Kissing Bugs

What are Kissing Bugs?

Kissing bugs are flying insects that live in North, Central, and South America. They are active at night, and feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are dark brown or black in color, with thin orange, red, or yellow stripes. They have a small, cone-shaped head, and a long body. 

They may be found in or around:

  • cracks and crevices of walls or roofs
  • wood or rock piles
  • dog kennels or pet sleeping area
  • outdoor sheds or patios
  • outdoor lights
  • under mattresses

Some, but not all, kissing bugs carry a parasite (Trypanasoma cruzi) that causes Chagas disease.

Chagas Map
A group of bugs that are all different sizes.

Distribution in the United States

Kissing bugs are native to South and Central America, and the Southern United States including California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Ongoing research will likely identify kissing bugs in all states as people move from place to place. However, they are native to tropical climates. Therefore, expect to see further movement as we are affected by climate change.

Preventative Methods

  • Seal any holes or cracks in and around your home or windows.
  • Remove wood or brush piles.
  • Keep the underneath of your house clean; remove any animal nests. 
  • Keep outdoor sheds/porches clean.
  • Do not keep pet food outside.
  • Have pets sleep inside, especially at night. 
  • Keep outside lights off at night. 
  • Pest control with pesticides may also be an option.

Bites and Allergic Reactions

Romaña’s sign
Photo of patient with Romaña’s sign. Photo courtesy of WHO/TDR Image Library. TDR photo, Brazil, 1991.

Like other types of bug bites, people may experience different reactions to a kissing bug bite. Reactions may include:

  • No reaction
  • Redness 
  • Welts or hives
  • Swelling (also called a chagoma)
    • Romaña’s sign (swelling around the eye)
  • Anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction)

Some people are allergic to the saliva of kissing bugs. If you experience an allergic reaction, it does not necessarily mean you are infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease. If a reaction occurs, please seek medical care for the reaction and ask about getting tested for Chagas disease.

*If you think you have seen a kissing bug, do not squash it! Use gloves to pick it up and put it in a zip lock bag. Take a picture of the bug and email us at:   kissingbuginfo.chagas@gmail.com

Store the bug in the freezer until someone from the kissing bug alliance notifies you.

Helpful Resources

The Kissing Bug Doctors of Florida

                 https://www.youtube.com/thekissingbugdoctorsofflorida

                 In Gainesville, Florida a team of doctors and scientists are researching to try and end the neglect of this silent parasite killer.

 

Chagas Coalition
https://www.coalicionchagas.org/en/
The Chagas Coalition is an organization that seeks to increase access to diagnosis and treatment for Chagas patients and supports global efforts toward Chagas research and development.

  • FINDECHAGAS
    https://findechagas.org/home-en/
    The International Federation of Associations of People Affected by Chagas Disease (FINDECHAGAS) is an international, non-profit organization that utilizes collective action to amplify the voices of those affected by Chagas disease.
  • The University of Florida Chagas Program
    https://ufhealth.org/chagas-disease
    Visit the University of Florida Health webpage for information about Chagas disease and contact information for treating physician and infectious disease expert, Dr. Norman Beatty.
  • CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/index.html
    Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage on Chagas disease for general disease information.
A flyer with information about the dangers of bugs.