When it comes to insects and creepy crawly critters, Southern California is luckier than most other parts of the country as deadly bugs are quite rare around here. However, there is a new bug in town that has been spotted in parts of Southern California that’s known for bites that can turn deadly. Keep reading to find out where these insects are hiding and how to avoid coming into contact with one of them.

There's a deadly bug in town that could leave you ill with just one bite and it has the most unexpected nickname — the kissing bug.
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You may be wondering how the kissing bug got its name. It turns out this insect often delivers its bites directly on the face in the middle of the night while people are sleeping. Not exactly the kind of thing you want to wake up to.
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All it takes is one bite from this small bug and you could be at risk of contracting Chagas disease which is transferred from a parasite that the bug carries. Chagas disease can cause serious illness and even death in some cases.
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There are several types of kissing bugs that have been spotted in the United States, which makes them challenging to identify. But there are a few key markings you can look for such as a dark back with red or orange trim.
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Although there's no cause for alarm at this point, it's still a good idea to keep your eyes open for these deadly insects as they have been spotted in parts of Southern California and other areas of the nation as highlighted in the map provided by the CDC.
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Want to prevent kissing bugs from invading your home? These small insects love to hide in tight places and corners that are easily overlooked. They are often spotted in woodpiles, dog kennels, and other wood structures.
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Make sure to keep kennels clean and clear out any standing wood piles from your yard to reduce the possibility of these bugs making their way into your home.
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If you do suffer a bite you'll want to seek medical attention right away. Although not all bites from a kissing bug are deadly, you don't want to take any risks.
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Have you spotted this deadly bug in Southern California? If you’d like more details about the kissing bug, you can find additional information on the CDC’s official website right over here.

While you’re keeping an eye it for this deadly insect, make sure to also avoid these 8 terrifying things in SoCal that might actually kill you.

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