Boardwalk Bed Bugs?

[KaraKW]

My DH and I just arrived home from BWV. During our stay, we noticed little spots of blood on the sheets --that were NOT there when we went to bed, yet we couldn't seem to find any indication of cuts on either of us. We decided to switch the sheets on the bed, using the extra ones that were in the closet. We inspected them closely, and they were clean. Yet, the next morning, there were more spots of blood on the bed! Also, we noticed little itchy insect-bite-like marks on various parts of our bodies.

Has anyone had an experience like this? Does WDW have a sanitation method that prevents these? I'm considering contacting the BWV -- not to complain or "get something out of this" -- but just to let them know in case bed bugs are a problem in that room.

I'm a little paranoid about it. I'm trying to convice myself that we've been bitten by mosquitoes or are having an allergic reaction to something, but that still wouldn't explain the spots of blood on the sheets. Needless to say, my DH and I washed every article of clothing in hot water when we got home. We also left our luggage outside in case some bugs were "hitchhiking" along with us!

Any thoughts, similar experiences, suggestions? Thanks!

 

[CarolMN]

First of all, sorry that happened to you!

We've been guests at the BWV 6 or 7 times since 1999 and have not EVER experienced anything like you describe. Doesn't mean that I don't believe you, though. Bugs can show up anywhere at any time!

Please do call or write to let them know about it. You'll be doing all the future guests a big favor!

 

[ducklite]

I agree, absolutely call them and let them know about it! Also, it's possible you brought them back home with you, you might want to give your luggage/bed/clothes a careful checjing over!

Anne

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Not to be negative, but what you describe sounds a lot like scabies. This is a mite which burrows into the skin and causes an allergic-type reaction with bumps on the skin, often in folds, or around the belt-line, under the watch, on the feet, etc. You might want to check with a dermatologist if these symptoms persist. I believe it is fairly easy to treat.

This may not even be related to your WDW visit - I think it takes a few weeks to develop the symptoms. You can google "scabies" to get more information, maybe you can eliminate this from your mind, if your symptoms don't match up!!

Good luck!!

 

[HughJackman'n'me]

Funny, I just read an article about bed bugs in this month's "Good Housekeeping" mag, and there seems to be a recent outbreak! DEFINITELY do not bring your luggage into the house before spraying thoroughly! Also wash ALL clothing articles in hot water and dry AT LEAST 20 minutes on "High". Another suggestion is to thoroughly vacuum all mattresses and rugs/carpeting and IMMEDIATELY discard vacuum bag. Bed bugs tend to hide in carpeting mattresses, drapes, pillows and don't come out until dark.....good luck!

 

[gizfish]

This sounds like if could be fleas, but I know there are no animals allowed in the resorts of course. Only thing I can think of is maybe a previous guest had some hitchhiking fleas from home and they decided they would stay on and try to find the mouse? Maybe give the resort a call to alert them to a possible situation.

 

[eljojo]

What room were you in so we don't get the same room on our visit????

 

[dbail2]

I never had anything like this ever happen in any hotel. Please call Disney and let them know. Let us know what they say. I know my DH gets a rash on his ankles every year in Disney and they say it is from the suns reflection off the pavement because it has glass in it.

 

[PKK/MJK]

UGH!! I feel itchy just reading this!!!!! Be sure and post this info over on the DVC thread!! Other 'owners' will want to know so they can be alert for the bedbug signs. I, too, will be interested to hear what Disney has to say about this--although, as someone else mentioned, there is quite a bedbug infestation along the East Coast--including Florida--so it isn't just Disney with the problem.

 

[ryansmom]

Funny, I just read an article about bed bugs in this month's "Good Housekeeping" mag, and there seems to be a recent outbreak!

I read that article too! It was creepy to say the least.

Good Luck KaraKW!

 

[Sammie]

Definitely call the resort and let them know so the room can be treated. I would definitely say bed bugs based on your description.

 

[opal]

I read the Good Housekeeping article too, on the plane trip to Disney last month. DH & DD laughed at me when we checked into Y&B and then later in week at the Swan because the first thing I did, was check the bedding! All clear!!!!

The article said they are becoming more prevelant due to the changes over the years in the types of pesticides being used. Cleanliness is not a factor.
I would definately call the hotel. I guess once they have established themselves they can very difficult to get rid of.

 

[RayJay]

It's the "No see em's", some one help me out here. It's those little bugs in Florida that bite you but you can see them. I don't think the name is "No see em" but it's close.

Read about this before happening at WL.

RayJay

 

[KaraKW]

Thanks for all the info! After doing some more research online, it definitely sounds like bed bugs! I just got off the phone with BWV Housekeeping. I explained the situation and gave them my room number. They were VERY grateful that I had called. Hopefully they will be able to eradicate the nasty little critters. With the recent outbreaks, it sounds like they may have to start doing regular "bed bug checks" in all the rooms!

(I plan to follow-up in writing later this week.)

Thanks again, everyone!

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by RayJay
It's the "No see em's", some one help me out here. It's those little bugs in Florida that bite you but you can see them. I don't think the name is "No see em" but it's close.

Read about this before happening at WL.

RayJay

No see 'ums or biting midges are an outside pest they would not be bitting you in bed.

 

[bunnyfoo]

What's the best way to get rid of bed bugs they happen to get into your clothing and suitcases?

 

[Terry S]

I also read the article in Good Housekeeping and it specifically mentioned the blood on the sheets when you wake up. As someone else mentioned, the no-see ums will leave the itchy type red bug bite spot, but you would not see the the blood on the sheets. That definately sounds like bed bugs. Apparently, when they bite you they leave a numbing type agent so that you don't realize it until later. It also mentioned that that changing the sheets won't really help because they go other places like under the mattress and then come out at night only. The article mentioned that they are becoming a big problem in hotels recently, I was really hoping that Disney would not have the problem. Thank you for letting them know and also for following up, this is really going to creep me out on my next visit.

 

[Candace]

I recently read another article, not the one in GH, that said these bedbugs are on the rise everywhere. The article said something about noticing little white crust-like patches on baseboards or underneath mattresses. Also even recommended putting vaseline on the posts of the bed near the floor so they can't climb? This is scary and brings back memories of my grandfather talking about the "cheenches" in their feather mattresses growing up. Cheenches is another name for bedbugs, but good grief, he was born in 1889!!! I thought we would be *way* past this by 2004!!! I guess they have probably become immune to some of the pesticides like someone mentioned above.

 

[BrianMonk]

Here's link to a fact sheet on bed bugs:

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2105.html

If you read the part under "Injury" it describes quite well what the the bite welt would look like. You could probably determine if this is what you have.

I'm somewhat partial to the picture of the little critter myself, he's kinda cute

 

[amymouse]

Of course these little pests wouldn't find the BRAND NEW mattresses at POFQ appealing at all. Right? (see my signature)