What Are Kissing Bugs?

It is very likely that you have heard phrases like “sealed with a kiss” or “the kiss of death.” While a kiss is usually a display of affection, there is one kiss you don’t want, and that is a kiss from triatomine bugs, also known as kissing bugs. The triatomine bugs, or kissing bugs, carry a parasite in their feces that has the risk of spreading the potential deadly Chagas disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that triatomine bugs have been found across the southern United States and as far north as Pennsylvania. This includes Rome Georgia, and surrounding areas throughout Georgia. This is not a new infestation. Dr Susan Montgomery of the CDC stated that the kissing bugs have been in the area since as early as 1855, but there has never been a reported case in Georgia of Chagas disease being transmitted by the bug.

The triatomine bug received the “affectionate” name of kissing bug by biting humans on their face and lips at night while they are sleeping. The kissing bug feeds on the blood of humans and animals. The good news is that you are more likely to find a kissing bug outside in wooded areas, in dog houses, or barns housing animals and chickens than actually spotting one in your house.

There are a couple things residents of Rome Georgia should know regarding the risks of kissing bugs and Chagas disease.

  • Chagas disease symptoms are much like that of the flu. From there it goes into a chronic phase where one may experience heart problems and gastrointestinal issues. In the unlikely event that you contract this disease, seek medical assistance immediately as this disease can be life-threatening if left untreated.
  • Be aware that parasites that cause Chagas disease are in the feces of the kissing bug. An individual can unknowingly rub the feces into the bite opening or even into your eyes or mouth.
  • Kissing bugs are wingless and can be up to ¾ of an inch in length at maturity. They are usually black or very dark brown colored with red or orange spots along the edge of the body.

If you see kissing bugs in your home, contact Active Pest Control for assistance. Rome Georgia residents can have peace of mind and enjoy the hospitality and keen knowledge of our pest management specialists who will develop custom tailored plans specific to your needs

 

The Journey Of The German Cockroach

If you want to understand German cockroaches you must first ask yourself the question: Are French fries called French fries in France? It may seem strange but follow the logic. The French don’t recognize French fries as a French food. They call it Pommes Frites which is translated ‘fried potatoes’ in English. We know, boring, right? But, there is something to be learned here. Just because we have given this food a name that has the word French in it, doesn’t mean it actually comes from France. The same can be said about the German cockroach. Just because it has the word German in it doesn’t mean it came from Germany. In fact, in Germany, the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) has a different name. They call it the Russian cockroach. No doubt that thrills the Russians to no end. But, the truth is, those roaches probably came from somewhere in Asia by way of Russia. They certainly didn’t originate from Germany. That much we know for sure. So, when you see these nasty little tan insects racing across your wall at top speed or climbing around in your pantry, don’t blame those poor Germans. Don’t blame the Russians either. You really can’t blame any country in the world for having these dirty little bugs around. Here are some reasons why.

  • Cockroaches have been living with humans since the dawn of time. They love us because we provide the things they need: Food for their bellies, water to keep them hydrated, and a nice warm place to protect them from the cold–which they do not like at all. It isn’t filth that causes these pests to spread. So, it really isn’t the fault of any human that these pests are invading homes in the United States.
  • Cockroaches are a hitchhiking bug. It isn’t like the Germans filled a boat with a million cockroaches and ran them over to our country. Roaches get into bags, luggage, food crates, boxes, clothing, and a whole host of other things that humans like to move around. When people travel or move food goods, these pests spread.
  • Cockroaches are prolific breeders. Have you ever heard the term, “breeding like rabbits?” Cockroaches laugh from the belly when they hear that phrase. Roaches make babies like crazy. So, you can’t blame anyone that we now have these roaches living in America. All it takes is one roach to start a thriving population of thousands.

Okay. You probably get the point by now. These filthy insects are not the fault of the Germans, or any other people group on the planet. They are resilient creatures that are highly motivated to live where humans live and feed off what humans feed on. If you have German cockroaches in your Rome, Georgia, home, we can help. At Active Pest Control we have industry-leading residential pest control plans that are effective and affordable. Help stop the spread of German cockroaches.