Kissing bugs (Triatomine bugs) are native to the United States, with several species found throughout Florida and the southeastern US. These blood-feeding parasites are a public health concern because they can transmit the pathogen responsible for Chagas disease. Two native species, Triatoma sanguisuga and Paratriatoma lecticularia, are established in Florida’s natural environment. Understanding this insect’s behavior, identifying features, and potential health threats is important for residents.
Identifying Triatomine Bugs
Triatomine bugs possess specific features that aid in their identification, though they are often mistaken for other large insects. Adult bugs are typically one-half to one inch long and are dark brown or black. A distinguishing characteristic is the presence of orange, red, or tan markings extending along the sides of the abdomen, visible past the edges of the wings.
Triatomine bugs have a narrow, cone-shaped head, earning them the nickname “conenose bugs.” They use a long, thin proboscis for feeding, which is held tucked under the head when not in use. These insects are nocturnal, flying toward lights at night and hiding during the day in cracks, crevices, or near where hosts sleep.
Two common look-alikes are the Wheel Bug and the Squash Bug. The Wheel Bug is a beneficial predator distinguished by a prominent, cog-like crest on its thorax. The Squash Bug is a plant pest that lacks the Triatomine bug’s cone-shaped head and distinctive lateral abdominal banding.
The Disease Threat: Chagas Transmission
The health threat associated with Triatomine bugs is Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The danger is not the bite itself, which is often painless and occurs during sleep, but the bug’s feces. The insect typically defecates near the bite site while or shortly after taking a blood meal, depositing the parasite in its droppings.
Infection occurs when the host rubs the parasite-laden feces into the open wound, a break in the skin, or a mucous membrane like the eye or mouth. The infection proceeds through two distinct phases. The initial acute phase lasts for weeks or months and may be asymptomatic or present with mild, non-specific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or swelling at the bite site.
If untreated, the disease progresses to the chronic phase, which may not manifest for years or even decades. In the chronic stage, up to a third of infected people can develop severe, sometimes life-threatening, complications. These long-term effects primarily involve the heart, leading to cardiac alterations and chronic heart disease, and can also affect the digestive system.
Domestic animals, particularly dogs, are also susceptible to T. cruzi infection. Dogs can become infected through fecal contamination or by consuming infected bugs. Studies confirm the risk of local transmission in Florida, as researchers have found the parasite in nearly 30% of tested Triatomine bugs, including those found inside homes that had fed on humans.
Steps for Prevention and Reporting
Protecting a home involves sealing entry points and removing outdoor habitats. Seal cracks, holes, and gaps in walls, foundations, and around windows and doors. Ensure window and door screens are intact and properly sealed to prevent these nocturnal insects from flying inside.
Manage the outdoor environment by removing piles of wood, rocks, and brush near the foundation, as these are common harborage sites. Minimize outdoor lighting or use yellow or sodium vapor bulbs, since the bugs are attracted to light. Pets should sleep indoors at night, and their outdoor resting areas should be inspected.
If a live bug is found, handle it safely to prevent infection; do not touch or crush it, which could release the parasite. The protocol is to secure the bug using a container and stiff paper, then either fill the container with rubbing alcohol or freeze it. Take the sealed container to the local county health department or extension service for identification and testing.