Watch out, Austin. The infamous “kissing bugs” are back again, and you’ll want to keep away. These pesky crawlers can sneak into your homes and wreak havoc on your life. A parasitic bug has been spotted in Austin, and its bite could be deadly.

Even Austin's glistening waterfronts and spectacular views aren't immune to the dreadful kissing bug.
Stuart Seeger/Flickr
In fact, this pesky insect has been spotted throughout the United States.
CDC
If you see one of these six-legged creatures scurrying around, turn the other way.
Wikimedia Commons
They are also called "cone-nosed bugs" and "masked-hunter bugs." No matter what name they go by, one thing is certain: you don't want to be anywhere near one.
Kissing Bugs are anything but sweet.
gailhampshire/Wikimedia Commons
These chilling insects are called "kissing bugs" because they are attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans exhale. They often bite around the nose and mouth while people are sleeping.

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They're also known to carry the deadly Chagas Disease.
Zezinho68/Wikimedia Commons
If you get infected by a kissing bug, you could easily get Chagas Disease. For weeks, parasites can be found in the bloodstream, causing fever and or swelling.
If left untreated, the disease could be fatal.
Judy Gallagher/Flickr
If the infection progresses, victims can suffer from complications like heartbeat abnormalities. Results can be deadly. It's important to note the early signs of Chagas Disease and treat it early. If ignored, the disease could turn chronic.
Be sure to keep your home and pets safe from the kissing bugs.
A_Peach/Flickr
Inspect your home for cracks or openings near doors and windows. Kissing bugs like to hide in the dark until they feed at nighttime. Shelter your pets indoors so they are far away from the insects when they're searching for food.
If you happen to see a kissing bug, don't touch it.
Bramadi Arya/Wikimedia Commons
Kissing bugs carry parasites on their feces and skin. If you smash one, you run the risk of spreading the bacteria around. If you find one in your home, immediately call an exterminator. To learn more about kissing bugs and the deadly Chagas disease, visit the CDC's website here.

Have you ever seen a creepy kissing bug? If you need a palate-cleanser after all of these gross bug pictures, gaze at these 13 stunning Austin photos. These shots prove that Austin is the most beautiful city in the country.

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