Las Vegas, Nevada, October 10, 2023
In August, multiple media outlets ran stories about the discovery of bed bugs in some of the most famous casino hotels on the Las Vegas Strip over the previous 18 months. Up to 7 of the large properties are said to have had the unwelcome pests.
Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of people and animals, usually while they sleep. They are experts at hiding, which can make them difficult to find. The presence of bed bugs can be an ongoing annoyance because they often cause itching and loss of sleep for people living or working in, or visiting, an infested property. Some people may also suffer allergic reactions caused by their presence.
The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) recommends guests check for them right after entering a hotel room. The agency suggests placing luggage on the luggage rack since the metal or plastic legs of the luggage rack make it hard for bed bugs to get into a suitcase, and to keep the luggage rack away from walls. They also advise guests check the mattress and headboard for signs of bed bugs, pulling sheets back and checking for dark brown spots on the mattress, and checking mattress crevices and creases for shed skin, live insects or fecal matter.
“No one wants to have their vacation ruined by staying somewhere that has a bed bug infestation,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Even worse, bringing the pests back to their home in their luggage. In recent years, there have been numerous high-profile cases of bed bug infestations. To help identify the presence of bed bugs, and to confirm the effectiveness of eradication and cleaning efforts, EMSL Analytical offers highly sensitive DNA-based laboratory testing techniques and easy-to-use sample collection kits. Testing can also be used to assist in identifying a minor bed bug situation so it can be effectively treated, before it becomes an all-out infestation. Developing a proactive sampling plan could prevent the temporary closure of a business and all of the negative public relations that are associated with bed bugs.”
EMSL sponsored an educational video about bed bugs a number of years ago that can still be seen at:
https://youtu.be/gfAt_UAgNqA
To learn more about testing for bed bugs or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access bed bug or other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria,
Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at
www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
Order Sampling Supplies
Request Pricing
Technical Questions
24/7 Account Access
Email Us
