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Kissing Bug

Easy DIY
Kissing Bug

Identification

Dark, flat-bodied bugs with red-orange markings on the abdomen edge that feed on blood at night, most concerning as a rare carrier of Chagas disease in southern states.

Can I DIY this?

Easy DIY

You can handle this one yourself.

With the right product and a little patience, most homeowners take care of this pest on their own. Follow the treatment guide, read the product label, and you're set.

Download PDF guide

Recommended products

Syngenta Demand CS Insecticide, 8ozExterior perimeter sprayControl Solutions D-Fense Dust Insecticide, 1lbDust cracks, voids & entry points

Some links may be affiliate links. Buggsy may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Always follow the product label.

  1. Confirm it's a kissing bug (flat body, red-orange markings on the abdomen edge) rather than a look-alike — this one matters because of the rare risk of Chagas disease from its bite.
  2. Seal cracks and gaps around the foundation and windows, since these bugs enter at night looking for a blood meal.
  3. Reduce outdoor lighting near entry points, or switch to yellow "bug" bulbs — lights attract the insects they feed on, which in turn attracts kissing bugs.
  4. Apply a residual perimeter treatment around the foundation and entry points.
  5. If you find one indoors, avoid direct contact — capture it in a container for identification rather than crushing it.

Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.