Kissing bugs are a eccentric of dirt ball that can make a lot of damage to your wellness . They are so - call because they like to bite hoi polloi on the mouth and face . While there are many different types of kissing bugs , they all share some mutual characteristic .
In this blog post , we will talk over how to identify kiss bugs , as well as how to avoid them . We will also provide some tips on what to do if you are bitten by one of these pests .
Related:13 Strange and Beautiful Bugs That see Like Leaves ( With Pictures )
In this article
What are kissing bugs?
kiss bug are small , bloodsucking insects that are members of the reduviid bug family . These pests get their name from their habit of biting people around the oral cavity and expression , often while they are asleep .
buss bugs can also transmit a serious disease call Chagas disease . In the United States , buss bugs are found primarily in the southerly and southwesterly state .
Kissing bugs are draw to homo and beast because they course on blood . They are most active at night , when they will enter homes through cracks and crevices in search of a repast .
Once inside , osculate hemipteran will bite their dupe around the fount , often near the eye or mouth . After feeding , kissing hemipteron will take a crap on their victim , which can conduct the leech that causes Chagas disease .
symptom of Chagas disease can run from soft to severe , and the disease can be calamitous if left untreated . symptom include fever , fatigue duty , torso aches , rash , and tumefy at the web site of the bite . If you think you may have been bite by a smooching bug , it is important to see a doctor directly and get tested for Chagas disease .
What do kissing bugs look like?
kiss hemipteran are lowly , monotone , winged insects that are about ¼ to ½ an inch long . They can be mordant , brownish , or reddish - brown in colour and have a triangular - mould head . On their backs , they have a long , narrow strip of dark color that runs down the center of their wings .
Behaviors.
Kissing bugs are most active at night . They often enter homes through shot and crevices in the walls or around doors and windows .
Once deep down , they will hide during the day in cracks and crevices , behind baseboards , or under beds and furniture . At Nox , they come out to feed on the blood of sleep humans .
They usually sting people on the human face , often near the eyes or oral fissure . After feed , they take a crap on the person ’s peel . The germ can also transmit a serious disease called Chagas disease .
Do kissing bugs fly?
This is a doubt that we get asked frequently . While most people know thatbed bugscan tent flap , many are surprised to get word that kissing bugs can too !
Kissing hemipteran are actually quite unspoilt flyers and they apply this ability to assist them ascertain fellow and scatter their mintage . They are often seen pilot around lights at night , which is how they got their name .
Are kissing bugs related to assassin bugs?
There is some public debate on whether kissing bug are related to assassin bugs or not . Some experts think that they are closely come to , while others consider that they are not as tight related . However , what is known for certain is that both types of germ can be find in the same areas and often tip on the same fair game .
kiss bugs get their name from their substance abuse of biting people around the mouth . This is how they spread Chagas disease , which can be black if left untreated . Assassin bugs , on the other hand , are not known to transmit any disease to human race .
What happens if a kissing bug bites you?
If you ’re favorable , nothing . Most multitude who are bitten by kissing bug do n’t experience any ominous effects . However , some multitude may grow an supersensitized reaction to the bug ’s spittle , which can lead to swelling , redness , and itchiness at the land site of the bite .
In rarified cases , kissing bugs can transmit a serious disease promise Chagas disease . Chagas disease is a epenthetic infection that can make fever , fatigue , body aches , and even demise . If you think you may have been bitten by a kissing glitch , it ’s authoritative to see a medico right away so that you may be tested for Chagas disease .
Treatment for Chagas disease is uncommitted , but it ’s most effective if it ’s started early on . So do n’t check – if you recall you may have been bitten by a petting bug , see a physician as presently as possible .
Where do kissing bugs hide in a home?
Kissing bugs are often find in crack and crevices around a nursing home , such as in skirting board , behind wallpaper , or in piece of furniture . They can also be find outdoors hiding in Tree , scrub , or under eaves .
What states have kissing bugs?
There are many mintage of kissing bugs , and they can be found in a sort of location . Some specie are ascertain only in the southern United States , while others can be found as far north as Canada .
In addition to their geographical location , buss microbe can also be found in different habitats within a state . For example , some species may go in wooded areas , while others may go in grasslands or near river .
Bugs That Look Like Kissing Bugs.
These little critter are called kiss bug because they tend to bite mass around the mouth or center . While their morsel are mostly not harmful , they can transmit a serious disease called Chagas disease .
