Fun Fact Friday – Assassin the “Kissing” Bug
- Assassin bugs or “kissing bugs” get their names from their habit of biting humans on the face near the lips while they sleep.
- Assassin bugs can transmit serious diseases, such as Chagas disease, to humans.
- Chagas disease, can lead to long-term cardiac damage.
- At night, Assassin bugs are attracted to bright white house lights.
- Assassin bugs lie in ambush for their insect prey.
- Assassin bugs particularly like hiding between mattresses.
- Assassin bugs look for cracks or crevices as entry points into the home.
- Assassin bugs work their way into homes and search out dark, cool places to stay during the day, only leaving again at night for food.
- Cockroaches will die 3 to 4 seconds after the bite of assassin bug.