LAS VEGAS - The renowned Las Vegas Strip, known for its world-class resorts, has recently faced an unexpected challenge. Over the past few weeks, 8 News Now has reported the discovery of bed bugs in seven prominent hotels on the Strip.
Circus Circus is among the affected hotels, as highlighted in a complaint by the Southern Nevada Health District. In January 2022, after a guest reported being bitten, an inspection confirmed the presence of bed bugs in a room. Consequently, the room and its adjacent ones were taken out of service for a fortnight-long treatment. However, by June, another complaint emerged for a different room in the same hotel, leading to another treatment.
Through public records, 8 News Now identified six other Strip hotels with bed bug issues in the past 18 months: Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Palazzo, Tropicana, MGM Grand, and Sahara.
While most hotels did not respond to inquiries, MGM International Resorts released a statement emphasizing their robust procedures to address such issues. Bed bugs were identified and treated in an MGM Grand room in January 2022. Similarly, Tropicana Las Vegas faced a bed bug issue in February 2022 and stated that they promptly isolate affected rooms upon any complaint.
Two properties under Caesars Entertainment also reported bed bug incidents. A guest at Caesars Palace was bitten in January, leading to room treatment. Meanwhile, bed bugs were discovered at Planet Hollywood in June. Other reports include a guest being bitten at the Palazzo in January 2022 and a bed bug being found and squashed by a Sahara hotel guest in October of the same year.
Bobby James from Top Line Pest Control, who manages bed bug issues in off-strip hotels, advised guests to inspect their rooms upon arrival, particularly around the bed area. He emphasized that bed bugs are typically brought in by guests and are not inherent to the hotels. Signs to watch out for include dark spots, feces, and insect remains.
The Southern Nevada Health District clarified that hotels are not fined if they promptly address bed bug issues upon discovery. However, penalties are imposed on hotels with recurring complaints that fail to provide adequate pest control measures.
