How to identify and get rid of kissing bugs

If there was a list of the least kissable things, porcupines, Dracula, and kissing bugs might top that list.

Kissing bugs are known as triatomine bugs, but they earned their nickname from their tendency to bite humans around the mouth and eyes. While a single bite might just seem like an itchy annoyance, these bugs can carry and transmit the parasite that causes Chagas disease, making them a significant health concern.

These true bugs only feed at night, and will crawl on mammals, including humans, for a blood meal. They don’t transmit the parasite in their saliva, but in their feces. A person contracts the parasite when they scratch the feces into the itchy bite.

Kissing bugs are great hiders during the day, making them hard to spot. They start off as small wingless nymphs and every stage of the kissing bug requires them to feed on blood. This can come from dogs, wild animals, or humans.

Once they have developed into adults, they will have wings. They tend to lay their eggs in cracks and crevices they hide away in.

Kissing bugs can be identified by their dark, somewhat flattened bodies and the cone-shaped head that houses their blood-sucking beak. They often have telltale red or orange markings around the edges of their abdomen, making them distinct from other household pests. If you notice unexplained bites, especially around the face or while sleeping, or find bugs that match this description in your home, it's important to take action. These signs can indicate the presence of kissing bugs.

How big are kissing bugs?

Kissing bugs typically grow to about 0.5 to 1 inch in length.

In the United States, kissing bugs are primarily found in the southern and western states, thriving in both rural and suburban areas where they can feed on domestic animals and wildlife. Indoors, they are found around pet resting areas or bedrooms. They hide in cracks and crevices inside the home and only come out at night to feed.

Prevention is the best key to keeping kissing bugs away. Here are some tips to make sure kissing bugs don’t end up in your bed:

Seal entry points: Caulk cracks in windows, doors, and walls to prevent entry.

Remove animal nests: Eliminate nesting materials and potential habitats near your home.

Proper pet care: Regularly clean pet bedding and areas where pets sleep.

Use screens: Install fine mesh screens on windows and vents to keep bugs out.

Bug barrier: Start and maintain a bug barrier around your home with Pestie. Pestie’s pro-grade solution is a pet friendly way to keep kissing bugs away from your home and family year-round.