Are there kissing bugs in Houston?
But they also have been found along the U.S. Highway 35 corridor and in Houston. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 300,000 people in the United States have the disease and 315 babies are born with Chagas in the United States annually.
Are kissing bugs poisonous?
Are They Harmful? Most of the time, kissing bug bites are harmless. But they sometimes can cause two kinds of problems: Allergic Reactions.
Which assassin bugs carry Chagas?
The kissing bug (also known as an “assassin bug” or “Chagas bug”) has many people concerned because it can carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease.
Is Chagas common in Texas?
From the years 2013-2016, 91 cases of Chagas disease were reported in Texas. Of those cases, 20 people were infected while in Texas, and the other cases were probably acquired outside of Texas or the U.S. While there are not very many cases, many people may be living with the disease and not know it.
What should you do if you get bit by a kissing bug?
Since kissing bug bites don’t cause any pain, most people won’t need treatment. If you experience a mild skin reaction, an anti-itch cream, such as calamine lotion, can help. A severe localized allergic reaction should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, who may treat it with antihistamines and corticosteroids.
What animal eats kissing bugs?
Sometimes. Kissing bugs are bloodsuckers and seek out mammals including dogs. Dogs eat bugs and will snatch up kissing bugs. The parasite inside the digestive tract of the insect can transfer to the dog.
What states do kissing bugs live in?
Most of the world’s kissing bugs are in Central and South America and Mexico. They’ve also been found in the United States in the lower 28 states, with higher concentrations in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Kissing bugs have been spotted a far north as Delaware, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
What does kissing bug poop look like?
Feces may be spread on walls and can be both white and dark, and usually look like stripes. Eggs can be found in wall crevices and are mostly white or pinkish. Consider using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach including sealing cracks and gaps to prevent kissing bugs from entering your home.