Kissing bugs, also known as triatomine bugs, are blood-feeding insects primarily active at night. They have gained attention due to their association with Chagas disease, prompting questions about their presence and health implications.
Confirming Their Presence in Indiana
Kissing bugs have been reported in Indiana. The species found here, Triatoma sanguisuga (eastern bloodsucking conenose), is also noted in Kentucky and Illinois. While more common in the southern U.S., these bugs are present in over half of U.S. states.
Despite their presence, the risk of contracting Chagas disease from these bugs in Indiana is very low. This is due to their lower prevalence in northern states and modern housing construction acting as a barrier against entry.
Identifying These Insects
Accurate identification is important, as many insects are mistaken for kissing bugs. Adult kissing bugs typically range from 0.6 to 1.25 inches long and are pear-shaped. They are usually black or dark brown, often featuring distinctive reddish-to-cream or orange-red stripes along the edges of their abdomen.
A key distinguishing feature is their narrow, cone-shaped head and a slender, tapered proboscis (mouthpart) used for feeding. Unlike some other insects, their legs are uniformly thin without bulging areas. Common look-alikes in Indiana include boxelder bugs, which are smaller, have red eyes, and different wing markings, and wheel bugs, which possess a noticeable wheel-like crest on their thorax.
Understanding the Health Risk
Kissing bugs can transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. This disease is primarily found in rural areas of Latin America. In the United States, over 300,000 individuals are estimated to be infected with T. cruzi, mostly from travel to endemic regions.
Transmission occurs when an infected bug feeds and then defecates near the bite site. The parasite, found in the bug’s feces, can enter the body if rubbed into the bite wound, eyes, or mouth. It is not transmitted directly through the bug’s bite or saliva. While kissing bugs are present in Indiana, the Indiana State Department of Health reports that the state has not had a case of Chagas disease originating from local transmission.
What to Do and How to Prevent Them
If you find a suspected kissing bug, do not touch or squash it with bare hands, as parasites may be present. Instead, use a glove or plastic bag to carefully capture the bug and place it in a sealed container. You can kill the bug by freezing it for a few hours. Contacting local health departments, university extension services, or a university laboratory for identification is recommended.
To prevent kissing bugs from entering your home:
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Repair damaged screens on windows and doors.
- Remove wood, brush, or rock piles near your house to reduce habitat.
- Keep outdoor lights away from the house or turn them off at night, as bugs are attracted to light.
- Ensure pets sleep indoors, especially at night, and keep their sleeping areas clean.