Last Updated on August 24, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Kissing bugs are a type of insect that can cause a lot of damage to your health. They are so-called because they like to bite people on the lips and face. While there are many different types of kissing bugs, they all share some common characteristics.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify kissing bugs, as well as how to avoid them. We will also provide some tips on what to do if you are bitten by one of these pests.
Related: 13 Strange and Beautiful Bugs That Look Like Leaves (With Pictures)
What are kissing bugs?
Kissing bugs are small, bloodsucking insects that are members of the reduviid bug family. These pests get their name from their habit of biting people around the mouth and face, often while they are asleep.
Kissing bugs can also transmit a serious disease called Chagas disease. In the United States, kissing bugs are found primarily in the southern and southwestern states.
Kissing bugs are attracted to humans and animals because they feed on blood. They are most active at night, when they will enter homes through cracks and crevices in search of a meal.
Once inside, kissing bugs will bite their victims around the face, often near the eyes or mouth. After feeding, kissing bugs will defecate on their victim, which can transmit the parasite that causes Chagas disease.
Symptoms of Chagas disease can range from mild to severe, and the disease can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, body aches, rash, and swelling at the site of the bite. If you think you may have been bitten by a kissing bug, it is important to see a doctor immediately and get tested for Chagas disease.
What do kissing bugs look like?
Kissing bugs are small, flat, winged insects that are about ¼ to ½ an inch long. They can be black, brown, or reddish-brown in color and have a triangular-shaped head. On their backs, they have a long, narrow strip of dark color that runs down the center of their wings.
Behaviors.
Kissing bugs are most active at night. They often enter homes through cracks and crevices in the walls or around doors and windows.
Once inside, they will hide during the day in cracks and crevices, behind baseboards, or under beds and furniture. At night, they come out to feed on the blood of sleeping humans.
They usually bite people on the face, often near the eyes or mouth. After feeding, they defecate on the person’s skin. The bugs can also transmit a serious disease called Chagas disease.
Do kissing bugs fly?
This is a question that we get asked frequently. While most people know that bed bugs can fly, many are surprised to learn that kissing bugs can too!
Kissing bugs are actually quite good flyers and they use this ability to help them find mates and spread their species. They are often seen flying around lights at night, which is how they got their name.
Are kissing bugs related to assassin bugs?
There is some debate on whether kissing bugs are related to assassin bugs or not. Some experts believe that they are closely related, while others believe that they are not as closely related. However, what is known for sure is that both types of bugs can be found in the same areas and often feed on the same prey.
Kissing bugs get their name from their habit of biting people around the mouth. This is how they spread Chagas disease, which can be fatal if left untreated. Assassin bugs, on the other hand, are not known to transmit any diseases to humans.
What happens if a kissing bug bites you?
If you’re lucky, nothing. Most people who are bitten by kissing bugs don’t experience any ill effects. However, some people may develop an allergic reaction to the bug’s saliva, which can lead to swelling, redness, and itchiness at the site of the bite.
In rare cases, kissing bugs can transmit a serious disease called Chagas disease. Chagas disease is a parasitic infection that can cause fever, fatigue, body aches, and even death. If you think you may have been bitten by a kissing bug, it’s important to see a doctor right away so that you can be tested for Chagas disease.
Treatment for Chagas disease is available, but it’s most effective if it’s started early. So don’t delay – if you think you may have been bitten by a kissing bug, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Where do kissing bugs hide in a home?
Kissing bugs are often found in cracks and crevices around a home, such as in baseboards, behind wallpaper, or in furniture. They can also be found outdoors hiding in trees, bushes, or under eaves.
What states have kissing bugs?
There are many species of kissing bugs, and they can be found in a variety of locations. Some species are found only in the southern United States, while others can be found as far north as Canada.
In addition to their geographic location, kissing bugs can also be found in different habitats within a state. For example, some species may live in wooded areas, while others may live in grasslands or near rivers.
Bugs That Look Like Kissing Bugs.
These little critters are called kissing bugs because they tend to bite people around the mouth or eyes. While their bites are generally not harmful, they can transmit a serious disease called Chagas disease.
1. Assassin Bugs.
What are they? What do they look like?
