WARNING: The following blog contains factual information with an "ick"-factor of 7.5 or 8 on a scale of 1-10.
It happened Friday morning. It was 6 AM and we had late-sleep because of the blizzard. I was the only one up. I decided to do some research. It had been five days since I left Amherst. I noticed some spider bites on my hands and face. I thought perhaps a little one had spun his way into my bed. I didn't know anything about spider bites, so I went on-line and looked up insect bites. By 6:30 I was in an absolute panic. The pattern of the bites indicated a reality my mind could not quite grasp. Three little puncture wounds in a straight line, within one week of a motel stay means just one thing - BED BUGS. Yup. I can barely write the words without itching. I ran to my room and stripped the bed linens right down to the mattress and box spring. I put everything though the hot water cycle before the others sisters woke. Before we gathered for Morning Prayer, I had to tell them that we had bed bugs. They were just wonderful. We called the exterminator straight away and they came within hours. The early diagnosis meant that my bedroom was the only "crime scene." And, as the only "victim", I had to remove every item of clothing from my closet and dresser and run them through the hot water cycle as well. Sister Connie helped me. It took two days! The room, mattress, box spring and chair were treated and steamed. The room has been closed off until the SECOND bug treatment next Monday. Until then, I am sleeping in a small bedroom on the second floor. The bites on my arms, hands, face and neck, (50 at last count) have begun to heal. The itching has gone way down and they are much less visible. I spend two nights in a very clean, comfortable motel and became an "all-you-can-eat" buffet for a hungry mob of blood-sucking bugs. (I know GOD created these creatures for a purpose, but right now I am out of mercy and forgiveness."
I spoke with the manager of the motel chain. She went up to room #218, turned over the mattress and discovered an infestation. It will take them three months to complete the treatment. I was impressed with her honesty, her willingness to apologize and her desire to keep this from happening to another guest.
I am, now, an expert on bed bugs. The exterminator was quite impressed with what I learned in 30 minutes on the Internet. First, bed bugs have nothing to do with a place being clean or dirty. They have resurfaced the US in the last three years because of international travel. The come in luggage from countries where they are not controlled. They can hop a ride on clothing, too. When they bite you, you normally won't feel it. You'll sleep right through the attack and notice tiny punctures that will grow to be nickel-sized welts. Most bed bugs don't carry disease., though there are exceptions. They are basically vampires. It's your warmth and your blood they seek. They conceal themselves in the daylight - usually in the box spring or in the crevices of the mattress. They are smart bugs. They learn your sleep pattern quickly. And after a hearty meal at your expense, they have babies and rest for a few days. If you think you've been attacked by bed bugs, CALL A PROFESSIONAL ASAP. Don't try to by a chemical treatment from a grocery store. These suckers (pun intended) are smart, small and fertile! Fortunately, we made the connection early - even before all of the bites became visible.
Now, if you made through this blog, give yourself a pat on the back. I wasn't going to tell anyone but my prioress. Then, after a few days of Cortisone cream and crying periodically, I decided that telling this tale might help someone else. Here is the bottom line. You cannot necessarily see these bugs when you check in. If you stay in hotels/motels frequently, it doesn't matter how upscale the chain. A room can be totally clean and even luxurious, an have an infestation. When you have slept in a motel, the minute you get home, empty the suitcase and your clothing right into the washer and turn it on "hot." Wash out your suitcase with Lysol or VERY hot water. Then, if you've inadvertently brought home "company," they will meet their Maker somewhere close to the spin cycle. May you never have to go through what we've been through this weekend. I pray for those who live in countries where these creatures have free reign and for those who cannot afford the necessary treatment.
Blessings and love to you all...
- Sister Vicki
