The Southwest is home to many different dangerous insects and reptiles, and the Land of Enchantment is no exception. The “Kissing Bug” might sound like a sweet and innocent bug that’s totally harmless; unfortunately, this is not the case. This parasitic bug can carry a fatal disease and has been spotted all throughout the southern part of America, including New Mexico. While this insect originated in Latin America, New Mexicans are now having to take precautions to avoid the dangers of this parasitic bug. You’ll need to know how to identify a Kissing Bug and do what you can to protect yourself and your family from a dangerous disease brought on by this parasitic bug.
The Kissing Bug is also known as the “Assassin Bug.”
Linda Tanner/Flickr Kissing Bugs are part of the Triatoma rubida family of predatory insects. These bugs are much like bed bugs in the sense that they sustain themselves by feeding on blood. The seemingly innocent nickname comes from their tendency to bite near the mouth and face.
If that thought alone doesn’t make your skin crawl, this certainly will: these bugs can carry a parasite that can be fatal.
marcouliana/Getty Images The parasite is called Trypanosoma cruzi and it lives in the systems of over 50% of Kissing Bugs. This parasite can lead to potentially fatal Chagas disease.
Chagas disease can be transmitted to children, adults, and animals.
thetechhimself1/Flickr According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 20% of those infected with Chagas disease develop gastrointestinal and cardiac complications throughout their lifetime. In children and individuals with weakened immune systems, this parasitic disease can be fatal.
Unfortunately, this dangerous insect has migrated to parts of the United States, especially the Southwestern states of Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico.
CDC There have been confirmed sightings of 11 different types of Kissing Bugs throughout the country.
You’ll want to know how to spot a Kissing Bug and stay protected.
José Pablo Orozco Marín/Flickr Kissing Bugs usually aren’t much bigger than the average quarter; the most common species in the U.S. are about one-inch-long. They have a very distinct snout and a flat back, and most species have bright orange or red markings. All types of Kissing Bugs have long, thin legs, but some lack the colorful markings that help identify them from other insects with a similar appearance.
These bugs are known to hide in small, dark places.
Curtis-Robles et al./Wikimedia Commons It’s common to find these bugs in wood piles, near dog kennels, under decks, and near other wooden, dark areas. Adult Kissing Bugs have wings and fly toward light, so it’s recommended to keep your outdoor lights turned off at night whenever possible. Animals can also be affected by the parasite that Kissing Bugs carry, so make sure to protect your pets as well.
Although there is no reason to panic, you’ll want to make sure to get checked out by a medical professional if you think you may have been bitten by a Kissing Bug.
José Pablo Orozco Marín/Flickr For more information on Chagas disease and how to protect yourself, you can visit the CDC’s website right here.
Kissing Bugs are a serious issue in New Mexico. Make sure to educate yourself so that you can stay protected and spot a Kissing Bug in the Land of Enchantment. Have you spotted any Kissing Bugs in your area?
Linda Tanner/Flickr
Kissing Bugs are part of the Triatoma rubida family of predatory insects. These bugs are much like bed bugs in the sense that they sustain themselves by feeding on blood. The seemingly innocent nickname comes from their tendency to bite near the mouth and face.
marcouliana/Getty Images
The parasite is called Trypanosoma cruzi and it lives in the systems of over 50% of Kissing Bugs. This parasite can lead to potentially fatal Chagas disease.
thetechhimself1/Flickr
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 20% of those infected with Chagas disease develop gastrointestinal and cardiac complications throughout their lifetime. In children and individuals with weakened immune systems, this parasitic disease can be fatal.
CDC
There have been confirmed sightings of 11 different types of Kissing Bugs throughout the country.
José Pablo Orozco Marín/Flickr
Kissing Bugs usually aren’t much bigger than the average quarter; the most common species in the U.S. are about one-inch-long. They have a very distinct snout and a flat back, and most species have bright orange or red markings. All types of Kissing Bugs have long, thin legs, but some lack the colorful markings that help identify them from other insects with a similar appearance.
Curtis-Robles et al./Wikimedia Commons
It’s common to find these bugs in wood piles, near dog kennels, under decks, and near other wooden, dark areas. Adult Kissing Bugs have wings and fly toward light, so it’s recommended to keep your outdoor lights turned off at night whenever possible. Animals can also be affected by the parasite that Kissing Bugs carry, so make sure to protect your pets as well.
For more information on Chagas disease and how to protect yourself, you can visit the CDC’s website right here.
While these natural creatures aren’t dangerous like these insects, did you know that 300 million Monarch butterflies migrated to our area recently?
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