Kissing bugs are blood-feeding insects known as Triatomines, which are members of the assassin bug family. Certain species are confirmed to be present across dozens of counties in Florida. These bugs can carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease, but the risk of a person acquiring the infection locally in the United States remains relatively low.
Presence and Identification of Triatomine Bugs in Florida
The primary species of concern found throughout Florida is Triatoma sanguisuga, commonly called the Eastern Bloodsucking Conenose. Adult specimens of this bug are relatively large, typically measuring about one inch long, roughly the size of a U.S. quarter. They are characterized by a distinct dark coloration, usually black or dark brown, with striking orange or yellow markings that band the edges of their abdomen.
These insects are often confused with other common Florida insects, such as non-blood-feeding assassin bugs or leaf-footed bugs. A key identifying feature is the bug’s narrow, cone-shaped head structure and its prominent, straight proboscis (rostrum), used for feeding. When not feeding, the rostrum is typically tucked beneath its head, but it is bent outward when preparing to take a blood meal.
Triatoma sanguisuga is found in both wild (sylvatic) and near-home (peridomestic) environments. In nature, they frequently inhabit areas near the nests of mammals that serve as hosts for the parasite, such as opossums, raccoons, and woodrats. Common outdoor hiding spots include woodpiles, beneath porches or cement slabs, and in outdoor pet kennels.
Understanding Chagas Disease Transmission
Chagas disease, or American Trypanosomiasis, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite is acquired by the triatomine bug when it feeds on an infected animal or person. Although the bugs are present in Florida, and nearly 30% of those tested in the state have been found to carry T. cruzi, human transmission is rare.
The bug does not transmit the parasite directly through its bite. Instead, the T. cruzi parasites are contained within the bug’s feces, which the insect often deposits near the bite site while feeding. Infection occurs when a person inadvertently rubs or scratches the parasite-laden feces into the open wound, or into mucous membranes like the eyes or mouth.
The disease progresses through two main phases. The acute phase typically lasts a few weeks to months and is often asymptomatic or presents with mild symptoms like fever or swelling at the bite site. Sometimes, a visible swelling called a chagoma appears, or a unilateral eyelid swelling known as Romaña’s sign if the parasite enters through the eye.
If left untreated, the infection enters the chronic phase, which can remain asymptomatic for decades. Over many years, about 30% of infected individuals may develop serious, life-threatening complications. These long-term effects commonly involve the heart, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure, or the digestive system, causing an enlarged esophagus or colon.
Practical Prevention and Action Steps
Minimizing the risk of encountering kissing bugs involves a two-pronged strategy focusing on exclusion and habitat control. Exclusion methods are designed to physically block the insects from entering the home. This includes sealing all cracks and crevices in the walls, foundations, and around utility lines and plumbing pipes.
It is important to ensure that all window and door screens are intact and that weather stripping is properly maintained to eliminate small gaps. Since these nocturnal insects are attracted to light, switching exterior lights to yellow LED bulbs can reduce their attraction to entry points. Regularly inspecting and repairing potential entryways is an effective preventative measure.
Habitat modification involves removing or cleaning up areas outdoors where the bugs and their hosts thrive. Clearing away wood, rock, and brush piles near the home significantly reduces potential nesting sites for both the bugs and reservoir animals like raccoons. Pet owners should regularly wash pet bedding and keep outdoor kennels clean, as these can become attractive harborage sites.
If a suspected kissing bug is found, do not touch it with bare hands or squash it, as this could lead to parasite exposure. Safely capture the insect by placing a container over it and sliding a piece of paper underneath. Once contained, the bug should be reported to a local entomology extension office or the state health department for identification and testing.