Assassin bugs are a type of bug that can be found in many different parts of the world. They get their name from their habit of preying on other insects, and they are known for being able to deliver a painful bite.
These bugs can vary in size and color, but they usually have a long, thin body and a pointed head. Some species of assassin bugs can grow to be over an inch long!
While most bugs are harmless, there are some species of assassin bugs that can transmit diseases to humans. The most well-known of these is the Chagas disease, which is found in Central and South America.
Behaviors:
Assassin bugs are active during the day and night, and they typically spend their time lurking in dark places like under bushes or inside trees. When they spot their prey, they will quickly move in for the kill.
These bugs are also known for being attracted to lights, which is why you might find them flying around your porch light at night. If you do see an assassin bug, it’s best to leave it alone and not try to catch it.
Habitat:
Assassin bugs can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands. They are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, but some species can also be found in temperate areas.
As long as there are plenty of insects for them to feed on, assassin bugs will happily make their home in just about any environment.
Kissing bugs vs Assassin bugs:
Kissing bugs and assassin bugs may look similar, but they are actually quite different. For one, kissing bugs are much more likely to bite humans, while assassin bugs tend to go after other insects.
Kissing bugs can also transmit a potentially deadly disease called Chagas disease, while assassin bugs do not.
So, if you see a bug that looks like a kissing bug, it’s important to be able to tell the difference. Here are some key things to look for:
-Kissing bugs are usually black or dark brown, while assassin bugs can be a variety of colors.
-Kissing bugs have a triangle-shaped mark on their backs, while assassin bugs do not.
-Kissing bugs are typically smaller than assassin bugs.
2. Bordered Plant Bugs.
What are they?
Bordered plant bugs are small, black and white insects that feed on a variety of plants. They get their name from the white border around the edge of their bodies.
They are often mistaken for kissing bugs because of their similar appearance. However, bordered plant bugs do not bite humans or animals and are not considered to be a health threat.
What do they look like?
As mentioned, bordered plant bugs have a black body with a white border. They are small insects, typically only reaching about ¼ of an inch in length.
They have six legs and two antennae. Their wings are black with white spots and they have a “beak” that they use to pierce plant tissues and suck out the juices.
Where are they found?
Bordered plant bugs can be found in gardens, fields, and other areas where plants are growing. They are common in the eastern United States but can also be found in other parts of the country.
What do they eat?
Bordered plant bugs feed on a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers. They typically eat the leaves or stems of plants but can also damage the fruit itself.
What do they do?
Bordered plant bugs feed on the sap of plants, which can cause damage to the plant. They are particularly fond of impatiens, roses, and zinnias.
How can I get rid of them?
If you have bordered plant bugs in your garden, you can remove them by hand. You can also use a pesticide to get rid of them, but be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully.
3. Boxelder bugs.
What are they?
They’re called “boxelder bugs” because they like to live on boxelder trees. But they don’t just live on boxelders. They also like to live on maples, ashes, and cherries.
What do they look like?
Well, they’re black with red stripes. And they’re shaped like a triangle. But the most interesting thing about them is their mouth. Their mouth is designed for sucking. And that’s why they’re sometimes called “kissing bugs.”
How do they live?
Boxelder bugs usually live in groups. They like to congregate on the sunny side of a tree or a building. And they like to lay their eggs in the cracks of trees or buildings.
What do they eat?
Boxelder bugs are actually pretty helpful. They eat aphids, which are pests that damage plants. But they can also be a nuisance. If there are too many of them, they can suck the sap out of a plant and damage it.
4. Chinch Bugs.
What are they?
Chinch bugs are small, black insects with white stripes on their backs. They’re about one-eighth of an inch long and have six legs.
Chinch bugs feed on the sap of plants, which can cause leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. They’re most commonly found in lawns, but they can also infest gardens, golf courses, and other areas with vegetation.
How can you get rid of them?
The best way to get rid of chinch bugs is to use an insecticide. You can also try using a garden hose to spray them off of your plants. If you have a severe infestation, you may need to call a pest control company.
What should you do if you find them in your home?
If you find chinch bugs in your home, you should vacuum them up and then dispose of the bag. You may also want to call a pest control company to treat your home.
Are they harmful to humans?
