Summertime brings sunshine, long days, and outdoor fun — but it also welcomes an array of pests. While ticks and mosquitoes are well-known nuisances, another insect is quietly on the rise: the kissing bug. Though not as familiar to most people, kissing bugs pose significant health risks, making awareness and prevention essential.

What Are Kissing Bugs?

Kissing bugs, or triatomines, are nocturnal blood-feeding insects. During the day, they hide in cracks, crevices, and animal nests; at night, they emerge to feed, often while people are asleep. Their saliva contains a numbing agent, so bites usually go unnoticed.

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