Assassin Bug Bites: How Dangerous Are They Really?

Assassin bug bites hurt and are known to cause immediate swelling in the bite area. You’re likely wondering how dangerous a bite from an assassin bug really is. We put together this guide to help you properly identify these bug bites. Plus, medical and pest control experts share general advice for dealing with bites. Here, find out what an assassin bug is, the symptoms of their bite, treatment methods and more.

Assassin Bug Bites: Symptoms & Treatment

An assassin bug bite stings and causes a burning sensation. Inflammation, irritation, and a red welt may develop around the bite area. Most assassin bug bites can be treated by washing the site with soap and water and applying an antiseptic. In rare cases, kissing bug bites can transmit Chagas disease.

Section 1 of 7:

Assassin Bug Bite Symptoms

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An assassin bug bite causes an immediate sharp, burning pain. The bug bite can feel hot and sting. Swelling or a red welt typically develops in the affected area that resembles a large mosquito bite, and it can be accompanied by intense itching. In most cases, symptoms go away after 1-2 days and aren’t fatal.^{[1]
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- Symptoms are more severe if you’re allergic to an insect bite. They can include hives, widespread swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- Most assassin bugs only bite if they’re mishandled or feel threatened.^{[2]
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Meet the wikiHow Experts

Julia Eze, NP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and health media expert who uses her nursing experience to educate people on wellness.

Brandon Runyon is an entomology and pest control expert who specializes in safe pest control solutions for his clients.

Farah Khan, MD, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who finds solutions to relieve skin conditions, allergies, and more.

Section 2 of 7:

Treating an Assassin Bug Bite

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Wash the bite area and apply antiseptic. Most assassin bug bites, like those from wheel bugs, can be easily treated. Rinse the site with soap and clean water. Apply an antiseptic, like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, on the area to stop the growth of germs and bacteria. If you’re experiencing pain from the bite, take aspirin or ibuprofen.^{[3]
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- Board-certified family nurse practitioner Julia Eze, NP-C, suggests applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, aloe vera, or witch hazel to the bite to relieve bug bite itching.^{[4]
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  Julia Eze, NP-C
  Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
  
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- See a doctor right away if you’re experiencing serious complications from the bug bite, such as an anaphylactic reaction. This could include overall swelling, hives, and trouble breathing.
- For more tips, see our guide on reducing bug bite swelling.

Section 3 of 7:

What is an assassin bug?

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Assassin bugs are a large family of insects called Reduviidae. There are more than 160 species of assassin bugs in North America, but some of the most common include wheel bugs, ambush bugs, and kissing bugs. They get their name from how they hunt. They have piercing mouthparts that make it possible for them to feed on their prey. Most bites from assassin bugs, regardless of the species, can be treated the same. The one exception is a bite from a kissing bug.^{[5]
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- Color: Most are black or brown, but some species are brightly colored
- Size: Between ¹⁄₂–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) long
- Body form: They have oval-shaped bodies, thin antennae, long legs, and wings
- Where to find them: Gardens, fields, trees, shrubs, and forests

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Kissing Bugs vs. Other Assassin Bugs

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Kissing bugs are a type of assassin bug that belongs to a subfamily called Triatominae. While kissing bugs look like other assassin bugs, their diet and behavior sets them apart. Many subgroups of assassin bugs eat other insects, but kissing bugs live off of the blood of humans and animals. Also, while most assassin bugs bite out of self defense, kissing bugs bite to feed. Unlike most assassin bug bites, a kissing bug bite doesn’t hurt (at first) and can be more dangerous.^{[6]
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Kissing Bugs & Chagas Disease