Chinch bugs are not harmful to humans, but they can be a nuisance. If you have an infestation, it’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible.
5. Damsel Bugs.
What are they?
Damsel bugs are a type of predatory insect that are closely related to true bugs. They are often found in gardens and agricultural fields where they feed on smaller insects, such as aphids and caterpillars.
While they can bite humans if handled roughly, damsel bugs are not known to transmit any diseases.
What do they look like?
Adult damsel bugs are typically dark-colored and measure between 12 and 18 millimeters in length.
They have long, narrow bodies with thread-like antennae and piercing-sucking mouthparts. Their wings are clear with dark veins running through them, and they have three pairs of legs that end in sharp claws.
What do they eat?
As predators, damsel bugs feed on a variety of smaller insects and arthropods. Their diet typically includes aphids, caterpillars, thrips, mites, and small beetles. In agricultural settings, they can help to control pest populations and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Where do they live?
Damsel bugs are found in gardens, fields, and other areas with a plentiful supply of small insects to feed on. In North America, they are most common in the southern and western United States.
What is their life cycle?
Adult damsel bugs lay their eggs in the spring, typically depositing them on leaves or stems near a food source. The eggs hatch after about a week, and the resulting nymphs go through several molts before reaching adulthood. Adults can live for up to two years.
What do they do?
Damsel bugs are predators that help to control pest populations in gardens and agricultural fields. They are also important members of the food chain, providing a food source for larger predators such as birds and spiders.
Do they pose any threats?
Damsel bugs are not known to transmit any diseases to humans or animals. However, they can bite if handled roughly. Additionally, their sharp claws may puncture the skin, causing minor discomfort. Overall, they are considered to be beneficial insects.
What should you do if you find one?
If you find a damsel bug in your home, there is no need to be concerned. These insects are not known to cause any damage to buildings or furniture. You can simply capture the bug and release it outside.
6. Flat Bugs.
What are they?
Flat bugs are a type of insect that is flattened from top to bottom. This makes them look like they have been squashed. They are usually found in warm, humid environments and are attracted to light.
What do they look like?
Flat bugs vary in size and shape, but they all share the same flattened appearance. Some common flat bugs include: bedbugs, lice, fleas, and mites. They are usually brown or reddish in color and may have stripes or patterns on their bodies.
What do they eat?
Flat bugs feed on blood. They will bite humans and animals to get the blood they need. They are sometimes known as kissing bugs because they will often bite people around the mouth or eyes.
What is their life cycle?
Flat bugs go through three stages in their life cycle: egg, nymph, and adult. The eggs are laid on the ground and hatch into nymphs.
Nymphs look like adults but are smaller and do not have wings. They will molt (shed their skin) several times as they grow. Once they reach adulthood, they will mate and lay eggs to start the cycle over again.
What is their importance?
Flat bugs are important because they help to decompose dead plants and animals. Without them, things would start to pile up and get very smelly!
What are some interesting facts about them?
Some interesting facts about flat bugs include:
-They have been around for millions of years.
-They are found on every continent except Antarctica.
-There are over 12,000 species of flat bugs.
7. Leaf-footed Bugs.
What are they?
Leaf-footed bugs are true bugs belonging to the family Coreidae. They get their name from the leaf-like expansions on their hind legs, which they use to wedge themselves into cracks and crevices. Most leaf-footed bugs are plant feeders and many are considered pests of agricultural crops.
What do they look like?
Most leaf-footed bugs are dark brown or black, although some species are brightly colored. They range in size from about ½ inch to almost an inch long.
The wings of leaf-footed bugs are usually darker than the rest of their bodies and may have pale markings. Some species have very prominent leaf-like expansions on their hind legs, while others have only small or barely noticeable ones.
Where do they live?
Leaf-footed bugs are found throughout the Americas, from the United States to South America. They generally prefer warm climates and can be found in gardens, fields, and other habitats with their host plants.
What do they eat?
As plant feeders, leaf-footed bugs use their long, piercing mouthparts to suck the sap out of leaves, stems, and fruits.
This can cause damage to crops and may make the plants more susceptible to disease. Some species of leaf-footed bugs are known to feed on other insects, including caterpillars and beetle larvae.
