Bed Bugs Infest 7 Iconic Las Vegas Hotels

"Don't let the bed bugs bite!" is a common phrase to close out the evening goodnights. However, anyone who has experienced the wrath of the parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals doesn't take the phrase relatively as lightly. Bed bugs earned their name because they hide out in bedding and mattresses in apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorm rooms, the CDC says. And according to some recent reports, they are infesting some of Las Vegas' most famous hotels and resorts. 

Over the past year-and-a-half, bedbugs have been reported in seven of the biggest and most popular hotels on the Las Vegas strip, according to a Southern Nevada Health District complaint and reported by KLAS.  

According to records, the hotels include Circus Circus, Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Palazzo, Tropicana, MGM Grand, and Sahara.

In January 2023, a guest at Caesars Palace claimed they were bitten by bedbugs. During the hotel's housekeeping investigation, the room was taken out of service. They found the bugs and treated the room. 

There was also a report of bed bugs in September 2022 at Sahara Las Vegas. According to the guest, "They squished it, and there was so much blood," the complaint states. Bed bugs were confirmed by the hotel, and the room was treated after the guest was moved to another room. 

In January 2022, bed bugs were found in a guest room at Circus Circus after a guest complained. There was another confirmation in June after another guest reported them.

Another complaint filed in January 2023 by a guest at the Tropicana Las Vegas claims bed bugs were found in a room. After the room was treated, it was rented out again. "While highly unlikely, in the event of a complaint, we immediately isolate the affected room and its surrounding areas," Arik Knowles, the hotel's vice president and general manager, said in a statement to CBS News. "At that point, a third-party service will evaluate the situation and provide a recommendation on appropriate next steps, including professional treatment should anything be found."

Bed bugs, the minuscule insects characterized by their broad, oval bodies, can become a nuisance if they infest your living spaces, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). One way to identify a bed bug is by its reddish-brown color, particularly noticeable after a recent meal. These pests tend to scuttle towards dark hiding spots, such as within mattresses or even behind picture frames.

While observing their movement, it may seem as though bed bugs are capable of flying or jumping due to their rapid crawling. However, it's important to note that bed bugs lack the ability to fly or leap; their mode of transportation is limited to crawling.

Unfortunately, bed bugs are usually detected after they strike. "One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by the tell-tale bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts while sleeping. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people, so it is important to look for other clues when determining if bed bugs have infested an area," says the CDC.

These signs include: the bed bugs' exoskeletons after molting, bed bugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets, rusty-colored blood spots due to their blood-filled fecal material that they excrete on the mattress or nearby furniture, and a sweet, musty odor.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, AAD advises you to contact a professional pest control company or your property manager. It's worth noting that conventional bug sprays or foggers often prove ineffective against these persistent pests.

Bed bug bites can lead to discomfort, ranging from mild itchiness to more severe skin reactions. If you experience multiple bites, blisters, infected-looking bites, or allergic skin responses such as redness and swelling, AAD recommends seeking help from a board-certified dermatologist.

AAD recommends considering several treatment options after consulting with a dermatologist.

Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions might require injections of antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine.

Infections: In cases of infection, antibiotics may be necessary. Mild infections could be managed with over-the-counter antiseptic medications, as advised by the dermatologist.

Itch Relief: Prescription antihistamine pills or liquids can provide relief from itching. Additionally, applying corticosteroids to the affected areas might be recommended.

RELATED: 30 Area Codes to Watch for in Latest Phone Scam

The AAD recommends self-care for individuals who do not have severe reactions or infections, which can often be sufficient.

Cleaning Bites: Gently cleanse the affected areas with soap and water. This aids in preventing infections and reducing itchiness.

Managing Itch: Applying over-the-counter corticosteroid creams, available in milder forms without prescription, can alleviate itching. Stronger corticosteroids would require a prescription.

Bed bug bites typically heal and fade away within a week or two, sparing you from their discomfort and irritation.