Do not be fooled by their sweet-sounding name — kissing bugs are a menace and have become a real concern in Ohio. Scientifically known as triatomine bugs, these tiny insects carry a parasite that is known to cause severe symptoms that could last for months and, if left untreated, be fatal.
The kissing bug presents enough concern for public health that the Centers for Disease Control has issued a safety alert and several major Ohio universities are now involved in containing the spread of the disease it carries. .
Kissing bugs in OH
These insects have been part of Ohio’s ecosystem for millions of years, they aren’t deadly and most are not infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease. However, humans can become sick if the bug’s feces gets inside the body.
Joe Boggs, assistant professor for Ohio State University Entomology wants to reassure Ohio residents that there is little risk of being bitten, ”The bloodsucker does suck blood, but it prefers to feed on animals such as rodents, opossums, dogs, chickens, and occasionally horses.” Areas or habitats of these animal s where you’ll find a higher concentration of the kissing bugs’ feces.
Characteristics of kissing bugs
Fortunately, these bugs have features that can make them easier to recognize, according to the community science program at Texas A&M…