Kissing bugs are attracted to heat and smells, particularly in areas with a high concentration of animals like dogs.
Kissing bugs, also known as triatomines, are nocturnal insects that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Understanding what attracts them can help in preventing infestations. Here's a breakdown of the key attractants:
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Heat: Kissing bugs are drawn to warm environments. The body heat of sleeping animals and humans makes them prime targets.
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Smells: The odors emanating from animals, including dogs, serve as attractants. Kennels, where there's a concentration of animal smells, can be particularly appealing to kissing bugs.
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Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Like many blood-feeding insects, kissing bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide that animals and humans exhale.
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Light (indirectly): While not directly attracted to light like moths, they may be drawn to areas around homes because light attracts other insects, which then become a food source or attract potential hosts.
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Shelter: Kissing bugs seek shelter in cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture. Overhanging tree branches or piles of wood near a house can provide such shelter, increasing the likelihood of them entering the home.
Factors Contributing to Kissing Bug Attraction:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Animal Presence | Areas with a high density of animals, especially dogs in kennels, are attractive. |
| Poor Sanitation | Unclean environments can attract other insects, which in turn attract kissing bugs. |
| Cracks & Crevices | Provide harborage for kissing bugs near potential hosts. |
| Outdoor Lighting | May attract insects that serve as a food source. |
Preventative Measures:
- Seal cracks and crevices in walls and floors.
- Keep kennels and pet areas clean.
- Use screens on windows and doors.
- Clear vegetation and wood piles away from the house foundation.
- Consider professional pest control services.
In summary, kissing bugs are primarily attracted to heat, animal smells, and carbon dioxide. By understanding these attractants, homeowners and kennel operators can take steps to minimize the risk of infestation.