What else should I know about them?
During the day, leaf-footed bugs often rest on the undersides of leaves or on branches. At night, they may be attracted to lights.
If you find one in your home, it is probably just looking for a place to spend the winter and is not harmful. However, if you have a lot of leaf-footed bugs in your garden or on your crops, they can cause significant damage.
Kissing bugs vs Leaf-footed Bugs:
Kissing bugs and leaf-footed bugs may look similar, but there are some key differences to be aware of. For one, kissing bugs are typically black or dark brown in color, while leaf-footed bugs are often lighter in coloration. Kissing bugs also have a distinctly slender shape, while leaf-footed bugs tend to be more round.
When it comes to their feeding habits, kissing bugs typically feed on the blood of mammals, while leaf-footed bugs often feed on plant sap. This can be one of the easiest ways to tell these two types of bugs apart. Finally, kissing bugs are known to transmit a dangerous disease called Chagas disease, while leaf-footed bugs do not.
8. Plant Bugs.
What are they?
Plant bugs are small, sap-sucking insects that attack a wide range of plants. Many plant bugs are brightly colored and some have interesting patterns on their wings. Some plant bugs can be serious pests of crops while others rarely cause any problems at all.
What do they do?
Plant bugs feed by puncturing the plant tissue and sucking out the sap. This feeding can cause leaf deformities, stunted growth, and reduced yields. In severe cases, plant bugs can kill plants outright.
How can you get rid of them?
There are a number of ways to control plant bugs, including using pesticides and other methods of pest control. If you have a plant bug problem, you should contact a pest control professional to discuss the best options for getting rid of them.
Kissing bugs vs Plant bugs:
Kissing bugs and plant bugs may look similar, but there are some key ways to tell them apart. For one, kissing bugs are typically a bit larger than plant bugs.
They also have longer mouths, which they use to pierce their victim’s skin and suck their blood. Finally, while both types of bugs can be found near plants, kissing bugs are more likely to be found near people or animals, as they need blood to survive.
9. Scentless Plant Bugs.
What are they?
These little buggers are native to Europe, but they’ve made their way to North America. They’re called “scentless plant bugs” because they don’t produce the typical stink that most insects do. Instead, they emit a musty smell.
They’re not harmful to humans, but they can be a real pain in the neck for farmers. That’s because they feed on plants, and they’re especially fond of soybeans. In fact, they can cause up to 80% damage to a soybean crop. They’ve also been known to feast on other crops, like cotton, alfalfa, and corn.
What do they look like?
Scentless plant bugs are small, oval-shaped insects. They’re dark brown or black in color and have a yellow or white stripe running down their backs. They’re about the same size as a penny.
What do they eat?
As their name suggests, scentless plant bugs feed on plants. They puncture the stems of plants and suck out the sap. This can cause the plants to wilt and die.
Soybeans are a favorite food of scentless plant bugs, but they’ll also eat other crops, like cotton, alfalfa, and corn.
Are they dangerous?
Scentless plant bugs are not harmful to humans. However, they can be a real nuisance for farmers. That’s because they feed on plants, and they’re especially fond of soybeans. In fact, they can cause up to 80% damage to a soybean crop. They’ve also been known to feast on other crops, like cotton, alfalfa, and corn.
If you think you’ve spotted a scentless plant bug, it’s best to contact your local extension office. They can help you identify the insect and determine whether or not it’s a threat to your crops.
How can I get rid of them?
If you’re dealing with a scentless plant bug infestation, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them on contact. You can also try using traps, like yellow sticky traps or pheromone traps.
You can also take measures to prevent them from infesting your plants in the first place. That includes removing their favorite food source (soybeans) from your property. You can also try using row covers or screens to keep them out of your garden.
Kissing bugs vs Scentless Plant Bugs:
If you’ve ever found a bug in your home and wondered if it was a kissing bug, you’re not alone. These bugs are often mistaken for one another because of their similar appearance. So, what’s the difference between a kissing bug and a scentless plant bug?
For starters, kissing bugs are blood-sucking insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They get their name from the fact that they often bite people around the mouth or eyes. On the other hand, scentless plant bugs are harmless to humans and only feed on plants.