1. Assassin Bugs.
What are they ? What do they expect like ?
Assassin bugs are a type of bug that can be set up in many different part of the populace . They get their name from their habit of preying on other insects , and they are cognise for being capable to deliver a painful bite .
These bug can vary in size and colour , but they ordinarily have a foresighted , thin organic structure and a pointed head . Some species of assassin bugs can acquire to be over an inch long !
While most bug are harmless , there are some metal money of assassin hemipterous insect that can transmit disease to humans . The most well - known of these is the Chagas disease , which is found in Central and South America .
Behaviors :
Assassin hemipteran are active during the day and Nox , and they typically drop their time lurking in dour shoes like under bushes or inside Tree . When they spot their fair game , they will cursorily move in for the killing .
These bugs are also known for being attracted to light , which is why you might find them flying around your porch light at nighttime . If you do see an assassinator bug , it ’s good to leave it alone and not seek to catch it .
Habitat :
Assassin microbe can be find in a variety of habitats , including forests , comeupance , and grasslands . They are most commonly obtain in tropical and subtropical region , but some metal money can also be find in temperate expanse .
As long as there are plenty of insects for them to feed on , assassin bug will merrily make their home in just about any environment .
Kissing bugs vs Assassin microbe :
Kissing bugs and assassin bug may look standardized , but they are actually quite different . For one , kissing bugs are much more likely to bite mankind , while assassin hemipteron tend to go after other insect .
kiss bugs can also transmit a potentially deadly disease phone Chagas disease , while assassin bugs do not .
So , if you see a germ that look like a kissing bug , it ’s important to be able to tell the dispute . Here are some key things to wait for :
-Kissing bugs are usually black or dark Robert Brown , while assassin bugs can be a variety of colors .
-Kissing bug have a triangle - shape mark on their backs , while assassin bug do not .
-Kissing bugs are typically modest than assassin bugs .
2. Bordered Plant Bugs.
What are they ?
Bordered plant bugs are low , black and white insects that feed on a multifariousness of plants . They get their name from the whitened border around the bound of their bodies .
They are often mistaken for kissing bugs because of their similar appearance . However , bordered plant bugs do not bite man or creature and are not consider to be a health menace .
What do they look like ?
As mentioned , butt plant bugs have a fateful body with a white border . They are small insects , typically only reaching about ¼ of an in in length .
They have six branch and two antennae . Their wings are black with white spot and they have a “ neb ” that they employ to thrust plant tissue and nurse out the juices .
Where are they found ?
Bordered plant bug can be found in gardens , fields , and other areas where plants are growing . They are common in the eastern United States but can also be found in other parts of the rural area .
What do they deplete ?
Bordered plant bugs fertilize on a mixed bag of plants , including vegetables , fruits , and flowers . They typically corrode the leaves or stems of industrial plant but can also damage the fruit itself .
What do they do ?
Bordered plant hemipteran provender on the sap of plants , which can cause damage to the plant . They are particularly fond of impatiens , rose wine , and zinnias .
How can I get disembarrass of them ?
If you have butt against plant bugs in your garden , you could remove them by hand . you could also use a pesticide to get rid of them , but be certain to follow the directions on the label carefully .
3. Boxelder bugs.
They ’re called “ boxelder bugs ” because they like to live on boxelder trees . But they do n’t just dwell on boxelders . They also wish to live on maples , ash , and cherries .
Well , they ’re black with violent stripes . And they ’re shaped like a triangle . But the most interesting matter about them is their rima oris . Their oral cavity is design for suck . And that ’s why they ’re sometimes called “ kissing glitch . ”
How do they live ?
Boxelder bugs usually know in groups . They care to congregate on the cheery side of a tree diagram or a edifice . And they like to lay their egg in the scissure of trees or building .
Boxelder bugs are actually pretty helpful . They wipe out aphids , which are pest that damage plants . But they can also be a pain in the neck . If there are too many of them , they can suck the sap out of a plant and damage it .
4. Chinch Bugs.
Chinch bugs are small , black worm with white stripe on their backs . They ’re about one - one-eighth of an column inch long and have six stage .
Chinch hemipteran fee on the cosh of plants , which can get leaves to turn yellow and finally die . They ’re most commonly found in lawns , but they can also infest gardens , golf courses , and other areas with vegetation .
How can you get disembarrass of them ?
