Can kissing bugs harm you?

Kissing bugs can transmit a parasite that leads to a potentially serious illness called Chagas disease. Most cases of Chagas disease occur in Latin America. Although infection directly from exposure to the kissing bug is rare in the US, it is still important to take steps to prevent kissing bug bites.

What does a kissing bug bite feel like?

The bite isn’t distinctive, either. It looks like any other bug bite, except there’s usually a cluster of bites together in one spot. People who are sensitive to the kissing bug’s saliva may experience a reaction to the bite. This is usually only mild itching, redness, and swelling.

What do kissing bugs give you?

Scientists have found that about 50% of kissing bugs are infected with the Chagas parasite. Kissing bugs are a ‘vector’ because they can carry a parasite that can make people and animal sick. The parasite is Trypanosoma cruzi, and it causes Chagas disease.

Where does the kissing bug live?

Kissing bugs are found in warm southern states of the U.S. and in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Kissing bugs can hide in cracks and holes in beds, floors, walls, and furniture.

Can kissing bugs infest your house?

Kissing bugs can enter your home through: Crawl spaces. Exposed cracks. Gaps around patio doors.

What states have kissing bugs?

Kissing bugs are commonly found in South and Central America, and Mexico, but doctors are starting to count cases in states like Texas, Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Utah and California, according to a Texas A&M University program studying Chagas disease.

Does Chagas disease go away?

It is estimated that as many as 8 million people in Mexico, Central America, and South America have Chagas disease, most of whom do not know they are infected. If untreated, infection is lifelong and can be life threatening.

What do you do if you find a kissing bug in your house?

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?

The usual treatment is the use of an insecticide that kills the bugs. It is best to prevent bugs from getting into your house: Seal gaps around windows and doors. Fill in any holes or cracks in walls or screens that could let kissing bugs into your house.

Where do kissing bugs hide in a home?

Any cracks in furniture, walls, or floors are a potential home for kissing bugs, as well as under beds or near pet beds. Kissing bugs will hide in any outdoor debris piles from bricks to leaves, and they can be found close to areas where animals reside, such as outdoor dog kennels.

What time of year are kissing bugs active?

Kissing bugs are nocturnal, meaning that they hide during the day and are most active at night. Kissing bugs will normally hide during the day and come out at night, biting and feeding on a person’s blood while they sleep.

What do you do if you see a kissing bug?

How do you know if you’ve been bitten by a kissing bug?

Bite Marks Kissing bugs are so named because they like to bite around the mouth or eyes. You’ll often see 2-15 bite marks in one area and maybe redness and swelling. It might be hard to tell them apart from other bug bites, minor skin irritations, or infections.

How do you know if you have kissing bugs?

Signs of kissing bugs Kissing bugs can cause patches of bites, often around the mouth. The bites are usually painless, but they may swell and look like hives. Itching from the bites may last a week.

How do you know if you have been bitten by a kissing bug?

What happens if you touch a kissing bug?

Do not touch a kissing bug with your bare hands! The T. cruzi parasite may be in the feces of kissing bugs, and their bodies may have the parasite on them.

Can Chagas go away on its own?

Signs and symptoms that develop during the acute phase usually go away on their own. In some cases, if the infection isn’t treated, Chagas disease will advance to the chronic phase.