DVC bedbugs?

[JoEllen]

Just read a disgusting article in todays paper about the resurgence of bedbugs as a household pest. It stated they were more likely to populate the warmer southern climates of the U.S. They reported that even the nicer resorts and hotels are battling a bedbug problem.

Seattle is only conducive to mold, slugs and Starbucks, but not bedbugs! Is this something we need to check for when we check into our DVC digs? Anyone heard of bedbug problems at Disney?

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I am not worried about it, but as someone who spends literally half their life in hotels, I always give the bed a once-over.

What do bed bugs look like? Are they large enough to see at a glance?

MG

 

[Blackunicorn]

I was under the impression that bedbugs were lice, which can live just about anywhere. Also, lice are TINY so they would be hard to spot. Does anyone know for sure what bedbugs are?

 

[Blackunicorn]

I answered my own question...

http://medent.usyd.edu.au/fact/bedbugs.html

Now I'm scared!

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
What do bed bugs look like?
MG

 

[goofy4tink]

I saw an article also. It said that you could see them. That you would really have to have an exterminator come it. In order to prevent them, you could put your bed post legs in jars since the bugs can't fly, or grease the legs with petroleum jelly!!! I was lying in bed last night just itching thinking about them. Yuck. They seem to have to be brought in by something else, but are quite prolific once there.

 

[spiceycat]

always - if there is blood in the room - ask for another room.....

although at Disney - this has never happen to us - other places - oh yea!!!

we were lucky nothing bad happen!!!

 

[OKW91]

Oh great!!!! I'm itching already, and I just started the proccess of adding on another 150 points! Now I will have to bring jars and vasoline with me to the resort!!!!

 

[PamOKW]

It won't do much good for an individual to grease the bedposts, etc. Those are preventative measures after the room has been cleaned. It won't keep them out after the room is infested.

The article was disconcerting. It sounds like the bugs are miniscule and are likely to be missed. People have them in their homes and usually think the little bites are an allergic reaction before they finally see the bugs.

It sounds like the hotel industry is aware of the problem so I'm sure Disney is doing their best. Not much we as individuals can do except try to take a look at the bedding and check into it promptly if you awake with little red bites.

 

[tigger2on]

Haviing worked in the shelter system.... the chemicals that extermonators use on these bugs is not very effective. It seems that they have built up an immunity to it and can survive spraying.
They will even go into a hibrenation state and go into the walls when they have fed enough!
Trust me... they are not a good thing. That is why you should wash every article of clothing you have whenever you come home from vacation immediately to make sure you don't transfer them into your own home!!!!
These are really hard to get rid of!
It's not usually the resort that gets them... it's usually a guest that brings them in!

 

[Disney Doll]

I've never had a problem at a DVC resort, and we're there at l;east a couple of times a year and have stayed at the majority of the resorts.

I do lways wash all my clothes when I get home, not because of bugs, but because I hate that "suitcase/airplane" smell.

 

[OneMoreTry]

Originally posted by Disney Doll
I've never had a problem at a DVC resort, and we're there at l;east a couple of times a year and have stayed at the majority of the resorts.

I do lways wash all my clothes when I get home, not because of bugs, but because I hate that "suitcase/airplane" smell.

From what I understand they are transported in the suitcase and not on the clothing. They can get under the lining.

Supposedly they have a distinct odor. I've never smelled it, though, and hopefully never will.

 

[pumpkinboy]

I have one thing to say about bedbugs:
Eeewww

 

[colleen costello]

I got caught up in a thread about these nasty critters last Spring, and did some internet research on them. They are hard to get rid of. The main thing to look for upon check-in is reddish brown "rusty" marks -- evidently these little guys leave skidmarks on the covers. If you examine a mattress and see any rusty-colored marks, RUN AWAY!

 

[Mickmse2002]

OK, now I'm totally grossed out!

 

[BarbR-Atlanta]

I just read a lengthy article about bedbugs. Supposedly, they have not been a problem for the past 50 years, until now, because the strong chemicals exterminators used in the past would keep them in check. Now, they seem to have found their way back. They are the size of small watermelon seeds, and are brown until they "feed", and they grow bigger and turn reddish-brown (Ewww).
They live under the mattresses, in the baseboards, etc. and come out when it is dark, and quiet. You can see them, but you can't feel them when they bite, because their saliva contains an anesthetic. You will end up with welts, that look like mosquito bites, with a ring around them. Evidently, the bite is annoying, but harmless (just gross). I travel extensively, and have yet to encounter them, but I understand they give off a sweet smell from their glands. Also, you will see traces of blood after they feed. I read that you should ALWAYS store your suitcases outside, and never, never put it on your bed (I always did).
I feel really crawly right now......

 

[lodgelady]

colleen and BarbR...thanks for tips on what to look for. It helps to know there is some way of detecting them.

Having worked in the Hotel biz, I am pretty sure that any Floridaian hotel of quality is on a preventive pest control regime of spraying. Bugs of all types flourish there.

One plus for the DVC is that the turnover rate (how long people stay) is probably much lower than most hotels as people tend to stay a few days to a week rather than just one night. So, the odds of infestation may actually be lower than most hotels.