming from with ant spray. Just wiping it will not do it. At any rate a lot of these problems are caused by these rooms being stuffed with people to the max. Many people now use the living room for a bedroom etc. More people means more food and more ants. Never saw one yet at OKW, but of course we don't eat in our rooms either.

 

[greenban]

10 years of vacations at OKW and never saw an ant and really only one bug and that was on the porch at night with the light on. I don't know what to tell you except if you find ants you have to break their trail from where they are coming from with ant spray. Just wiping it will not do it. At any rate a lot of these problems are caused by these rooms being stuffed with people to the max. Many people now use the living room for a bedroom etc. More people means more food and more ants. Never saw one yet at OKW, but of course we don't eat in our rooms either.

PA just a question......

Is the number of ants (infestation coefficient) proportional to the number of people stuffed into the room? i.e. 7 in a studio, many more ants than 5 in a studio?

Actually before you flame me, I usually agree with you on occupancy issues, but couldn't pass up this reply! (My twisted sense of humor!)

-Tony

 

[DebbieB]

The 2 times we had ants we had 2 people in a 1 bedroom. They came mid-stay so it wasn't related to the people who occupied the room prior. I can't believe this is going to turn into an occupancy discussion.

 

[DisFlan]

rocketriter is right - ants are a Florida phenomenon. The ground is full of them, as well as a lot of other bugs. (Wait 'til you come eye to eye with a Palmetto bug! They're big and ugly.) The resorts work hard to keep ants and other bugs to a minimum without turning the whole place into an chemically pest-controlled wasteland, but sooner or later on some trip, you'll see them.

Keeping your villa clean of sugary stuff is the best way to keep ants at bay. But even that isn't a guarantee you won't see them. If they're travelling from one area to another, they'll march through a building to get to where they're going.

DisFlan

 

[DukeStreetKing]

Living in Florida can be a challenge with ants during certain times of the year. I found a few things that work well. I use lots of Tupperware-type containers to store virtually all my perishables in. Not only do they stay fresh longer, it keeps the bugs away. Also, I put alot of items in the refridgerator and I have forced myself to be neater than I normally am. I guess that's a hidden benefit.

Good luck.

 

[timC]

We have NEVER had ant problem at any of the resorts we stay at.. typically BWV and VWLs ...and we've even been know to actually use the living room of our 1BR as a bedroom!

 

[brittsmum1998]

And we eat in our villa and have never had an ant problem either