Importance
- Kissing bugs are triatomine insects, members of the large Reduviidae family. Most species in this family are harmless or even beneficial as predators of pests in gardens and fields. Over 130 species of kissing bugs are found worldwide.
- Kissing bugs can cause itchiness, red welts, severe allergic reactions, or serious disease in people and animals.
- Animal owners and veterinary personnel have a key role in recognizing and reporting highly contagious, reportable, and foreign diseases to animal and public health officials. Early signs of such diseases may include:
- Unusual bug appearance or large infestations
- Large number of sick or dead animals
- Unusual signs of illness (like fever and lethargy)
About Kissing Bugs
- Kissing bugs are large (about 0.5-1 inch long) blood-feeding insects commonly found in North America, Central America, and South America.
- Kissing bugs have three life stages: egg, a series of nymph stages, and adult.
- They usually live months to years, depending on the species.
- Kissing bugs feed on a variety of hosts, including people, dogs, and wild animals.
- Kissing bugs feed many times over their lives, taking several minutes to complete a blood meal.
- Bites generally occur near the mouth of a host, which contributes to their name.
- Bites are usually not painful or noticeable to the host. During the bite, droppings (feces) get into the host’s skin or mucous membranes. These feces may then transmit pathogens from the kissing bug to the host.
- Kissing bugs are nocturnal and hide in animal burrows, rodent nests, rock and brush piles, and cracks of buildings during the day.
Identification of Kissing Bugs
- Many kissing bugs can be identified by their appearance and location. However, many common insects look like kissing bugs. Some species may be difficult or impossible to identify without the help of a dissecting microscope or trained entomologist.
- Adult kissing bugs have a distinctive cone-shaped head, wings, and thin legs. Nymphs look like small, wingless adults.
- Their body color varies from light brown to black with yellow, red, or tan markings.
- Unique characteristics that vary between species include the shape of the head, mouthparts, pronotum, and scutellum.
- Identification keys and kissing bug experts can be consulted for further details.
Kissing Bugs of Animal Health Concern
Eleven species of kissing bugs (e.g., Triatoma sanguisuga) have been found in the southern United States. In certain areas of the world, kissing bugs can transmit Trypanosoma cruzi. This protozoan parasite causes Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) in people and animals.
- Chagas disease is a serious health issue that can lead to heart disease and digestive problems in people.
- Dogs are particularly susceptible to Chagas disease and can develop a range of clinical signs, including heart failure in severe cases. Clinical illness has been reported in other domestic animals, including cats, a horse, and a llama.
- While kissing bugs are common in southern states, most reported cases of Chagas disease occur in people who have traveled to other countries.
- Chagas disease may be reportable in some U.S. states and jurisdictions.
Learn more about recognizing and reporting highly contagious, reportable, and foreign diseases at CFSPH: FAD Prevention.
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Collection and Submission of Kissing Bugs
- Kissing bugs of concern can be collected for identification to ensure effective control measures are used. Testing may be available to determine if pathogens are present.
- Use gloves to avoid directly touching the kissing bug and any potentially infected feces.
- Kissing bugs can be placed in a labeled, sealed, leak-proof container submerged in 70-90% ethanol. Rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or clear cocktail alcohol (80 proof or higher) will also work, if needed.
- For shipping purposes, liquids may be avoided by placing a cotton ball soaked in ethanol, rubbing alcohol, or clear cocktail alcohol (80 proof or higher) alongside the kissing bug.
- Alternatively, kissing bugs may be double bagged inside sealable baggies (e.g., Ziploc® bags) and killed by freezing overnight.
- Laboratories and shipping companies may have specific instructions for you to follow.
For additional tips, visit How to Submit Vectors for Identification.
Control and Prevention of Kissing Bugs
- Kissing bug populations can be managed by disrupting their life cycle.
- For prompt detection and control, closely monitor animals for signs of disease and frequently inspect animal housing for kissing bugs.
- Consult with a pest control expert before using insecticides.
- Keep kissing bugs away from animals and out of animal housing areas.
- Keep kennels and other animal housing clean and dry.
- Move animals indoors at night or seal cracks and gaps in animal housing.
- Install and maintain screens on doors and windows.
- Turn off lights near homes and animal housing at night.
- Provide supportive care for affected animals. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for animals infected with T. cruzi. Research is ongoing to determine effective treatments.
- Avoid moving kissing bugs from one site to another.
- Inspect vehicles and equipment for kissing bugs before movement.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated bedding and equipment as needed.
For additional guidance, visit Considerations When Managing Vectors.
Learn More
Additional information on kissing bugs, their impacts on animals, and control can be found below.
Note: This webpage shows some of the most significant vectors of concern to domestic animals in the United States. It is not meant to be a complete resource of all arthropods, their associated diseases and conditions, or used as a diagnostic tool. Veterinary consultation is advised for clinical cases.