Okay, so you can’t feel the bite. But you can see the culprit. Look for a bug about the size of a dime or a small coin. It’s flat and dark brown or black.
The telltale sign is six orange or red spots on the edges of its body. It looks like it’s wearing a tiny, terrifying party dress.
If you see one, don’t try to catch it with your bare hands. Use a tissue or a jar. And definitely don’t squish it—that spreads the parasite.
They’re most common in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central/South America. They love hiding in cracks in walls, thatched roofs, or piles of wood.
Beware of “Kissing Bugs” They May Sound Cute But They Are Actually
If you live in a wooden cabin or a house with lots of crevices, you’re basically running a five-star hotel for these freeloaders.
The Good News (Yes, There Is Some)
Alright, enough with the doom and gloom. The good news is that not all kissing bugs carry the parasite. It’s like a lottery, but the prize is a trip to the doctor.
Also, most healthy adults who get bitten and do get the parasite never develop serious symptoms. Your immune system is a rockstar and fights it off.
And finally, the best news: you can totally prevent this. Seal up cracks in your walls. Use screens on windows. Keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free.
And if you’re camping or sleeping in a thatched hut? Use a mosquito net. It’s the ultimate “do not disturb” sign for kissing bugs.
