Kissing Bug - Not So Kind

This Kissing Bug gets its innocuous names for its habit of biting humans on and around the lips Typically found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. kissing bugs are capable of carrying a parasite that causes Chagas disease, (see 2/22/13 post).

While cases have been extremely rare in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified it for “public health action.” In a recent study the CDC’s EmergingInfectious Diseases journal found that nearly 40 percent of kissing bugs collected in California and Arizona had recently fed on human blood. Researchers said the findings were unexpected because the 11 species of kissing bugs found in the United States were not known to feed on people.

These bugs feed on blood at night, generally from small mammals and birds but as noted above, sometimes humans as well.  The nymphs require a blood meal to support their growth and maturation. The insect’s feces can contain the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi which causes Chagas disease. Contact with infected feces, through an open wound, or through the eyes or mouth, can result in disease transmission.

Most people who are bitten by a kissing bug do not recall the bite and even fewer show any type of reaction.  Some, with particular skin sensitivities or allergic reactions to the bug’s saliva, will exhibit signs of itching and site swelling.

Dave's Pest Control
1-800-400-6009
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
Worcester County Pest and Rodent Exterminators
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org

The Kissing Bug

Kissing bugs, aka triatomines, are not as romantic as their name implies. Rather, they bite and suck blood while their human or animal host is sleeping.

Most triatomines aggregate in refuges during day and search for blood during night when the host is asleep and the air is cooler. Odors as well as heat guide these insects to the host. Carbon dioxide emanating from breath, as well as ammonia, short chain amines and carboxylic acids from skin, hair and exocrine glands from vertebrate animals, are among the volatiles that attract triatomines. Vision also serves triatomines for orientation. During night, adults of diverse species fly to houses attracted by light.

Happy Valentine's Day!

If you're concerned that you have kissing bugs in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Extermination and Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

My Latest Pest Facts

Did you know...

Kissing Bug

• The American cockroach has shown a marked attraction to alcoholic beverages, especially beer?
• While their name may be misleading, pavement ants can also be found inside the home?
• Kissing bugs are not as romantic as their name implies. Rather, they bite and suck blood while their human or animal host is sleeping.

If you're concerned about pests in your home or place of business, give Dave a call at 1-800-400-6009.

Dave's Pest Control
A Central Massachusetts Pest Control Company
www.davespestcontrol.net

Reference: www.pestworld.org