How do I Get Rid of Kissing Bugs?

Once you think you have kissing bugs present, the next logical question, is, “how do I get rid of kissing bugs?”

The key with any pest situation is correct identification. Likewise, don’t depend on evidence of bites alone as these could be from bed bugs, mosquitoes, or something like shingles. Capture one of the bugs and have it positively identified by a professional if there is any question.

Unfortunately, kissing bugs are not host specific. So, they are just as likely to feed on an iguana as they are a mouse, dog, cat, or humans. Animal nesting areas may be yard clutter, stacks of firewood, or landscaping rocks or logs that rodents are using for shelter. The animal nesting sites closest to the structure are the most important, but remember that kissing bugs can fly. Finally, if you have lights around your home, these can attract the bugs toward the home in the evening.

Kissing bugs like small cracks and crevices where they can hide out as well as lay eggs. Similar to some of the rodent nesting sites, this can be cluttered items or well organized or planned parts of the landscape that allow them to crawl into and hide. Pay attention to piles of leaves and yard refuse as well.

Once you know the bugs are inside of your home, minimize clutter and hiding places until they are gone. Don’t forget picture frames hanging on the walls and curtain rods near the bed.

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. Pay close attention to entrances near exterior lighting or windows where light is likely to attract them to the structure.

The use of a pyrehtroid or other appropriately labeled insecticide can be an effective final step in gaining relief from these awful bugs. Keep in mind that you want to remove the source and not rely on the final step alone. Ignoring their genesis can cause them to keep coming back. Over reliance on pesticides can lead to resistance where the chemicals lose their effectiveness against the targeted bugs.