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How do you control kissing bugs? #877255

Asked July 15, 2024, 10:30 AM EDT

My son was bitten by kissing bugs. What spray can I use to control them outside? Thank you,

Douglas County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Taylor,

I am very sorry to hear that!

Many insecticide products are labeled for control of insects outdoors and available at local stores--be sure to read the label to make sure they are legal/safe for application to the target area (eg, lawns, gardens, patios, etc) and then be sure to apply strictly according to label instructions.

Kissing bugs (at least the bugs most commonly referred to as kissing bugs) are not recorded to occur in the eastern half of Colorado.  Other bugs of similar appearance though, can incidentally bite.  If you are able to get photos, or better yet, a specimen that you could share with us (you can bring samples to the Extension office on the fairgrounds in Castle Rock) we could get a better identification of the responsible insect and perhaps make more specific control recommendations.  If it is a kissing bug, it would be very helpful to have a sample so that it's presence could be confirmed.

More information about the kissing bug and insects of similar appearance in Colorado can be found here: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/conenose-bugs-kissing-bugs-and-insects-of-similar-appearance-in-colorado-5-624/

I hope this is helpful.

Cordially,

John

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 15, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
Hi John,

Thank you for your help and information!  

I am asking because we have had 2 instances now where my toddler has gotten bitten around the eyes by some insect in our backyard.  My son loves to play in stones and sand near our deck.  The last instance there was a small round black dot on this cheek that I thought was a dirty booger...but when I wiped it off it was stuck on the skin and I picked it off - now I believe the insect was embedded and round from being engorged with blood.  It left behind 2 small scratch marks from where I wiped it off his face.  I'm trying to find where it went, and hopefully I can get a specimen and figure out what it is. 

He had multiple bites around his eyes and eyebrows.  The first time this happened, he had swelling and I took a picture, thinking it was a mosquito bite.  Now I realize a mosquito would not normally bite in a "line" or singular area around the eyes like this.  A tick normally does not leave multiple bites like this either.  Do you have any other ideas? 

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Thank you,
Taylor Sharma

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 1:32 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2024, 1:41 PM EDT

I am very sorry to hear that!  I hope you are able to find a specimen; without one we can't ID what may be happening.  

If you have had skunks or foxes beneath your deck, it's possible that certain fleas may be at work.  Fleas developing on these hosts will scatter when the dens are abandoned. The human flea (Pulex irritans) is associated with skunks and foxes and is the most common flea found biting humans in Colorado.

If you have running water near your house, black flies are another possibility.  

Many other circumstances and conditions, though, can cause similar symptoms to arthropod bites and may be at play.  These include medical conditions, allergies, and sensitivities to both natural and man-made products.  To evaluate the symptoms and for care recommendations, you may with to contact your physician, or a pediatric dermatologist.  

Cordially,

John

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 16, 2024, 5:19 PM EDT

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