Kissing Bug

Found in crevices of walls and roofs, especially in substandard housing, as well as in outdoor settings like woodpiles, animal nests, and chicken coops.

Obligate blood-feeders; they feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles during the night.

Nocturnal insects that often bite humans on the face or lips while they sleep. After feeding, they frequently defecate near the bite wound.

Major risk: They are vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Benefits: None to humans; they serve as a food source for some predators in the ecosystem.