Kissing bugs, also known as triatomine bugs, are blood-feeding insects that emerge at night to feed on mammals, including humans. They earned their name by biting people on the face, often around the mouth, while they sleep. These bugs carry Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite that causes Chagas disease. Understanding the appearance and location of their feces is important for identifying their presence.
Identifying Kissing Bug Feces
Kissing bug feces vary in appearance depending on their freshness and the bug’s diet. Fresh droppings often appear as dark, glistening spots or smears, resembling black ink stains. As the feces dry, they transform into small, hard pellets that are dark, ranging from black to a reddish-brown color. These dried droppings are often elongated or pellet-like and may crumble when touched. Feces can also appear as white or dark stripes on surfaces, particularly walls.
Common Locations for Feces
Kissing bugs tend to hide in secluded areas during the day, emerging at night to feed. Their feces are often found near feeding sites or where they rest. Inside homes, common areas to inspect include mattresses, bed frames, and bedding, as these bugs frequently feed on sleeping individuals. Droppings may also be present near pet sleeping areas, such as dog beds or kennels. These insects can also hide and leave feces in cracks and holes in walls, floors, and furniture.
Differentiating from Other Pest Droppings
Distinguishing kissing bug feces from other household pest droppings requires careful observation. Bed bug droppings are smaller, appearing as tiny black spots that often bleed into fabric like ink. Kissing bug feces are more distinct pellets, though they can smear if fresh. Cockroach droppings are larger, cylindrical, and may have ridges, often resembling coffee grounds or black pepper. Rodent droppings are considerably larger, pellet-shaped, and usually pointed at one or both ends.
The Significance of Finding Kissing Bug Feces
The presence of kissing bug feces indicates a risk of Trypanosoma cruzi parasite transmission, which causes Chagas disease. The parasite resides within the bug’s digestive tract and is excreted in its feces, not in its saliva or bite. Transmission occurs when infected feces enter the body, often through a bite wound, mucous membranes, or skin abrasions, usually by accidental rubbing or scratching.
If you suspect you have found kissing bug feces, avoid direct contact. If you locate the bug, carefully collect it using gloves or a plastic bag without touching it. Thoroughly clean all surfaces that contacted the bug or its feces with a bleach solution. Contact local public health authorities or university extension programs for proper identification and testing, and consult a healthcare provider if concerned about potential exposure.