Beware of Kissing Bugs!

We’ve got no shortage of exotic and invasive bugs and diseases here in Florida. Unfortunately, we have another one to share - from a source you likely wouldn’t expect. We worry about spiders a lot, when most of the time they’re helping us by eating other pests. But we tend to ignore conenose triatomines – until they “kiss” us. 

So-called Kissing Bugs generally stick to gathering their blood feasts from raccoons, possums and rats, but will sometimes latch onto a human. Their usual target is a face, hence the name kissing bug. It’s mostly an annoyance. But researchers at the University of Florida's Emerging Pathogens Institute (EPI) and Texas A&M University announced some disturbing news in May. Kissing bugs are a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease, and 30% of the kissing bugs in Florida carry it.

The Kiss of Death

Once it takes hold, Chagas disease is not curable, and at this time there’s no FDA approved vaccine. It’s not actually transmitted by the “kiss,” but by the feces of the kissing bug. The microscopic parasite can scramble into the wound from the kiss, or into your mouth or eyes. Typically Chagas has only been found in Mexico, Central and Latin America. 

But these new findings are cause for concern, especially as the samples were located in 12 out of 23 Florida counties checked, mostly north and east Florida, although the list includes Lee and Hillsborough Counties. Also, the study notes more than a third of these kissing bugs were located in someone’s home, rather than the triatomine's natural habitat of wood piles. 

Another concern – Chagas disease can lie dormant in a host for decades before suddenly lashing out with severe symptoms. Symptoms of Chagas may include headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting, a rash, swollen lymph glands, or an enlarged liver or spleen. Nearly one third of cases progress to severe heart disease, leading to heart failure, arrhythmias or even sudden cardiac death. It’s estimated more than 300,000 Americans may unknowingly carry the parasite. A blood test can confirm an infection.

Be on the Lookout

Kissing bug peak season is in May, although they can be found practically year round. They are between half an inch and an inch long, with dark bodies, usually brown or black. Some have colorful red, yellow, or tan highlights around their body. They are sometimes mistaken for lovebugs, having similar shapes. Kissing bugs are larger and have cone-shaped heads, while lovebugs are almost always connected to their mates. 

Triatomines are sometimes also mistaken for stink bugs and other assassin insects. The difference is stink bugs feed on vegetation rather than human blood. Kissing bugs have thin antennae, and thin legs and are mostly active at night. Sleeping under mosquito netting can prevent nighttime bites. 

If you smash a kissing bug, be careful cleaning it up. The parasite that causes Chagas could be present on their body and transfer to you. Use rubber gloves or a plastic bag to pick up and eliminate the carcass, then wash them thoroughly in hot water.

Bye, Bye Bugs!

Don’t bring wood inside until you’re ready to throw it on the fire. You can use bug spray or Avon Skin-so-Soft to send biting bugs packing. However, insecticides can have detrimental effects on humans and pets, and there's evidence triatomines are developing a resistance to these chemicals. Diatomaceous earth is somewhat effective at controlling an in-home infestation. 

The best offense is a good defense. Inspect your house and seal up any possible entry points – or hire a professional to do it for you. This is the first step in our Go Green Perimeter Plus solution, along with all-natural treatments that eliminate bugs like ants, roaches and silverfish. When we are doing treatment, we can also move the kissing bugs out of your house. For more details, or to schedule your first appointment, please give us a call!