The insect commonly referred to as the “kissing bug” is a blood-feeding member of the Triatomine subfamily, a group of nocturnal insects found throughout the Americas. They earned their nickname due to their tendency to bite humans on the face, often near the mouth or eyes, while they sleep. Triatomine bugs are known vectors for a parasite that causes a potentially serious health condition. While most prevalent in Central and South America, they are also present in the United States, including Illinois.
Identifying Triatomine Bugs in Illinois
Triatomine bugs have been confirmed in Illinois, with records suggesting a presence extending potentially to the northernmost border of the state. Two species, the Eastern bloodsucking conenose (Triatoma sanguisuga) and T. lecticularia, have been identified, with T. sanguisuga being the most frequently encountered. While the native range is typically the southern United States, confirmed sightings have been reported in areas like the St. Louis region, the Chicagoland area, and south of Champaign.
Identifying the insect correctly is important because many harmless bugs are often mistaken for Triatomines. An adult kissing bug is typically three-quarters of an inch to over an inch long with a dark brown or black body. A key identifying feature is the reddish-orange or yellow striping visible along the sides of the abdomen, often extending beyond the edges of the wings.
Triatomine bugs possess a distinctive, slender, and cone-shaped head, which gives them the alternative name “conenose bug.” Their antennae are thin, and their mouthparts, known as a proboscis, are stout and straight. They are part of the assassin bug family, but unlike most relatives, which prey on other insects, Triatomines feed on the blood of vertebrates, including humans and pets.
Understanding the Associated Health Risk
The primary health concern linked to Triatomine bugs is Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). The parasite resides in the gut of infected bugs, and some Triatomine bugs found in Illinois have tested positive for T. cruzi. The disease is not spread directly by the bug’s bite.
Transmission occurs when the bug feeds and then defecates near the bite wound. The parasite, present in the feces, enters the host’s bloodstream through the open bite wound or by being inadvertently rubbed into a mucous membrane, such as the eye or mouth. Although Triatomine bugs are present, the risk of local transmission in the U.S. is considered low.
Chagas disease presents in two distinct phases: acute and chronic. The acute phase lasts about two months and may be asymptomatic or involve mild, non-specific symptoms like fever, headache, or muscle aches. A visible, localized sign, known as Romaña’s sign, is a purplish swelling of the eyelid where the parasite entered, though this is not always present.
If untreated, the infection enters the chronic phase, which can last for decades. While most infected people remain without symptoms, 20 to 30 percent may develop serious complications. These long-term effects involve damage to the heart muscle, potentially leading to arrhythmia, heart failure, or sudden death. Digestive issues, such as an enlarged colon or esophagus, can also affect up to 10 percent of chronic cases.
Protocol for Prevention and Reporting
Illinois residents can take several steps to reduce the chances of encountering Triatomine bugs inside their homes. Prevention focuses on excluding the bugs from living spaces, as they are typically found outdoors in woodpiles, beneath porches, or in animal burrows.
To prevent entry:
- Seal cracks and gaps in the home’s foundation, walls, and around utility entrances.
- Ensure that window and door screens are intact and properly fitted, as the bugs are attracted to light at night.
- Clear brush, wood, or rock piles near the house and keep outdoor pet sleeping areas clean.
- Allow pets to sleep indoors at night, as domestic animals are hosts for the bugs.
If a suspected Triatomine bug is found, capture it safely without crushing or touching it, as crushing could release the parasite if it is infected. The safest method is to place a container over the insect, slide a piece of paper underneath, and seal it inside a jar or plastic bag.
The captured bug should be taken to the local health department or a university extension office for proper identification and testing. Timely reporting and submission of a specimen are important for epidemiological tracking by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). After the bug is removed, the area should be cleaned thoroughly with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.