Kissing insects are a very common pest and can be found in various states in the United States and Latin America. They bite humans, cats, and dogs at night and can be about an inch long.
In general, these critters are attracted to light, and that is why it reaches homes, and they settle as unwanted guests. They are blood-hungry insects, and they leave behind a parasite that can cause many diseases, such as stroke and heart disease.
Below you can find out about these unwanted critters and how they can get rid of them naturally.
What Are Kissing Bugs?
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The kissing bugs are 1.9 cm, which is about 0.75 inches long. These bed bugs are dark brown or black, and some have orange or red spots on the edge of their bodies. They are also known as cone-nosed bugs or assassin bugs.
These bugs, like mosquitoes, feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are called kissing bugs as their bites are usually near the mouth.
These types of critters often hide in the day and become active at night when they feed. This type of bed bug can carry a parasite that causes the known Chagas disease, although this is not very common in the USA. Kissing bugs can go weeks without feeding.
These insects’ bites are so severe that people scratch a lot and break their skin, which is easily infected. Some people suffer a strong allergic reaction to the bites of the kissing bugs.
Kissing bugs have a unique life cycle. According to studies, these insects go into metamorphosis from nymphs to adults. Adult females lay their eggs in the warmer months, June to September.
These eggs hatch between 2 and 3 weeks; this will depend on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity in the place. The nymphs will hatch from the eggs and eat 5-8 human or pet foods until they molt. This process is repeated over and over again.
This wall will allow the nymphs to develop into an adult slowly. When they reach their adult size, they will already have wings to fly.
Kissing Bug Anatomy
Kissing insects are known for their unique and highly characteristic anatomy. One of the most notable features is the mouth clamps. These clamps taper just below your head.
It differs from other types of bed bugs. They have a needle-shaped nozzle because they pierce the skin. They have a parasite that lives in their feces that is the cause of transmitting Chagas disease.
Between 20 and 30% of people with Chagas disease develop gastrointestinal or heart disease. Heart disease is much more common in these types of insects, and this disease can appear many years after the bite.
Do Kissing Bugs Bite?
The answer is yes, kissing bugs bite humans and pets like cats and dogs. In general, bites can transmit Chagas disease.
Some people can suffer allergic reactions from the bites of these bugs. Some people don’t realize these insects bit them until they wake up in the morning. As mentioned above, these kissing bugs are nocturnal, which is when they come out to feed.
The most notable signs of kissing bug bites are:
- Pain
- swelling
- Itching around the bite
- Allergic reaction
Where Can Kissing Insects Be Found?
Kissing bugs are found in South America, Central America, Mexico, and the United States’ warm southern states. These kissing bugs can hide in cracks and holes in walls, beds, floors, and furniture.
They can also enter through patio doors, windows, fireplaces, pet doors, etc. Any gap they see can help you get into your home.
Kissing bugs are attracted to lights, so when you turn on your patio or porch light, they will go there.
How To Get Rid of Kissing Insects Naturally?
Kissing bugs can usually be challenging to get rid of because they can hide in crevices or crevices in beds or walls. These insects can lay eggs in the crevices of your room. The most common treatment to get rid of these kissing bugs is to use an insecticide that kills insects.
Here are some ways that can help you get rid of these pesky kissing bugs:
DIY Traps
You will be able to make a DIY trap that is effective for kissing bugs and inexpensive. You can use materials that you already have at home to make this trap to help keep your home free of these unwanted insects.
The good thing about these types of traps is that you decide which chemicals you want to use.
DIY bottle trap
This is a widely used trap for kissing insects and insects that are attracted to light. What you need to do is:
- 2-liter soda bottle
- Battery-powered LED candle
- Packing tape
- Knife or scissors
With this trap, the insects will be attracted to the light, climb the bottle, fall into the bottle through the funnel, and no longer get out. You should place this trap where you think you have one of these insects. You must leave it overnight.
Soap trap for homemade dishes
This is a very effective trap that you can make yourself at home. What you need is:
- An aluminum pan or turkey roasting pan
- Water
- Dish soap
- LED desk lamp
As with the previous trap, the insects will be attracted by the LED light, and when they enter the tray, they will be trapped in the soap and water mixture, and there they will drown.
Use diatomaceous earth (DE)
This is a powerful natural powder to kill kissing insects and any bed bug that comes into contact. You can sprinkle this powder on:
- Doors for dogs and cats
- Entrances from patios and porches
- Cracks in the walls
- Basements
- Penthouses
- Garages
- Bedrooms
- Vents
Many times it is better to call in specialized personnel to obtain good results.
Also Read: How to Get Rid of Bugs on Cantaloupe Naturally
How to Prevent kissing bugs?
The best way to prevent these pesky kissing bugs is to avoid having cracks or holes in your home.
- Seal all door and window holes. Do some homework and fill in any cracks or holes in the walls where any insects can get in.
- During the night, you can let your pets sleep inside your house. Keep pets from sleeping in your bedroom to prevent intruders from going into them.
- You must keep the area where your pet sleeps clean.
- You should clean up rocks and piles of wood near your home.
- Clean your house constantly