The best way to get rid of bed bug bug is to habituate an insect powder . you may also try using a garden hose to spray them off of your plants . If you have a grievous plague , you may require to call a pest control company .
What should you do if you find them in your domicile ?
If you find bedbug bugs in your home , you should vacuum them up and then cast away of the bag . You may also want to call a pest ascendancy ship’s company to cover your home .
Are they harmful to humankind ?
Chinch bugs are not harmful to humanity , but they can be a nuisance . If you have an infestation , it ’s good to get rid of them as shortly as possible .
5. Damsel Bugs.
Damsel hemipterous insect are a eccentric of predatory insect that are closely concern to on-key bugs . They are often found in gardens and farming bailiwick where they feed on smaller insects , such as aphids and caterpillars .
While they can bite humans if handled rough , damsel bugs are not know to transmit any disease .
grownup damsel hemipteran are typically dark - coloured and measuring between 12 and 18 millimeters in duration .
They have long , narrow body with thread - similar antenna and piercing - sucking mouthpart . Their wing are clear with dismal vein running through them , and they have three pairs of legs that end in sharp claws .
As predators , damozel bug prey on a variety of smaller louse and arthropod . Their diet typically includes aphid , Caterpillar , thripid , mites , and lowly beetle . In agricultural preferences , they can help to control pestilence populations and reduce the need for chemical pesticide .
Where do they live ?
Damsel bugs are found in gardens , field , and other areas with a plentiful supply of minor dirt ball to feed on . In North America , they are most common in the southern and western United States .
What is their life cycle per second ?
pornographic damsel bugs lay their eggs in the spring , typically deposit them on leaf or stems near a food source . The egg hatch after about a workweek , and the result nymph go through several molts before reach adulthood . Adults can live for up to two year .
damoiselle bugs are predatory animal that help tocontrol blighter populations in gardensand agrarian fields . They are also important members of the nutrient chain , providing a food source for large predators such as snort and spiders .
Do they pose any threats ?
Damsel bugs are not cognise to transmit any diseases to man or fauna . However , they can burn if handled roughly . Additionally , their acuate claw may deflate the skin , causing minor discomfort . Overall , they are considered to be beneficial louse .
What should you do if you find one ?
If you detect a damsel hemipteron in your home , there is no need to be concerned . These louse are not know to stimulate any harm to construction or furniture . you may simply capture the hemipteran and release it outdoors .
6. Flat Bugs.
Flat hemipteran are a case of insect that is flatten from top to bottom . This make them look like they have been squash . They are ordinarily incur in quick , humid environments and are attracted to light source .
Flat bugs vary in sizing and shape , but they all divvy up the same flatten appearance . Some common flat bugs include : bedbugs , lice , fleas , and soupcon . They are commonly brown or red in color and may have stripes or patterns on their bodies .
Flat bugs feed on profligate . They will sting humans and brute to get the blood they necessitate . They are sometimes known as kissing bugs because they will often burn mass around the mouth or oculus .
Flat bugs go through three leg in their life story cycles/second : orchis , nymph , and grownup . The egg are laid on the soil and hatch into nymph .
Nymphs look like adult but are small and do not have wing . They will molt ( drop their skin ) several times as they grow . Once they reach adulthood , they will mate and lay eggs to start the cycle over again .
What is their importance ?
categorical bugs are important because they help to molder dead plant and animals . Without them , thing would start to mob up and get very smelly !
What are some interesting facts about them ?
Some interesting fact about 2-dimensional hemipteron admit :
-They have been around for one thousand thousand of years .
-They are found on every continent except Antarctica .
-There are over 12,000 species of categoric bugs .
7. Leaf-footed Bugs.
Leaf - footed glitch are true bugs belonging to the family Coreidae . They get their name from the leaf - comparable expansions on their hind leg , which they use to wedge themselves into cracks and crevice . Most foliage - footed bugs are industrial plant feeders and many are considered pests of agricultural crops .
Most folio - footed bugs are dark brown or inglorious , although some species are bright dark-skinned . They range in size from about ½ column inch to almost an in long .
The wing of leaf - foot bug are commonly darker than the rest of their body and may have pale marking . Some species have very prominent leaf - same expansions on their hind leg , while others have only small or barely detectable ones .
leafage - footed hemipteran are found throughout the Americas , from the United States to South America . They generally prefer warm clime and can be found in gardens , fields , and other habitats with their host works .
As plant feeders , leafage - footed bugs utilize their long , pierce mouthpart to suck the sap out of leaf , stem , and fruit .
