Kissing bugs are members of the genus Triatoma and belong to the insect family Reduviidae known as “assassin bugs” because they are predators that capture and eat insects and small reptiles.

Kissing bugs and assassin bugs are part of the same family, but they have a few key differences that set them apart.

Kissing bugs

kissing bug on a person 

Kissing bugs are a group of bugs that live in the Southern and Western U.S., Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. They are usually ½ to 1 inch long or around the size of a penny and either brown or black with a band around the edge of their body that’s striped red, orange, or yellow. Their legs are long and thin, and their mouthparts tuck under their body.

Kissing bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals, birds, and reptiles. While they can sometimes make their way indoors, they are most likely to be found outside in areas like:

  • Under a porch or deck

  • Between rocks or under cement

  • In rock, wood, or brush piles

  • In animal burrows or rodent nests

  • In doghouses or kennels

  • In chicken coops or houses

Assassin bugs

Assassin bugs belong to the same family as kissing bugs, the Reduviidae family, but are slightly different. There are thousands of different subfamilies within the assassin bug family, including ambush bugs, thread-legged bugs, wheel bugs, and more.

They can range in size from 0.2 to 1.6 inches long and are usually brown or black, but a few brightly colored species exist as well. They are predominantly found across the southern two-thirds of the U.S., where they mostly live outside amongst vegetation. Assassin bugs use their strong mouthparts to kill and eat other bugs, such as caterpillars and beetles.

Do kissing or assassin bugs bite?

Yes, kissing bugs and assassin bugs both bite. Kissing bugs get their name because they feed around the human lips and facial areas. The bite of kissing bugs is essentially painless, and the victim rarely awakens during the feeding period, which can last 15 minutes or longer. The bugs will feed on any exposed portion of the body, but bites normally occur around the face, including around the eyes.

The real question is, are kissing bugs dangerous? While these bugs aren’t dangerous on their own, about 50% of the U.S. population of kissing bugs is infected with a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi which causes Chagas disease in humans. When the bugs feed on you, they leave feces behind and if it gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth, you could become infected. The disease can cause digestive, neurological, and cardiac issues that can turn chronic and life-threatening if not treated.

Other types of assassin bugs also bite when they feel threatened, but most don’t carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease. They are, however, venomous and their bites can be a lot more painful.

Signs of an infestation

Most often, the homes that experience kissing bug invasions are those located in secluded areas, usually wooded lots. If you have outdoor pets, especially dogs, they can easily carry kissing bugs inside the house, where they will feed on humans.

Look for physical signs of a kissing bug infestation. Patches of bites on your face, often around the mouth, are usually painless but may swell and look like hives or become itchy. Inspect for the bugs themselves around your mattress or pillow and tiny bloodstains on bedding.

Spotting a single bug may not be cause for alarm, but the presence of multiple kissing or assassin bug nymphs or adults in your home may signal a larger infestation that needs to be addressed.

Tips to help manage and control these bugs

Should kissing bugs be found inside a home, they can be difficult to get rid of. The services of an experienced professional should be strongly considered. Some tips that can help tackle the problem and help prevent kissing bug infestations in the future include:

  • Control rodents to limit the kissing bug’s host.

  • Remove potential harborage from the property.

  • Keep exterior lighting off or switch to yellow “bug light” bulbs to possibly reduce the number of bugs attracted to the home or building.

  • Seal exterior cracks and holes in the walls.

  • Use tight-fitting insect and rodent screening in attics and foundation vents.

  • Install fitted, screened caps in chimneys to reduce animal access.

  • Remove any raccoons, rodents, or other animals from attics or substructures.

  • Use sticky insect traps to capture bugs and reduce the population.

  • Hire a professional to treat all possible voids and cracks where kissing bugs may harbor.

Need help with kissing bugs or assassin bugs? Terminix can help with pest control strategies that are tailored to your needs.