How to Get Rid of Kissing Bugs

Confirm you have kissing bugs

Start by confirming the bug. Kissing Bugs have a few features that set them apart. Adults measure 15–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in) and are usually black, red and orange. Look for these features:

• Elongated, cone-shaped head
• Flat black body with red or orange bands around the edge
• Found near animal nests, dog houses and under porches

They are most often confused with wheel bug, boxelder bug and bed bug. See the full kissing bug profile for side-by-side details.

Why you have kissing bugs

Kissing Bugs come indoors looking for food, water, warmth or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines give them easy ways in. Clutter, leaks and food left out let a small problem grow into an infestation. They are most active in summer, so expect to see more of them then.

When you'll see kissing bugs

Kissing Bugs are most active in summer. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.

Typical places to check: bedroom or bed and yard or patio.

Step-by-step: getting rid of kissing bugs

Step 1: Seal cracks

Seal cracks and gaps and keep screens in good repair. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.

Step 2: Move woodpiles

Move woodpiles, rock piles and pet bedding away from the house. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.

Step 3: Clear rodent nests near the home

Clear rodent nests near the home, a major blood source. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.

Natural and low-toxicity options

These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:

• Vacuum insects and egg cases, then empty the canister outdoors right away.
• Wipe surfaces with soapy water to remove scent trails and residue.
• Place sticky traps to find out where activity is highest.
• Run a dehumidifier where damp areas attract them.

If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.

When to call a professional

Call a licensed pest control company if you still see kissing bugs after three to four weeks of steady effort, if they are spreading to several rooms, or if you share walls with neighbors who have the same problem.

How to keep kissing bugs from coming back

• Seal cracks and gaps with caulk and install door sweeps.
• Store food in sealed containers and take out trash often.
• Fix leaky pipes and faucets and keep basements dry.
• Trim shrubs and branches so they don't touch the house.
• Keep firewood, mulch and debris away from the foundation.

Safety notes

Kissing bugs can carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease; save the bug and contact your health department if you are bitten.

Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.

About true bugs

The kissing bug is one of the true bugs. True bugs have piercing, straw-like mouthparts used to suck plant sap or, in a few species, blood. They develop through gradual metamorphosis: nymphs look like small, wingless adults and molt several times as they grow. Many release strong odors from scent glands when threatened.

Because nymphs look like adults, you'll often see mixed sizes of the same bug together, which is a good sign that a population is breeding nearby.

Frequently asked questions