Kissing bugs, also known as killer bugs or triatomines, are a subfamily of insects found in the Americas that feed on human and animal blood. They can cause allergic reactions and transmit diseases like Chagas disease. Prevention methods include using screened windows and insect repellent.
A kissing bug is an insect of the subfamily Triatominae, part of the larger family Reduviidae. There are thousands of species in the subfamily Triatominae, most of which are found in the Americas, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Kissing bugs are also known as killer bugs, masked hunters, conenoses and triatomines and are a serious pest in some regions.
The common name “kissing bug” is a reference to the feeding behavior of these insects. Kissing bugs feed on human and other animal blood and often feed on the area around the lips, where the skin is thinner, making penetration easier. Kissing bugs are active at night, using their excellent sense of smell to track down sleeping victims, and typically roost alongside their prey, extending a long proboscis towards the area of interest.
Triatomines have flattened black to brown bodies that are designed to swell as they feed. In studies of these insects, researchers have found that the kissing bug can last up to four months between feedings. Insects commonly live in animal nests, taking advantage of a ready supply of potential food, and feed indiscriminately.
From a human health perspective, the kissing bug can be a problem. Some people have allergic reactions to kissing insect stings, which can range from mild swelling and redness to anaphylaxis. These reactions are caused by the secretions produced by the insect to slow down the rate of coagulation so that it can feed as much as possible. Because kissing bugs strike at night, if people wake up with a reddish bite mark, they may not realize a kissing bug is to blame, in which case they may not seek medical attention, allowing the reaction to spread.
Some species of kissing insects also act as disease vectors, carrying various disease-causing microorganisms among their prey. Chagas disease has been linked to insect kissing, and some other diseases can be transmitted as well. Especially in a poorly maintained home, kissing bugs can form a colony, soil the home with feces, and use the home to lay eggs, creating a health risk.
Because kissing bugs are so prevalent in the tropics and subtropics, along with other insects, it’s a good idea to limit interaction with the insects as much as possible. The use of screened windows and insect blinds over beds can help prevent nighttime feedings, and the use of citronella candles and bug spray to discourage insects from gathering outdoors, especially at night, is highly recommended.
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