Pucker Up for Trouble: A Look at the Kissing Bug
Imagine spending the weekend at a hill country ranch in Uvalde, TX enjoying the beautiful views and stargazing under a canopy of darkness marveling at the beauty of space when suddenly you feel something crawling on the back of your neck…You jump up startled, swatting wildly while simultaneously turning on the flashlight to see what was on you.
Slowly scampering away you see a black bug with distinct orange bands on its edges. Others around the campfire look to you (the bug guy) for answers, what is it? Did it sting you? After further inspection and then some strategically directed boot stomping you crush the personal-space invading culprit and you begin a brief explanation into the warranted fear aroused by the Kissing Bug that was probably about to take a blood meal from you or one of the Labrador companion dogs laying near by.
This is a true encounter and it happened to me. Luckily there was no bite and no one was harmed except for the kissing bug and maybe a little bit of my pride due to my now comical fight or flight reaction.
Kissing Bugs and Chagas Disease
According to research conducted by Texas A&M University many counties in our service area have reported positive cases of Chagas Disease and as seasonal temperatures warm customers in our area are reporting seeing Kissing Bugs on their property, especially those with outdoor dog kennels and more rural customers that share property lines with naturally overgrown landscapes, pastures and green space.
As a company we have sent one set of specimen in to be tested resulting in a positive test for chagas disease and some customers have personally sent specimens in for testing resulting in a positive chagas test.
Tips for Preventing Kissing Bugs
Like most pests including fleas, ticks and mosquitos there is no silver bullet for preventing encounters with Kissing Bugs on your property. However people can reduce their exposure to kissing bugs and transmission of Chagas Disease by securing homes to prevent kissing bug entry, maintaining a tidy environment to deter wild animals, turning off outdoor lights at night, keeping grass mowed/trimmed and implementing integrated pest management strategies like those offered by Angel Pest Control remember to always follow label instructions if you attempt to self treat your property and always consult your veterinarian for the health of your pets and a physician for your health if you feel you were exposed to a kissing bug bite.
