Wacky Pest Wednesday: Kissing Bug

A very happy Wednesday to all you Tri-County Pest Control fans out there, and welcome to our latest edition of Wacky Pest Wednesday!  It is certainly our favorite weekly tradition, and we are so happy to have you join us.  Today, we have a special edition lined up, as we cover a pest that does not act the same as its name implies.  Keep on reading to learn more about the kissing bug!

When you think of a bug called the “kissing bug,” you would think about a bug that’s sweet a kind, much akin to the ladybug.  Well, that cannot be further from the truth, as the kissing bug gets its name from its penchant to suck the blood of its prey while they sleep.  In the morning, the culprit wakes up to red marks all over their body, which some say looks like kisses left behind.  

Indeed, whether it is humans or another animal, kissing bugs love to bite near the face, since that is where they can find the highest concentration of blood.  However, the tricky thing about these bugs (besides their small nature) is that they are only active in the wee hours of the morning, making it very hard to spot them in the act.  What makes this problem even worse is that they are known to spread Charges disease, which sometimes has lethal consequences.  This being said, the kissing bug should certainly not be underestimated.

Signs of a kissing bug infestation include seeing the bug yourself, or finding small, red bites on either your pet’s or your own face.  If spotted, please do not hesitate to call us, as the longer you wait can increase the chances of being bitten again, and contracting Charges.

Kissing bugs are certainly not to be messed with, so if you spot one give us a call today!