In North Carolina, we’re accustomed to all sorts of creatures that can bring harm to our daily lives. Ticks are just one example of an unpleasant natural nuisance here. Yet, from alligators to sharks and bears, we manage to forge ahead – mostly without incident. However, there’s a new insect assailant on the move. Its name, the kissing bug, may sound innocent, but one bite from this little creature can be deadly. While we know it’s hard to avoid being out in the great outdoors there are a few things you’ll want to look out for to avoid any negative consequences. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about one of the most poisonous bugs in North Carolina.

Also called the 'vampire bug' and the 'kiss of death,' one bite from one of these poisonous bugs in North Carolina can kill you.
Flickr/Judy Gallagher
Kissing bugs have been spreading like wildfire and have been spotted throughout the southern United States, including in North Carolina. Once primarily an issue in South and Central America, the kissing bug carries a parasite that causes Chagas disease.
Chagas disease originated in rural underdeveloped areas in Latin America and affects as many as 10 million of the world's population.
Wikimedia/Tomato356
Chagas disease is transmitted through the bite of a kissing bug, which is a nocturnal insect that usually feeds at night.
Wikimedia/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library/Image Identifier #2538
Kissing bugs carry the Chagas-causing parasite and transmit it to humans and pets by way of their blood-sucking bite. Once the kissing bug feeds on its host, it then defecates. The parasite is transmitted in the feces as it enters the host through the new wound created by the bite. People who are bitten usually find a new bite on their face upon waking, but it's not uncommon for the kissing bug to feed on other areas of its host.

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Eleven different species of kissing bugs have been spotted in 28 states in the southern United States.
Texas A&M Agricultural and Life Sciences
Check out the CDC website to identify kissing bugs spotted in each state, including illustrations and photos of each. In some cases, several different species have been reported in more than one state.
For the most part in North Carolina, you'll want to look out for the species pictured on the far right in this illustration.
Wikimedia/Curtis-Robles et al
The Triatoma Sanguisuga is similar to a stink bug (which, aside from its odor, is harmless). The kissing bugs in North Carolina are characterized primarily by orange or red marks that run down the outer sides of the body (six on each side), a relatively hairless mouth, and yellow to red markings on the wings. Familiarize yourself with this bug, because as many as 50% of them carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease.
While neither the kissing bug nor Chagas disease have been reported at alarming rates in North Carolina, it's still a good idea to learn the symptoms.
Wikimedia/xpda
Chagas disease has two phases: acute and chronic. In the acute phase, the bite area may become red and swollen. While some people have no symptoms at all, others experience fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a stomachache, loss of appetite, and fatigue. An estimated 30% of bite victims end up developing life threatening conditions from the disease, including arrhythmia, a dilated heart or colon, and even heart failure.

 

As harmless as its name may sound, the kissing bug in North Carolina is no joke. You’ll want to keep a sharp eye out for this sinister creature. While we’ll certainly be avoiding this bug, it’s not the only living thing you’ll want to avoid. There are some other dangerous animals roaming the state so be sure to look out for them as well!

Is there anything you’re specifically afraid of here in North Carolina? Let us know in the comments!

 

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More to Explore

Creepy Things In North Carolina

Michelle S. | December 27, 2022

What are the most haunted places in North Carolina?

The most haunted places in North Carolina can be found in every corner of the state. From historic homes to eerie roads, you'll want to watch your step. Here are a few of the most notable:

 

And, for those looking to make a day of the creepy side of the state be sure to take this haunted road trip to some of the scariest places in North Carolina!

Are there any haunted hotels in North Carolina?

There are quite a few haunted hotels in North Carolina. Some of the most interesting include the following:

 

While we can't be entirely sure, some people believe the famous Biltmore Estate is haunted, too! And while you're on the hunt for creepy spots in the state, check out these 6 North Carolina haunted hotels. They're sure to make your stay a nightmare.

What is the most haunted place in North Carolina?

The most haunted place in North Carolina is considered to be Ocracoke Island. The isolated town can only be accessed by ferry, boat, or plane, making it even more eerie. The 9.6-mile long island is the southernmost island on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, one of the most beautiful spots in the state. But the haunting history has made for some of the most interesting spooky tales. Lean more about the abnormal amount of paranormal activity on the island.

 

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