They don’t usually infest houses here, though an occasional bug might get inside. If you’ve noticed them in your home or live in an area with Chagas disease, you can take steps to keep them away: Seal cracks and gaps in your home to keep bugs out.

How do you get rid of a kissing bug infestation?

The usual treatment is the use of an insecticide that kills the bugs. It is best to prevent bugs from getting into your house: Seal gaps around windows and doors. Fill in any holes or cracks in walls or screens that could let kissing bugs into your house.

What happens if you squish a kissing bug?

It’s best to NOT squish a bug, but sometimes it happens! After the bug is squished, do not touch the bug with your bare hands. The T. cruzi parasite may be in the feces of kissing bugs, and their bodies may have the parasite on them.