Another difference between these two bugs is their size. Kissing bugs are typically larger than scentless plant bugs, measuring about 13-20 mm in length. Scentless plant bugs are usually smaller, only reaching about 12 mm in length.
Finally, the two bugs can be distinguished by their color. Kissing bugs are typically dark brown or black with reddish-orange markings. Scentless plant bugs, on the other hand, are usually light brown or tan.
10. Seed Bugs (Leptoglossus occidentalis)
What are they?
Seed Bugs are true bugs in the family Coreidae. They are native to North America and can be found west of the Rocky Mountains.
They are often mistaken for kissing bugs (Triatoma spp.), which are also in the family Coreidae, but Seed Bugs do not bite humans and are not known to transmit any diseases.
What do they look like?
Adult Seed Bugs are about ¾ of an inch long and brown or black in color. They have a triangular shape and their wings overlap when they are at rest. They are often mistaken for kissing bugs because of their similar appearance.
What do they eat?
Seed Bugs feed on the seeds of plants, which is how they get their name. They are often found on sunflowers, but they will also feed on the seeds of other plants, such as grasses and weeds.
Seed Bugs are a type of true bug in the family Coreidae. They are native to North America and can be found west of the Rocky Mountains. Seed Bugs get their name from their diet of plant seeds. They are often mistaken for kissing bugs (Triatoma spp.), which are also in the family Coreidae, but Seed Bugs do not bite humans and are not known to transmit any diseases.
Adult Seed Bugs are about ¾ of an inch long and brown or black in color. They have a triangular shape and their wings overlap when they are at rest.
Seed Bugs are often found on sunflowers, but they will also feed on the seeds of other plants, such as grasses and weeds.
If you find a bug that you think might be a Seed Bug, it is important to note that they do not bite humans and are not known to transmit any diseases. Seed Bugs are not considered a pest, so there is no need to control them if they are found in your home or garden.
11. Stink Bugs.
What are they?
Stink bugs are small, brownish-black insects that emit a foul odor when disturbed. They are often found in gardens and on crops, where they feed on plant sap.
Stink bugs can be a nuisance to homeowners because they often enter houses in search of shelter during the winter months.
What do they look like?
Stink bugs have a distinctive shield-shaped body and are about ½ inch long. They are brownish-black in color and have six legs. Stink bugs also have two long, antennae that are used to smell their food.
What do they eat?
Stink bugs feed on plant sap, which they suck out of the stems of plants. This feeding can damage crops and make them unsellable. Stink bugs also eat fruit, which can make it taste bad.
Where do they live?
Stink bugs are found in gardens, on crops, and in other areas where there are plants. They often enter houses in search of shelter during the winter months.
What is their life cycle?
Stink bugs go through four stages of development: egg, nymph, pupa, and adult. Female stink bugs lay eggs on the undersides of leaves.
The eggs hatch into nymphs, which look like small adults. Nymphs molt several times as they grow. Pupae are the stage between nymphs and adults. Adult stink bugs mate and lay eggs to start the cycle over again.
What do they do?
Stink bugs damage crops by feeding on plant sap and fruit. They can also be a nuisance to homeowners because they often enter houses in search of shelter during the winter months.
How can I get rid of them?
If you have stink bugs in your home, you can vacuum them up and dispose of them outside. You can also seal any cracks or openings around your home to prevent them from getting inside.
Kissing bugs vs Stink bugs:
Kissing bugs and stink bugs are both insects that can be found in the southern United States. Both kissing bugs and stink bugs feed on human blood, but there are some key differences between these two pests.
For one, kissing bugs are much bigger than stink bugs. Kissing bugs can grow to be about an inch long, while stink bugs are only about a half-inch long.
Kissing bugs also have a more pointed head than stink bugs. And, while both insects can fly, stink bugs are better at it than kissing bugs.
Lastly, as their name suggests, stink bugs release a foul odor when they are disturbed. Kissing bugs do not have this ability.
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- 12 Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches (But Aren’t)
Conclusion
There are a few things you can do to avoid coming in contact with these pests. If you live in an area where they are common, it’s important to keep your home and yard free of clutter. This will make it harder for them to find places to hide. You should also seal any cracks or gaps around your home to prevent them from getting inside.