Stink bugs and kissing bugs are both insects that can be a nuisance to homeowners, but they are two very different types of bugs. While stink bugs can cause damage to plants and crops, kissing bugs can pose a serious health risk to humans and pets. Stink bugs are harmless but can cause damage to plants and invade homes in large numbers. Kissing bugs, on the other hand, pose a serious health risk to humans and pets because they can transmit Chagas disease.
In this article, we will explore the differences between stink bugs and kissing bugs and provide tips on how to identify and control them.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are named for the pungent odour they release when they are disturbed or crushed. They are usually brown or green in colour and have a triangular shape. Stink bugs feed on a wide variety of plants and crops, including soybeans, corn, tomatoes, and fruit trees. They use their sucking mouthparts to pierce the plant’s tissue and suck out the sap, which can cause damage to the plant.
Stink bugs are not harmful to humans or pets, but they can be a nuisance when they invade homes in the fall to seek shelter for the winter. They can enter homes through cracks and crevices and can be found in large numbers in attics, basements, and other areas of the home.
To control stink bugs, homeowners can seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent them from entering the home. They can also remove any vegetation or debris from around the perimeter of the home to reduce the likelihood of stink bugs nesting nearby. If an infestation is present, a pest control specialist can apply insecticides to the affected areas to eliminate the bugs.
Kissing Bugs
Kissing bugs, also known as assassin bugs or cone-nose bugs, are a type of insect that feeds on the blood of mammals, including humans and pets. They are typically found in Central and South America, but they have been reported in the southern United States as well. Kissing bugs are named for their habit of biting their victims on the face, near the mouth, while they sleep.
Kissing bugs are a serious health risk because they can transmit a parasitic infection called Chagas disease. This disease can cause severe health problems, including heart failure and sudden death.. When the bug bites a human or pet, it defecates on the skin, and the parasite enters the body through the bite wound or through the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose.
To control kissing bugs, homeowners should remove any potential habitats for the bugs around the home, such as piles of wood or debris. They should also seal any cracks or openings in the home’s exterior to prevent the bugs from entering. If kissing bugs are suspected, homeowners should contact a pest control specialist immediately. A specialist can identify the bugs and apply insecticides to eliminate them and prevent the spread of Chagas disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stink bugs and kissing bugs are two very different types of insects that can be a nuisance to homeowners. Homeowners should take steps to prevent both types of bugs from entering their homes and should contact a pest control specialist if an infestation is suspected.
Also read: The Difference Between Pest Control and Exterminator: An Explanation
