The most disgusting part of the bug might be not just that it bites, but when it does, it defecates (and that is how you can get an infection). Ultimately, they can case heart and stomach issues, but fortunately, it hasn’t been found in Idaho.
What states is the kissing bug found in?
They are typically found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America (as far south as southern Argentina). The map below details triatomine occurrence by U.S. state. Triatomines are mostly active at night and feed on the blood of mammals (including humans), birds, and reptiles.
Where is the kissing bug most common?
People who have Chagas disease can be found anywhere in the world. However, transmission of the disease by kissing bugs (vectorborne transmission), only occurs in the Americas. Most people with Chagas disease became infected in rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Can kissing bugs survive cold weather?
Their northern limit of distribution is likely determined by their intolerance to survive prolonged cold temperatures but reports from Utah and Colorado have shown these insects can be hardy.
Do kissing bugs live in the United States?
Eleven different kinds of kissing bugs are in the United States. Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona are the states with the most different species and most findings of kissing bugs. Scientists have found that about 50% of kissing bugs are infected with the Chagas parasite.
What happens if a kissing bug bites you?
The skin near the bite might become red, swollen, and itchy. The most serious risk is anaphylactic shock. That’s when your blood pressure drops and you have trouble breathing. It can be deadly if you don’t get emergency treatment.
How do you know if you have been bitten by a kissing bug?
Most people have no symptoms or only very mild flu-like symptoms. These can include fever, body aches, a rash, and swollen glands. The symptoms are a reaction to the high number of parasites circulating in the blood.
What kills kissing bugs?
If you do come across a triatomine, don’t kill it, the CDC recommends. Instead, capture it with a container and either fill it with rubbing alcohol or freeze it. Then take it to your local health department or university laboratory for identification.
What do you do if you see a kissing bug?
If you find a kissing bug, the CDC recommends you do not touch or squash it. To help understand the problem and how many carry the disease, the CDC is asking for help. They suggest you place a container on top of the kissing bug for 24 hours, and then seal the bug inside the container.
How do I get rid of kissing bugs in my house?
Tips for How to Get Rid of Kissing Bugs
Turn off any unused exterior lights to avoid attracting insects. Move any wood or debris piles away from the house. Use an insecticide spray with pyrethroid to control an infestation.
What animal eats kissing bugs?
Sometimes. Kissing bugs are bloodsuckers and seek out mammals including dogs. Dogs eat bugs and will snatch up kissing bugs. The parasite inside the digestive tract of the insect can transfer to the dog.
What seasons are kissing bugs active?
Kissing bugs are most active in the summer through early fall. Most people who are infected only experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, body aches, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Is a stink bug and a kissing bug the same thing?
The differences between stink bugs and kissing bugs
Stink bugs are less svelte than kissing bugs, with more block-shaped heads and bodies, as well as thicker legs and antennae. In the US, kissing bugs are typically black or very dark brown, with distinct red, orange, or yellow stripes around the edges of their bodies.
How are people in US at risk for Chagas?
The disease can also be transmitted several other ways, such as orally through consumption of food or drink contaminated with triatomine feces, from infected mothers to their infants during pregnancy, blood transfusions and organ transplantations, laboratory accidents and sharing of syringes.
What states have Chagas disease?
| State | Year reporting began | Primary objectives for Chagas disease surveillance |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 2010 | Identify source of infection; monitor acute and chronic disease burden |
| Texas | 2013 | Identify source of infection; monitor acute and chronic disease burden |
| Massachusetts | 2008 | Monitor chronic disease phase burden |
Should I get tested for Chagas?
A specific test is necessary for the diagnosis of Chagas disease. The test detects the presence of the infection through analysis of a blood sample. Anyone who suspects that they may have Chagas disease should ask their doctor to order this test.
Do kissing bugs fly?
Only adult kissing bugs have wings and can fly. All kissing bugs feed on blood throughout their life. Kissing bugs can feed on people, dogs, and wild animals. They feed many times over their lives.
Is Chagas curable?
Chagas disease is curable if treated soon after infection. Unfortunately, most infected people are unaware of their infection until it’s too late, and they present with complications of chronic heart or bowel problems.
Where is Chagas disease most common?
This bug is also known as the “kissing bug.” Chagas disease is common in South America, Central America and Mexico, the primary home of the triatomine bug.
What bugs can be mistaken for kissing bugs?
Indeed, wheel bugs and a few other true bugs continue to be misidentified on social media as kissing bugs. Two of the most common faux-kissers appearing on social media are boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) and western conifer seed bugs (Leptoglossus occidentalis).
How long do kissing bugs live?
The life span of kissing bugs in North America is approximately a year, perhaps longer for the large southern species, Triatoma recurva. In the temperate zone, there is usually one generation per year, whereas in Mesoamerica and parts of tropical South America, several generations of bugs may occur within a year.