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Kissing bugs can be carriers of a parasite that causes Chagas disease. Kissing bugs are a subgroup of assassin bugs. If you're bitten by a kissing bug that’s infected with a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, you may be at risk of contracting the illness. When a kissing bug bites you, they may also poop on your skin, which contains the parasite. The parasite is able to enter your bloodstream through the bite.^{[7]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Kissing bugs are nocturnal and usually bite humans or animals at night while they’re sleeping.
During the acute phase, symptoms can emerge within the first few weeks or months after being bitten. The initial symptoms could include fever, lethargy, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and eyelid swelling known as Romaña's sign.^{[8]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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The chronic phase of Chagas disease can last several years or a lifetime. The majority of people infected don’t have any symptoms during this stage. However, around 20-30% of individuals do experience serious health issues. These may include enlarged esophagus or colon, enlarged heart, heart failure, and sudden death.^{[9]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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- Chagas disease isn’t contagious and doesn’t spread from person-to-person. You can’t get it through casual contact with people or animals infected. You can only get it if you come into contact with the poop of kissing bugs.

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Treating Chagas Disease

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Only a doctor can diagnose the disease and confirm if you’ve been infected. Antiparasitic medications are usually prescribed during the acute phase to kill the parasite. However, once Chagas disease turns chronic, it can’t be cured. A doctor may prescribe medicines that help to slow the disease and the development of more serious symptoms.^{[10]
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Mayo Clinic
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Keep in mind that Chagas disease is rare in the United States. Less than 1% of the United States population is affected by the condition. The majority of cases are in Latin America. One study estimated that about 288,000 people living in the U.S have the disease, and it’s believed that these individuals were possibly infected while visiting Latin America. You’re at a higher risk of getting Chagas disease if you live in an area where kissing bugs are prevalent and people are known to already be infected.^{[11]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- If you live in a low-risk area where there are little to no cases of Chagas disease, it's likely the kissing bugs you encounter aren’t dangerous.
- Not all kissing bugs carry the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. It’s estimated around 55% of kissing bugs are carriers.
- Chaga disease cases have been reported in Texas, California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas.^{[12]
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Preventing Assassin Bug Bites

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While assassin bugs typically prefer the outdoors, they could enter your home through a gap. Entomology and pest control expert Brandon Runyon explains that the best way to keep pests out of your home in general is to fix damaged window screens, seal door thresholds, and address any gaps around your property that could serve as an entry point for insects.^{[13]
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Brandon Runyon
Entomology and Pest Control Expert

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It's important to eliminate any hiding places that attract bugs in the first place, says Runyon.^{[14]
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Brandon Runyon
Entomology and Pest Control Expert

Expert Interview} Remove nests, piles of foliage, and trash around your home. These can draw wild animals to your yard, which, as a result, can draw kissing bugs that feed off of these critters. Keeping your property clean can help deter assassin bugs, especially kissing bugs.^{[15]
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If you’re outdoors, board-certified allergist and immunologist Farah Khan, MD, says you can protect yourself from bug bites by wearing longer sleeves and pants and applying bug spray.^{[16]
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Farah Khan, MD
Board Certified Allergist & Immunologist

Expert Interview} Exposing less skin and wearing a bug repellant can make you less appealing to pests, like assassin bugs.

Common Questions: Assassin Bug Bites

Is an assassin bug bite dangerous to humans?

While assassin bug bites can be painful, they’re only dangerous if you have an allergic reaction. However, bites from kissing bugs that are carriers of the parasite that causes Chagas disease can pose more serious health risks.^{[17]
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How many people are killed by assassin bugs?

There are no records of bites from garden assassin bugs killing humans. However, about 40,000 people die every year from Chagas disease, which is caused by being bitten by a kissing bug. These deaths are mainly in Central and South America and Mexico.^{[18]
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How do you tell an assassin bug bite from a kissing bug bite?

Assassin bug bites are painful and cause a burning sensation and inflammation. On the other hand, kissing bug bites aren’t painful and can go unnoticed. Some people have no reaction, while others may have mild to severe reactions, like anaphylactic shock.^{[19]
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Where are assassin bugs found in the United States?

Different species of assassin bugs can be found throughout the United States.They tend to inhabit flowers, trees, and wooded or grassy areas.^{[20]
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