They bite while you sleep.
You don’t feel it. You don’t see it.
But months, even years later, your heart can suddenly pay the price. These so‑called “kissing bugs” are quietly spreading across the U.S., turning porches, gardens, and even bedrooms into hunting grounds. Most victims never realize the danger until it’s far, far too la

Summers filled with barbecues, bare feet, and warm nights now come with a new, unsettling threat: the assassin bug, or “kissing bug.” Drawn to humans and pets, these insects feed on blood, often striking around the mouth and face as people sleep. The danger isn’t the bite itself, but what can follow. When they feed, they frequently defecate near the wound, and parasites in their feces can enter the body, potentially causing Chagas disease.

This illness can simmer silently for years. Some people experience fever, rashes, fatigue, or vomiting, but many never notice a thing until the infection begins to damage the heart. Assassin bugs thrive in cluttered yards, woodpiles, sheds, and under porches, especially in warmer Southern states, but they’re spreading wider each year. Keeping outdoor areas clean, sealing cracks in your home, and seeking immediate medical care if you suspect a bite can dramatically reduce the risk for you, your family, and your pets.