By 7 min read

What states have kissing bugs?

Most of the world’s kissing bugs are in Central and South America and Mexico. They’ve also been found in the United States in the lower 28 states, with higher concentrations in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Kissing bugs have been spotted a far north as Delaware, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

What is the most dangerous bug in Kentucky?

There’s been quite a bit of talk about the “kissing bug,” properly known as the Triatomine Bug, because the parasite it may carry can be very dangerous. This potentially deadly parasitic bug has been spotted throughout Kentucky and here’s what you need to know about this creepy crawler.

How do you tell if a bug is a kissing bug?

Kissing bugs may be hard to identify, as they appear similar to many other bugs in the U.S. Some key characteristics include:

  1. a long, oval shaped body with six legs.
  2. a thin, cone shaped head with long antennae.
  3. a light brown to black body.
  4. yellowish to red or tan markings on their bodies.

What bugs are mistaken for kissing bugs?

Recently, the commonest look-alike I’ve been getting reports of is the masked hunter bug (Reduvius personatus), which can also be encountered indoors. If you aren’t familiar with masked hunter bugs, there’s a good reason why these insects can sometimes mistaken for kissing bugs—they’re technically kissing cousins.

Where do kissing bugs hide?

Kissing bugs can hide in cracks and holes in beds, floors, walls, and furniture. They are most likely to be found: Near places where a pet, such as a dog or cat, spends time. In areas where mice or other rodents live.

What do you do if you find a kissing bug?

If you find a kissing bug, the CDC recommends you do not touch or squash it. To help understand the problem and how many carry the disease, the CDC is asking for help. They suggest you place a container on top of the kissing bug for 24 hours, and then seal the bug inside the container.

Are there a lot of bugs in Kentucky?

Roaches and beetles are common throughout the state. The American cockroach, carpet beetle, termites, fleas, and ants are the most concerning for homeowners. Spiders. There are a surprisingly large number of spider varieties in Kentucky.

What bugs does Kentucky have?

Dragonflies» Damselflies» Stoneflies»
Crickets» Grasshoppers & Katydids» True Bugs»
Cicadas» Dobsonflies» Beetles»
Scorpionflies» Caddisflies» True Flies»
Wasps, Ants, & Bees»

What happens if you squish a kissing bug?

It’s best to NOT squish a bug, but sometimes it happens! After the bug is squished, do not touch the bug with your bare hands. The T. cruzi parasite may be in the feces of kissing bugs, and their bodies may have the parasite on them.

Do kissing bugs fly or crawl?

Kissing bugs can fly, but they can also crawl and get inside that way. Homeowners can get rid of kissing bugs using liquid residual pesticides, baits or dusts.

Are there cockroaches in Kentucky?

The American cockroach is the largest species (1-1/2 inches long) found in Kentucky. American cockroaches prefer dark, moist areas, such as in basements and crawl spaces.

Are there any poisonous bugs in Kentucky?

Out of the hundreds of spider species found in Kentucky, the black widow and brown recluse are the only two whose poisonous bites may cause serious health threats.

Are there kissing bugs in the United States?

The kissing bug may sound like a virus that plagues the protagonist of a romantic comedy, but in fact, these insects are real, and one species does occur in Kentucky. These blood-feeding insects have received a lot of media attention due to the potential health effects of their bites in the southwestern United States.

Are there parasitic bugs in the state of Kentucky?

This potentially deadly parasitic bug has been spotted throughout Kentucky and here’s what you need to know about this creepy crawler. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life.

Why are kissing bugs called ” kissing bugs “?

If you’re wondering why these insects are called “Kissing Bugs,” we’re warning you now – it’s creepy enough to make your skin crawl. Kissing Bugs feed on blood and often bite people on the face and near the mouth.

What to do if you find a kissing bug?

Kissing Bugs are not common in our region, but reports suggest their population is growing. If you happen to find one, do not squash it, as this can expose you to any parasites it may be carrying. Try to trap it in a container and follow the instructions on the CDC website, linked below.