11/06/2024
Have you seen this insect? If so - kill them every time and dispose of the body.
These are various species of Kissing Bugs. They carry a potentially deadly disease called Chagas which is contagious to humans, dogs and other mammals.
We see several dogs each year affected by this disease and if symptoms are present the dog has a high likelihood of death.
Symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen abdomen
To help prevent the spread of this disease:
1. Seal cracks/crevices around homes
2. Remove woodpiles/rock piles near living areas
3. Use screens on windows/doors
4. Use insecticides indoors and around doorways
6. ***Give Bravecto to your dogs every 90 days. Bravecto has been shown to kill kissing bugs and reduce the transmission of Chagas disease.
Texas A&M Univeristy always studying the spread of this disease and has some great information for you to read:
https://kissingbug.tamu.edu