This can stimulate impairment to crop and may make the plant more susceptible to disease . Some mintage of folio - footed hemipterous insect are sleep with to feed on other insects , including caterpillars and beetle larvae .
What else should I know about them ?
During the day , leaf - footed bug often roost on the undersides of leaf or on branches . At night , they may be attract to Christ Within .
If you get one in your home , it is probably just take care for a place to spend the winter and is not harmful . However , if you have a lot of leaf - foot hemipterous insect in your garden or on your crops , they can stimulate significant damage .
Kissing bugs vs Leaf - leg it Bugs :
buss glitch and leaf - footed bug may look similar , but there are some key differences to be aware of . For one , buss bugs are typically black or dark brown in color , while foliage - footed bug are often light in colour . snog bugs also have a clearly slender shape , while leaf - hoof bugs lean to be more pear-shaped .
When it comes to their feeding habits , kiss bugs typically feed on the blood of mammals , while foliage - foot bugs often feed on plant sap . This can be one of the easy ways to tell these two types of microbe asunder . Finally , kissing bug are know to communicate a life-threatening disease call in Chagas disease , while foliage - pick bug do not .
8. Plant Bugs.
Plant bugs are small , sap - sucking insects that attack a wide range of works . Many flora bugs are bright colored and some have interesting design on their wings . Some plant bugs can be serious pesterer of crop while others seldom cause any problems at all .
Plant bug tip by puncturing the plant tissue paper and sucking out the sap . This eating can cause leaf deformities , stunted growth , and cut proceeds . In severe face , works bug can obliterate plants outright .
There are a act of way to manipulate plant life germ , including using pesticides and other methods of pestis control . If you have a flora hemipteran problem , you should contact a pest controller professional to discuss the good option for getting rid of them .
Kissing bugs vs Plant bugs :
osculate bugs and plant bugs may look standardized , but there are some key way to tell apart them aside . For one , snog germ are typically a bit larger than plant bugs .
They also have long mouths , which they use to thrust their victim ’s skin and go down on their blood . Finally , while both types of bugs can be found near plants , snog bugs are more likely to be see near mass or animals , as they need blood to live on .
9. Scentless Plant Bugs.
These trivial bugger are aboriginal to Europe , but they ’ve made their way to North America . They ’re called “ scentless plant life bugs ” because they do n’t produce the typical stink that most insects do . Instead , they emit a musty smelling .
They ’re not harmful to human , but they can be a existent painfulness in the neck for farmers . That ’s because they feed on plants , and they ’re especially fond of soybeans . In fact , they can get up to 80 % damage to a soya crop . They ’ve also been known to feast on other crop , like cotton , lucerne , and corn .
Scentless flora hemipteron are small , ellipse - shaped insects . They ’re dark brown or black in colour and have a yellow or white stripe running down their backs . They ’re about the same size as a centime .
As their name suggests , scentless works bugs fee on plant . They deflate the stems of plants and suck out the sap . This can do the plant to wilt and become flat .
soy are a favorite food of scentless works bugs , but they ’ll also eat other crops , like cotton plant , Medicago sativa , and corn .
Are they dangerous ?
Scentless plant life bugs are not harmful to humans . However , they can be a genuine nuisance for Farmer . That ’s because they fertilize on plants , and they ’re peculiarly fond of soybeans . In fact , they can cause up to 80 % damage to a soybean crop . They ’ve also been bang to feast on other harvest , like cotton , alfalfa , and clavus .
If you think you ’ve spotted a scentless plant bug , it ’s best to meet your local extension office . They can help you identify the insect and make up one’s mind whether or not it ’s a terror to your crops .
If you ’re get by with a scentless plant hemipteran infestation , there are a few things you’re able to do to get rid of them . you’re able to use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them on contact . you’re able to also try using sand trap , like yellow sticky hole or pheromone trap .
you could also take measure to prevent them from invade your plants in the first plaza . That let in removing their pet food source ( Glycine max ) from your place . you could also try using row covers or screens to keep them out of your garden .
Kissing bugs vs Scentless Plant Bugs :
If you ’ve ever find a hemipterous insect in your house and wondered if it was a buss bug , you ’re not alone . These hemipteron are often mistaken for one another because of their similar appearance . So , what ’s the difference between a kiss hemipterous insect and a scentless flora hemipteran ?
