kissing bugs in illinois, check these out | Are there kissing bugs in Illinois?

The Potentially Deadly “kissing bug,” which can transmit Chagas disease, has been reported in Illinois according to the Centers for Disease Control. The “Kissing Bug” is on the move and has made its way from South America all the way into the United States threatening human and pet health.

Are there kissing bugs in Illinois?

The CDC says the bug has been making its way north from South and Central America. It has been reported in at least 29 states including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Missouri, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Where in Illinois has the kissing bug been found?

Illinois is included in that list. The “kissing bug” can be found beneath porches, under cement or in outdoor dog houses. Nick Seiter, an entomologist at the University of Illinois, said the insect has the potential to be a vector for Chagas disease.

Is Chagas disease in Illinois?

Chagas disease can cause chronic illness, cardiac problems and can even be deadly. The CDC came out with a map showing the bug migrating north into states including Illinois. However, it’s not something keeping state health officials up at night. “They even have reports way back to the 1800s,” Austin said.

How do you tell if a bug is a kissing bug?

They are pear-shaped and dark brown to black in body color, often with distinct, reddish- to cream-colored stripes visible along the edges of the abdomen (tail). There are no markings on the wings, although some kissing bugs may show some orange at the base of the wings, next to the shield behind the head.

Are stink bugs and kissing bugs the same?

Kissing bugs look similar to stink bugs, but stink bugs are typically smaller and lack the red, orange, or yellow stripes of color that you can see on kissing bugs.

How do you know if a kissing bug bite you?

Bite Marks

Kissing bugs are so named because they like to bite around the mouth or eyes. You’ll often see 2-15 bite marks in one area and maybe redness and swelling. It might be hard to tell them apart from other bug bites, minor skin irritations, or infections.

Are kissing bugs harmful?

Kissing bugs can carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease, but this is not common in the United States. Itching from the bites can be so bad that some people will scratch enough to cause breaks in the skin that get infected easily. The bites can also cause a serious allergic reaction in some people.

Are stink bugs in Illinois?

Stink bugs have already begun infiltrating the homes of Illinois residents and will likely continue into late fall, according to area nature experts. Brown marmorated stink bugs may be new creatures to Illinois, but some people have become all too familiar with them as they’ve infiltrated homes across the state.

Do kissing bugs fly?

Only adult kissing bugs have wings and can fly. All kissing bugs feed on blood throughout their life. Kissing bugs can feed on people, dogs, and wild animals.

How big is a kissing bug?

Adult kissing bugs are about 1/2 to 1 inch long. Kissing bugs hatch from small eggs and go through five juvenile (nymphal) stages before they become adults. Some kinds of kissing bugs can live up to two years. Size comparison of a kissing bug with a U.S. penny.

Where are triatomine bugs found?

They are typically found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America (as far south as southern Argentina). The map below details triatomine occurrence by U.S. state. Eleven different species of triatomine bugs have been found in the southern United States: Paratriatoma hirsuta.

Are triatomine bugs in Illinois?

It says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified the triatomine bug in more than half of the United States, including Illinois.

What happens if you squish a kissing bug?

It’s best to NOT squish a bug, but sometimes it happens! After the bug is squished, do not touch the bug with your bare hands. The T. cruzi parasite may be in the feces of kissing bugs, and their bodies may have the parasite on them.

What’s the difference between an assassin bug and a kissing bug?

The kissing bug belongs to the Reduviidae family of insects. This family is also referred to as assassin bugs. But this family of bugs doesn’t get the name “assassin” because it transmits Chagas disease (also known as kissing bug disease). It can carry a parasite that causes kissing bug disease in its fecal matter.

Where do kissing bugs hide in a home?

Kissing bugs can hide in cracks and holes in beds, floors, walls, and furniture. They are most likely to be found: Near places where a pet, such as a dog or cat, spends time. In areas where mice or other rodents live.

What happens if a stink bug bites you?

While their bite may hurt, it is not poisonous. In some cases, people may experience a burning sensation if their skin comes into contact with the liquid stink bugs emit when disturbed or threatened. If a severe reaction occurs, contact a medical professional.

Do stink bugs go in beds?

Stink bugs lay low during the winter months and hide out in buildings or homes, in the walls, crawl space, attic or even in a bookcase or under a bed.

Can Chagas be cured?

Trypanosoma cruzi infection is curable if treatment is initiated soon after infection. In chronic patients, antiparasitic treatment can potentially prevent or curb disease progression and prevent transmission, for instance, mother-to-child infection.

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