Kissing bugs

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Chagas disease
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These pests are outside the authority of the Vector Control Program. We offer educational information but do not control or regulate these pests. 

About

kissing bug

Conenose bugs or "kissing bugs" are members of the Reduviidae family, referred to as "assassin bugs." Most of the members of this family eat other insects, but kissing bugs are bloodsucking pests that prey on different wild animals and humans.

The Western Bloodsucking Conenose is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. In California, the bug can be found in the foothill areas. The bug's body is about the size of a penny, dark brown to black, and can have a small tan-edged abdomen.

Kissing bugs normally bite at night while their prey is asleep. The bites appear as one or a few about 1/4" apart in a line. The bites are usually painless but may swell and itch for a couple of days. Half of the people who are bitten may have a bad reaction the second time. Kissing bug bites are often confused with spider and tick bites.

Chagas disease

Chagas disease is rare and has never been locally acquired in San Diego County. Local kissing bugs are a poor vector of Chagas. Chagas is common in Latin America, where it is spread by a type of kissing bug not found locally. 

Chagas is spread by kissing bug droppings, not by their bite. Droppings can enter the body through broken skin or the eyes. Always clean bites with iodine to avoid infection and wash to remove the droppings.

Symptoms of Chagas include swelling of the face, fever two weeks after the bite, swelling of other areas, and sometimes nervous system disorders. Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms. 

Prevention

You can prevent kissing bugs problems by:

  • Use weather stripping and caulking to close cracks and crevices.
  • Seal openings where bugs can get in.
  • Fix structural problems that allow entry.
  • Screen all windows and vents.
  • Insect-proof pet entryways.
  • Keep lights off at night by doors, windows and on patios when not needed.
  • Remove rodent nests that are close to your home.
  • Remove firewood piles and debris.
  • Check beds at night and shake out bedding.
  • Keep beds a few inches away from the wall.

Control

Chemical treatment should be a last resort. Remove hiding places and seal openings before the use of chemicals. Make sure to follow the directions on the label when using any pesticide.

Questions?

  858-694-2888

  vector@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

Kissing Bug photo by Lon & Queta