A kissing bug on a white background

Kissing bugs may sound romantic, but you’re not going to love the reality of these creepy critters. The reason for their nickname is that these minuscule pests are infamous for biting people in the middle of the night, usually near the mouth. Waking up covered in bites on your face is unpleasant enough but can kissing bugs actually be deadly? The pros at Loyal Termite & Pest Control share the answer as well as advice on how to keep kissing bugs, and other insects, out of your home.

Kissing Bugs: What are They?

Triatomine bugs, sometimes known as “kissing bugs,” are parasitic insects that feed on blood. They’re oval-shaped, dark color, and normally reach lengths of between 1/2 and 1 inch. Although youngsters lack wings, adults have them and can fly. Their long, noticeable beak, which they employ for feeding, is their most distinguishing characteristic.

Kissing bugs are nocturnal so they typically hide close to animals or people who are sleeping. They tend to hide in small crevices. Although females may leave eggs behind, adults are mostly solitary and do not reside in huge groups.

Are Kissing Bugs Dangerous?

Kissing bugs are harmful, just like any other insect that feeds on blood. Although their bites are not extremely painful, they have the potential to spread infections. Chagas disease, which may have chronic consequences lasting a decade or more after the initial transmission, is the illness these insects are best known for spreading.

Chagas Disease: What Is It?

Typanosoma cruzi, a parasite that kissing bugs store in their digestive systems after feeding on an infected organism, is the cause of Chagas disease. The parasite enters the bite wound through the feces that the kissing bug generally leaves behind after feeding; it does not spread while the insect is actively feeding. Chagas disease may be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Early symptoms of the illness include:

Swelling surrounding the bite
Fever and exhaustion
Body pains
Swollen eyelids
Headaches
Loss of appetite or nausea
Swollen glands

Get medical help right away if you think you might have Chagas disease, or another sickness. If you think your pet has been bitten, call your veterinarian right away because other animals might also be afflicted with this illness.

Ways To Avoid the Kissing Bug

The last thing you want to see looking in the mirror in the morning is bite marks on your face from one of these bugs. The best way to avoid being bitten is to keep them out of your home. Here are some methods for keeping kissing bugs at bay:

Seal any gaps around your foundation, windows, and doors.
Repair or replace any old screens or weatherstripping around windows.
Clear the area around your property of rubbish and keep your landscape tidy.
Put your yard lights further away from your home’s foundation.
Let your pets sleep indoors at night.
Check sleeping areas frequently for bugs.

What Should You Do If You Find A Kissing Bug?

Seeing a pest in your house is never fun, especially one as ominous as a kissing bug. The CDC advises against coming into contact with the kissing bug, despite the fact that your first inclination might be to squish it immediately.

Instead of smashing it, place a transparent container on top of it and trap it. After that, call an exterminator. They’ll be able to verify the species of bug and check your home for evidence of other pests.

Trusted Exterminators in Central & Eastern Virginia

Concerned that you may have a kissing bug in your home? Worried about other pests? Loyal Termite & Pest Control can help. We’ve been providing top-notch pest control services since 1960. Contact us today for a free quote!