The Triatomine bug, commonly known as the kissing bug, is a blood-feeding assassin insect that feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles, typically emerging at night. These insects are known for their ability to transmit a serious parasitic illness. While often associated with warmer climates, they have a documented presence in the United States, including Indiana. Although the risk of human infection remains low in the Midwest, understanding the bug’s presence and potential health implications is important for public health awareness.
Documented Presence in Indiana
Kissing bugs are native to Indiana and have been documented across the state. The species most commonly found is Triatoma sanguisuga, sometimes called the Eastern bloodsucking conenose. This bug is part of a larger group of triatomines found across 32 states, marking Indiana as one of the more northern edges of their typical habitat range. These insects are typically found outdoors, inhabiting areas like beneath porches, in wood or rock piles, and the nests or burrows of small mammals. Despite their natural presence, the Indiana State Department of Health has reported no locally acquired human cases of the illness they transmit. This low rate of transmission is attributed to the behavior of the local bug species and the generally well-sealed construction of homes in the U.S.
How to Identify Kissing Bugs
Correctly identifying a kissing bug is important because many common, harmless insects, including wheel bugs and squash bugs, are often mistaken for them. A true kissing bug can measure between one-half to over one inch long.
Physical Characteristics
They possess a distinct, narrow, and cone-shaped head. Their thin, straight mouthparts extend forward, unlike the thick, curved mouthparts of many other assassin bugs. The body is dark brown or black, but the most distinguishing feature is the pattern along the edge of its abdomen. This outer rim, known as the connexivum, is marked with distinctive red, orange, or yellowish stripes or spots. Kissing bugs also have long, thin legs that lack the bulky sections seen on plant-feeding look-alikes.
Behavior
Since they are nocturnal, finding one indoors during the day often means it was disturbed from a hiding spot near a bed or pet sleeping area.
Understanding Chagas Disease Transmission
Kissing bugs can transmit Chagas disease, which is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The parasite lives in the bug’s gut.
Transmission Mechanism
Transmission is not through the bite itself. Infection begins when the bug feeds on a host and then defecates near the bite site or on the skin. The parasite-containing feces must then be accidentally rubbed into the bite wound, a break in the skin, or a mucous membrane like the eye or mouth. The T. sanguisuga species found in Indiana is less likely to transmit the parasite than southern counterparts, as it often waits until after it has finished feeding and moved away to excrete waste.
Disease Progression
If infection occurs, Chagas disease progresses through two phases: acute and chronic. The acute phase, appearing shortly after infection, is often mild or asymptomatic, though symptoms can include fever, body aches, or swelling at the bite site, known as Romaña’s sign. The chronic phase develops years or decades later in 20 to 30 percent of infected individuals, potentially leading to serious and irreversible heart or intestinal complications. While the parasite is established in the U.S. wildlife population, human transmission remains rare, and the risk in Indiana is considered very low.
Prevention and Home Safety Tips
Preventing encounters with kissing bugs involves exclusion techniques to keep them from entering living spaces and reducing nearby outdoor habitats.
Exclusion and Habitat Reduction
- Inspect and seal any cracks, gaps, or crevices in the foundation, walls, and around windows and doors.
- Repair damaged window and door screens, as bugs may enter through even small openings.
- Remove wood piles, rock stacks, and general debris close to the structure to reduce outdoor habitat.
- Minimize the use of outdoor lighting or switch to less attractive yellow bulbs, as these bugs are attracted to light.
Handling Suspected Bugs
If a suspected kissing bug is found, it should never be touched or squashed with bare hands, as this can spread infectious feces. Instead, carefully capture the bug in a sealed container and preserve it, typically by freezing or placing it in rubbing alcohol. Contact a local health department or extension office for identification.