Knowledgebase

kissing bug? #876543

Asked July 09, 2024, 4:46 PM EDT

is this a kissing bug? it landed on my face and may have bitten me or not , but when I swat/ swiped it some portion of it touched my lip / corner of my mouth evidenced by a foul taste. I am concerned about the potential of contracting the disease they carry. Can you ID and give any advise you may have? thanks

Cecil County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

Not to worry this looks like a Leaf-footed bug which is harmless. You can read some more about them from Ohio State Extension.

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 3:45 PM EDT
Hi Emily, thank you so much for your reply. Is there anything to worry about as far as contracting disease from these types of bugs, I did wash my face and lips afterwards but it had already touched my lips and I already had the taste in my mouth.

On Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 3:45 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 3:56 PM EDT

To our knowledge there isn't any medical concern but every body is different. If you seem to have a reaction, we would recommend you seek medical help. Any bug can potentially bite and it may be your bodies reaction to it. From the Ohio State article we sent, it states that when they are scared or squashed they can emit the foul odor so it is possible it was a protective response when you swatted at it. It should not have any disease you can contract though - not like a mosquito or tick which can carry different diseases that can transmit through their saliva into your blood, or venom from a spider bite. 

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 4:19 PM EDT
Thank you for answering my questions. Hope you have a great day. 

On Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 4:19 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 4:58 PM EDT
Thank you, and you're welcome.
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 5:44 PM EDT

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