Reports indicate that between September and January, at least four guests lodging in hotels along the Las Vegas Strip had unwelcome encounters with bed bugs in their accommodations.
Several prominent hotels along the Strip, including The Encore, The Venetian, The Mirage, and the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, were confirmed to have sightings of these pests by health inspectors from the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD).
One guest filed a complaint after encountering bed bugs while staying at the Excalibur in October 2023. The hotel responded with an investigation, and upon confirmation of bed bugs by SNHD, the affected room underwent treatment without any fines imposed.
Similarly, another guest reported bed bugs at the Mirage in October 2023 and received a refund after notifying hotel management. Bed bugs were also discovered in the box spring mattress during treatment, although a follow-up visit by health department officials found no remaining bed bugs.
At the Venetian in September, a guest who reported bed bugs was promptly relocated to a different suite. Upon inspection by health department crews, bed bugs were confirmed, leading to treatment of the room.
The last incident involved a guest at the Encore in December 2023, who reported potential bed bugs in her room. A bed bug detection dog was brought in and discovered “one live bug,” prompting the immediate removal of the room from service for treatment.
A statement from a gaming and resort advocacy group emphasized the rarity of such incidents, noting that with 155,000 rooms and 41 million annual visitors, only four rooms were affected over a span of five months.
Here are some tips from SNHD on how to prevent encounters with bed bugs while traveling:
- Upon entering your hotel room, immediately inspect for bed bugs.
- Utilize the luggage rack by placing your bags on it. The metal or plastic legs of the rack create a barrier that makes it difficult for bed bugs to access your belongings. Ensure the rack is kept away from walls.
- Examine the mattress and headboard for any signs of bed bugs.
- Pull back the sheets and look for dark brown spots on the mattress. Additionally, inspect the crevices and folds of the mattress for indications such as shed skin, live insects, or fecal matter.
How to Identify a Potentially Infested Hotel
- Read Reviews:
- Check online reviews on reputable travel websites. Look for recent reviews mentioning bed bugs.
- Look for patterns or multiple complaints about the same issue.
- Inspect Hotel Room:
- Upon entering the room, place your luggage in the bathroom or on a luggage rack away from the bed.
- Check the mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture for signs of bed bugs.
- Look for tiny, reddish-brown bugs, dark spots (fecal matter), or shed skins.
- Check Bedding:
- Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress and box spring thoroughly.
- Look for blood stains, fecal spots, or bed bug shells.
- Inspect Furniture:
- Check upholstered chairs, sofas, and curtains for signs of infestation.
- Use a flashlight to examine cracks, crevices, and seams.
- Look for Clues:
- Musty odor: Bed bugs release a musty, sweet odor.
- Small, itchy bites on your skin, especially in a linear or clustered pattern.
Precautions to Take:
- Use Luggage Protection:
- Keep luggage off the floor and bed.
- Use a hard-sided suitcase or a luggage cover to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride.
- Seal Clothing:
- Keep clothing in sealed plastic bags or use travel compression bags.
- This prevents bed bugs from hiding in your clothes.
- Inspect Before Unpacking:
- Before settling in, conduct a thorough inspection of the room.
- Pay close attention to the bed, including the mattress, headboard, and nearby furniture.
- Keep Items Elevated:
- Avoid placing personal items on upholstered furniture or the floor.
- Use hooks or hangers to keep clothes off the ground.
- Notify Management:
- If you suspect bed bugs, notify hotel management immediately.
- Request a different room that is not adjacent to or directly above/below the infested room.
- Wash Clothes After Travel:
- When returning home, wash and dry all clothing on high heat.
- This kills any potential bed bugs that may have traveled back with you.
- Inspect Your Belongings:
- After returning home, inspect your luggage, bags, and belongings.
- Vacuum your suitcase and consider using a garment steamer on your clothes.
- Monitor for Bites:
- Keep an eye out for any bites or itching after your stay.
- If you suspect bed bugs, seek medical advice and inspect your home.
Content Contributor: Juhi Saluja
