Creepy crawlies: bed bugs were recently discovered at several prominent Las Vegas resorts and casinos, according to a report just released by the Southern Nevada Health District. These hotels include the Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Resorts World, the Hilton, and many more.

In an unexpected revelation, bed bugs, typically associated with budget accommodations, have been found infesting some of Las Vegas' most luxurious resorts. According to a recent report filed by the Southern Nevada Health District, live bed bugs were detected at the Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Hilton Grand Vacations, and Resorts World between February and August 2024. The findings, first reported by KLAS-TV in Las Vegas, have raised concerns about the prevalence of these pests at high-end hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.

Bed bugs: unseen guests at luxury hotels

The SNHD report reveals that the insects were found at multiple prominent resorts during routine health inspections. Bed bugs were discovered at the Bellagio and Resorts World during an investigation conducted on the 8th of February. Another incident at the Cosmopolitan occurred in May when hotel guests reported seeing the pests on the headboard of their bed. In the most recent case, an infestation was uncovered at the Hilton Grand Vacations in August.

Bed bugs are infamously elusive, often avoiding detection due to their small size and nocturnal habits. They can reproduce rapidly and are able to survive for up to six months without a meal. Complicating the issue is their near-complete immunity to many commonly used pesticides, making extermination efforts particularly challenging.

Growing concerns amid lawsuits

The SNHD's report comes on the heels of a lawsuit filed by a woman from Mississippi, Krystal Nailer, who claims she suffered severe bed bug bites during a stay at The Strat resort in October of 2022. According to the lawsuit, Nailer experienced "permanent scarring" on her leg and buttocks and is seeking $30,000 in damages. Nailer alleges that the hotel "deliberately and recklessly" neglected to inspect her room for bed bugs or, if aware of their presence, failed to take adequate measures to eradicate them.

This lawsuit is just one of many that have been filed in recent years against Las Vegas hotels, with bed bug incidents becoming a growing concern. Since 2021, a total of 17 resorts on the Strip have reported bed bug infestations. In addition to the Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, and Resorts World, other affected properties include Circus Circus, Caesars Palace, Excalibur, Encore, Mirage, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Palazzo, Park MGM, Sahara, Venetian, and the now-imploded Tropicana.

Response from industry insiders

Despite the growing number of cases, the Nevada Resort Association, which represents hotels across the state, has been largely silent on the recent findings. However, in February, the association issued a statement addressing the issue, stating that the bed bug incidents were relatively low compared to the sheer volume of hotel rooms and visitors. The statement emphasized that Las Vegas resorts implement "comprehensive and proactive health and safety measures and pest-control procedures" to manage the problem.

Relative to the state's 155,000 rooms and 41 million visitors annually, the minute number of incidents reflects the preventive steps Las Vegas resorts have in place, stated the association.

Protecting yourself from bed bugs

Although bed bugs are notoriously difficult to detect, there are some warning signs that hotel guests can look out for. The most common symptoms of bed bug bites include inflamed red spots on the skin, often arranged in lines. The bites can cause rashes, itching, allergic reactions, and, in severe cases, infections if excessively scratched. Aside from bites, telltale signs of a bed bug infestation include reddish stains on a mattress or bed frame which indicate crushed bugs, and small black dots, which are bed bug feces.

Experts recommend that travelers conduct thorough checks of their hotel rooms before unpacking. To minimize risk, it is advised to store suitcases in the bathtub or another elevated surface while examining the bed, sheets, and mattress for any suspicious signs. While these precautions may seem extreme, they can help travelers avoid unpleasant surprises during their stay.