Conenose “kissing bug”
January 28, 2010 by Aaron Steen
Conenose or “Kissing Bug”
These bugs are also called kissing bugs because they like to feed on the human face. They are found mostly in southern states like Florida, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. They are an important pest because they carry several disease organisms including trypanosomiasis.
Females lay eggs in the summer and adults hide during the day and feed at night. Feedings are usually on animals but if humans are available they are fair game. Raccoons, squirrels and opossums are some animals that can be carriers of the conenose. They can fly and do so at night, sometimes attracted to light. Kissing bugs usually live in hollow trees or areas with other animals. Households are usually not infested but can be if the elements are right.
Control includes: insect proofing houses, removal of harborages such as wood piles and animal dens, and using pesticides on a regular basis
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