Health inspectors found bed bugs at four Las Vegas strip hotels over the last five months, potentially affecting tourists staying there.
In December 2023, Encore Hotel closed after the Southern Nevada Health District discovered a live bed bug in a guest’s room following complaints.
Between September 2023 and January of this year, bed bugs were found at four Strip resorts, including Encore.
At the Venetian in September, staff relocated a guest to a different suite and arranged for their belongings to be laundered after discovering the critters, according to documents.
In October, a guest at the Mirage complained of bed bug bites and received a refund, while another guest at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino found bed bugs in their room.
“Unfortunately, these pests can be transported anywhere unwittingly in luggage and clothing. While incredibly rare, when reported our members take swift action in accordance with health and safety requirements,” stated The Nevada Resort Association, which represents all Strip hotels.
According to reports, the Southern Nevada Health District applies fees to hotels when bed bugs are discovered and has the authority to close rooms if issues persist.
In a full statement, the Nevada Resort Association said: “The health and safety of our guests and employees is the resort industry’s highest priority. With approximately 155,000 hotel rooms and 41 million annual visitors, four rooms impacted over a nearly five-month period that generated millions of room nights shows these are extremely rare and isolated occurrences. The minute number of incidents reflects the comprehensive and proactive health and safety measures and pest-control procedures Las Vegas resorts have in place to prevent and address issues. Unfortunately, these pests can be transported anywhere unwittingly in luggage and clothing. While incredibly rare, when reported our members take swift action in accordance with health and safety requirements. Guests are immediately relocated, and the room is taken out of service for extensive cleaning and extermination to eradicate any pests.”
