Don’t be mislead when you hear the name “kissing” bug, in thinking they are harmless. A “kiss” from a kissing bug can in fact be quite deadly. The better, and least commonly known name for the kissing bug is the assassin bug. Why society would give such an endearing name to such a deadly insect, I don’t know. But if you ever find yourself in the company of a kissing/assassin bug, be cautious!
When Kissing/Assassin Bugs bite you, they begin to suck your blood. Their bites can become deadly because they are a triatomine bug most often carrying the parasite that spreads Chagas disease.
Habits, Habitat and Threats
Kissing bugs are obligatory blood feeders. This means that they cannot decide to gnaw on a walnut or suck the juice from a peach. They require blood meals to grow and reproduce. LEARN MORE
Are Kissing Bugs Dangerous?
These bugs are known for defecating where they eat. Yes, unfortunately, you read that correctly. Hence, the threat in kissing bugs lies mostly in contaminating people with their feces. LEARN MORE
Can Kissing Bugs Give You Chagas Disease? Are You At Risk In The US?
Some people show no symptoms, but others may experience pain in the abdomen or muscles, fever, body ache, headache, swelling around the eye, palpitations, or a skin rash. LEARN MORE
How To Get Rid Of/Kill Kissing Bugs
Kissing bugs can gain entry into the home in spaces and holes smaller than 1/4 inch. While it may be impossible to find all of these types of possible entry points, start with the more obvious ones and work toward perfection. LEARN MORE
Where Do Kissing Bugs Hide?
Kissing bugs have been known to hunt down and kill bed bugs in hopes of robbing them of their last blood meal. So, any list of bed bug hiding places could serve for kissing bugs. LEARN MORE