For starters , kiss bugs are blood - sucking insect that feed on the stock of animals and humans . They get their name from the fact that they often bite people around the oral fissure or eyes . On the other paw , scentless plant hemipterous insect are harmless to humans and only feed on plant .
Another difference between these two bugs is their size . buss bug are typically larger than scentless flora bug , measuring about 13 - 20 mm in duration . Scentless plant bugs are ordinarily smaller , only turn over about 12 mm in distance .
Finally , the two bug can be distinguished by their colour . snog bugs are typically dark brown or black with carmine - orange tree markings . Scentless plant bugs , on the other hand , are usually lightheaded brown or tan .
10. Seed Bugs (Leptoglossus occidentalis)
Seed Bugs are true bug in the kinsperson Coreidae . They are native to North America and can be find out west of the Rocky Mountains .
They are often false for kissing bugs ( Triatoma spp . ) , which are also in the family Coreidae , but Seed Bugs do not seize with teeth humans and are not known to conduct any disease .
Adult Seed Bugs are about ¾ of an in tenacious and browned or black in color . They have a triangular shape and their annex overlap when they are at balance . They are often mistaken for kissing bugs because of their alike appearance .
Seed Bugs feed on the semen of plant , which is how they get their name . They are often find on sunflowers , but they will also fertilize on the seeds of other plants , such as grasses and weeds .
Seed Bugs are a type of true glitch in the kin Coreidae . They are aboriginal to North America and can be find west of the Rocky Mountains . Seed Bugs get their name from their diet of flora seeds . They are often mistaken for kiss bugs ( Triatoma spp . ) , which are also in the menage Coreidae , but Seed Bugs do not bite human being and are not known to transmit any disease .
Adult Seed Bugs are about ¾ of an inch foresighted and brown or dim in coloring . They have a triangular shape and their wings overlap when they are at eternal rest .
Seed Bugs are often found on sunflowers , but they will also feast on the seeds of other industrial plant , such as grass and weeds .
If you find a bug that you believe might be a Seed Bug , it is important to mention that they do not bite humans and are not known to transmit any disease . Seed Bugs are not look at a plague , so there is no need to command them if they are found in your home or garden .
11. Stink Bugs.
Stink hemipterous insect are modest , dark-brown - black insects that emit a foul odor when disturb . They are often found in gardens and on crops , where they feed on works sap .
Stink bugs can be a pain in the neck to householder because they often enter mansion in search of shelter during the wintertime months .
Stink bug have a distinctive carapace - shaped body and are about ½ inch long . They are brownish - smuggled in colouring material and have six legs . Stink bug also have two retentive , antennae that are used to smell their food .
Stink bugs provender on flora sap , which they imbibe out of the stems of plants . This feeding can damage crops and make them unsellable . Stink hemipterous insect also feed fruit , which can make it sample bad .
Stink bugs are found in garden , on crops , and in other areas where there are plants . They often enter house in search of protection during the wintertime months .
Stink bug go through four level of development : egg , nymph , pupa , and adult . distaff malodor bug lay ball on the bottom of leaves .
The eggs hatch into nymph , which look like small adults . nymph molt several times as they grow . Pupae are the stagecoach between nymphs and adults . Adult stink bug mate and lay eggs to get going the bike over again .
Stink bugs damage crop by feeding on plant cosh and fruit . They can also be a nuisance to homeowners because they often enter family in search of shelter during the winter months .
If you have reek bugs in your home , you may vacuum them up and dispose of them alfresco . you’re able to also seal off any cracks or openings around your plate to prevent them from getting in spite of appearance .
Kissing bug vs Stink bugs :
Kissing bugs and stink bugs are both insect that can be found in the southern United States . Both osculate bug and stink bug feed on human parentage , but there are some key differences between these two cuss .
For one , osculate germ are much bigger than fetor bugs . Kissing microbe can develop to be about an inch long , while stink bugs are only about a half - column inch long .
kiss bugs also have a more pointed head than stink bugs . And , while both insects can flee , stink bug are better at it than kissing hemipteron .
Lastly , as their name suggests , malodour bugs resign a foul scent when they are disturbed . osculate bug do not have this ability .
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Conclusion
There are a few things you may do to avoid coming in contact with these plague . If you survive in an orbit where they are coarse , it ’s important to keep your home and yard free of clutter . This will make it intemperate for them to find spot to blot out . You should also seal any crevice or col around your home to prevent them from get at bottom .
