| Scientific name | Triatoma sanguisuga |
|---|---|
| Group | True Bugs |
| Size | 15–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in) |
| Colors | Black, Red and Orange |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Bedroom or bed and Yard or patio |
| Most active | Summer |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Health risk |
How to identify it
The kissing bug is a medium-sized member of the true bugs group. Piercing, straw-like beaks and wings that overlap in an X on the back. Check for these three 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
About this bug
A cone-nosed assassin bug with orange-red markings around the edge of its flat abdomen. It feeds on the blood of animals and people, sometimes biting near the face at night.
You'll usually find kissing bugs in bedrooms and beds and in yards and on patios. They are most active in summer.
Is it dangerous?
Kissing bugs can carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease; save the bug and contact your health department if you are bitten.
Our rating: Health risk, meaning it can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease.
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.
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.
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.
What to do about it
- Seal cracks and gaps and keep screens in good repair
- Move woodpiles, rock piles and pet bedding away from the house
- Clear rodent nests near the home, a major blood source
Read the full guide: how to get rid of kissing bugs.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Wheel Bugs are larger, reaching 38 mm, while kissing bugs top out around 25 mm.
Size: Kissing Bugs are larger, reaching 25 mm, while boxelder bugs top out around 14 mm.
Size: Kissing Bugs are larger, reaching 25 mm, while bed bugs top out around 7 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a kissing bug look like?
Elongated, cone-shaped head. Adults measure 15–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in).
Does the kissing bug bite or sting?
It can bite. It does not sting. Kissing bugs can carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease; save the bug and contact your health department if you are bitten.
Where do kissing bugs live?
Kissing Bugs live in bedrooms and beds and in yards and on patios.
When are kissing bugs most active?
Mostly in summer.