This Georgia find isn’t as cute as it sounds! The Atlanta based Centers For Disease Control And Prevention has found the “kissing bug,” which can carry a parasite in it’s feces that can cause a deadly disease.
These bugs feed off the blood of mammals and humans. Sometimes, they carry a parasite that can cause Chagas disease. The disease has two treatments; but if left untreated, it can cause a quick death. Worldwide these bugs kill about 12,000 people a year. About 300,000 of those are people in the U.S, but the majority are in Latin America.
The bug has recently made headlines because it’s been seen in the South. Spotted in Texas, 12 people have reportedly been infected. The reason they’re called the “kissing bug” is because they are known for biting people on their face and lip area. They can be found under porches or cement, or near where animals stay. They’re also known to bite when you’re asleep.
For a full list of ways to keep the bugs out and how to take care of them when found, read this article! Here are also 5 important things to know about the kissing bug.
And don’t forget, Critter Busters is your Greater Atlanta Area source for killing all kinds of bugs! Visit our site for a full list of services, or give us a call at 404-975-2543.