4. CONENOSE OR KISSING BUGS
(_Triatoma_ spp.)
[Illustration: (unlabelled)]
Identification. Species of the genus _Triatoma_ have the elongate
(cone-shaped) head which is characteristic of the family Reduviidae.
Hence, the name “conenose bugs” is often used to describe these insects.
Orange and black markings are usually present where the abdomen extends
laterally past the folded wings. These insects are flattened dorsally,
and this trait allows them to effectively hide in small cracks and
crevices. The size of mature adults varies from approximately 1 to 3 cm
(0.4-1.2 in) depending upon the species.
Distribution. _Triatoma_ species that attack humans are generally
located in the southern half of the United States.
Biology/Behavior. Conenose bugs are nocturnal insects. They take their
blood meals at night and hide in any available crack or crevice between
feedings. _Triatoma_, as a group, normally feed on small mammals; but in
the absence of their preferred hosts, several species will readily feed
on humans. They are commonly referred to as “kissing bugs” because their
blood meals are occasionally taken from the area around the human lips.
Some of the common sites of human attack, in order of frequency, are the
hands, arms, feet, head, and trunk. This feeding pattern can be expected
since kissing bugs have not been found to feed through clothing.[30]
Avoidance/Control. Since these bugs can feed undetected on a sleeping
victim, it is difficult to avoid their attack in heavily infested areas.
Exposure to kissing bugs can be minimized, however, by destroying
underbrush, rubbish, wood rats’ nests, and any other small-animal
habitat located near a residence.[27] When an infestation is detected
inside a house, two or three treatments with an appropriate insecticide
at 10-day intervals should provide control. To obtain the best results,
thoroughly treat all windows, baseboards, walls, cracks, crevices, and
bedsprings.