There’s a new insect in Utah, and you’re going to want to keep an eye out for it. Triatominae are a type of parasitic insect that’s commonly called the kissing bug. Sounds cute, doesn’t it? Don’t be fooled – these little bugs carry a disease that can be deadly, and you’re going to be absolutely disgusted when you hear how the disease is transmitted to humans.

The kissing bug is a parasitic insect that sucks the blood of humans and animals. It's also been called a vampire bug, or an assassin bug.
Judy Gallagher/flickr
The bug can be infected with T.cruzi, a parasite that transmits Chagas disease. The disease can have some serious complications, and can even cause death.
The kissing bug got its nickname because it typically bites humans on the face while they sleep. If this doesn't sound horrific enough, wait til you hear how the bugs transmit the Chagas disease they carry!
Jon Huss/flickr
While the bug is biting and feeding off your blood, it typically poops near that spot. The parasite that carries the Chagas disease lives in the kissing bug's poop, and when you rub your face, you can smear the poop into your eye or mouth. Soon, you'll have millions of parasites swimming in your bloodstream.
It can be difficult to tell that you've been infected with Chagas disease, but early detection is important.
Chanin Wardkhian/Getty Images
Early symptoms of Chagas disease are similar to the flu: fever, vomiting, muscle aches, and diarrhea. One tell-tale sign is a swollen eyelid which is caused by wiping the kissing bug's poop into your eye. If caught early enough, the disease can be treated with an anti-parasitic drug. If it's not treated, Chagas disease is chronic, and you'll suffer its side effects for the rest of your life. Complications include an enlarged heart, colon, or esophagus. You might suffer from abnormal heart rhythm which can eventually cause cardiac arrest and death.

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Central and South America is the home of most types of triatominae, but kissing bugs have made their way to the United States in recent years, and they've made their way to West Virginia.
CDC
The many different species of Triatominae, can all look a bit different, but it's pretty easy to recognize the kissing bugs found here in the United States.
Curtis-Robles et al./Wikimedia Commons
There are 11 species found here in America, and they're usually black or dark brown, with orange, yellow, or red stripes along the edge of their wings. They have long antennae and a cone-shaped head.
You may have kissing bugs right in your home or yard.
gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K/Wikimedia
Kissing bugs generally sleep during the day when it's hot, then come out at night when it's cooler. They like to hang out in the cracks of porches and foundations, in piles of rocks or wood, and inside dog houses or chicken coops. They're drawn to the heat and odors of humans and animals.
So how can you avoid the bite of the kissing bug?
Dan Ruscoe/flickr
The CDC recommends that you inspect your home and yard. Seal up any cracks or gaps in concrete around your house. Use screens on window and doors and repair them if they're torn. Clear rocks or piles of brush away from your property, and store your woodpile in a location away from the house. Have your pets sleep indoors, and keep outdoor areas such as chicken coops as clean as possible.

For more information about the kissing bug and Chagas disease, visit the CDC’s website. Have you seen these insects around your home or yard?

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