12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs can be harmful to humans and certain animals; therefore, getting rid of them is crucial.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective natural control methods for managing these bugs.

Identification

Kissing bugs are also known as triatomine bugs or cone-nosed bugs [1]. They are bloodsuckers that belong to the Triatominae subfamily of the Reduviidae family.

Kissing bugs are not like other bugs that you may see on plants. These bugs can be dangerous because they bite and suck blood from people and many animals.

People and animals can get Chagas disease if they come into contact with the feces of these bugs [2]. While this is disgusting, it’s not the feces that causes the disease—not directly. It’s the parasite that might be hiding inside the feces.

How to Get Rid of Kissing Bugs Naturally

The following are nine of the best ways to repel them while being eco-friendly.

1. Clear Out Wood and Rock Piles

Keep piles of rock and wood well away from your house and other locations nearby to help keep kissing bugs away.

These are great places for the bugs to conceal themselves during the day. Also, remove bush piles as soon as possible.

2. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Use diatomaceous earth to kill kissing bugs by applying it to places where they might hide in your home and garden. When purchasing for organic gardening or indoor use, food-grade DE is the best option.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural insecticide that is mildly abrasive. Therefore, it is effective against these and other harmful bugs.

When the bugs try to walk on the powder, it will cause them a great deal of damage. It will later dehydrate and kill them.

3. Bottle Trap

Take a bottle, preferably one large enough to fit a flameless candle inside. Cut the top off and keep it.

Next, add strips of non-stick tape vertically to the bottom half of the bottle, allowing the bugs to climb up them.

Kissing bugs can fly; however, they prefer to crawl. Light also attracts them.

Therefore, put the light inside the bottle and turn it on. Next, put the top back on upside down, creating a funnel.

At night, the bugs will be drawn to the light and climb inside the bottle via non-stick tape. However, it will be difficult for them to climb back out.

4. Essential Oils

Essential oil solutions are effective in controlling kissing bugs. You can use them in spots where these bugs are a problem. The bugs dislike certain scents.

Mix a couple of drops of a strong essential oil, such as citronella, mint, or tea tree, with water. Apply it liberally everywhere you see the bugs congregating to repel them.

5. Pyrethrin

Pyrethrin is an organic insecticide that can be used to kill kissing bugs.

It has proven to be fatal because it targets their nervous system. As a result, they become paralyzed and eventually die.

Follow the package instructions for the right mix, and spray it on the bugs themselves.

6. Insect-Repelling Plants

Certain herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, and citronella grass, have strong scents that repel many insects, including kissing bugs.

Plant these around your home or garden to help create a natural barrier.

7. Shiny Container Trap

This is another excellent kissing bug trap. The critters like shiny things at night, so this is a surefire way to catch them.

Fill a shiny container partially with soapy water. The best options to use are trays, such as bread pans or turkey pans.

Place the container in a warm, dark place where you’ve seen kissing bugs.

When night falls, turn on a lamp that will shine on the tray. The bugs will fall in and suffocate in the water as they try to reach the light.

8. Neem Oil

Neem oil also appears to be effective against all stages of the bug, from eggs to adults. Though it doesn’t kill them, it immunizes them against parasites that live inside them [3].

Spray the bugs with neem oil solution. Use this natural kissing bug treatment as a deterrent by spraying it everywhere the bugs gather.

9. Garlic Spray

This is more of a kissing bug repellent than a way to kill them.

The smell of the spray made from fresh garlic, water, and organic liquid soap is so strong that it will deter them.

Spray your plants and anywhere kissing bugs can enter your home.

10. Bug Zapper

A solar-powered bug zapper can be used both indoors and outdoors. The light doesn’t produce heat, but it does attract these pests, shocking them on contact.

11. Seal Cracks and Crevices

Last but not least, this is a vital step to prevent triatomine bugs from infesting your house.

Seal every hole or gap in your house where these insects can crawl through. This includes those in roofs, windows, doorjambs, screens, or cracks in walls.

12. Natural Predators

Some birds and some lizards prey on kissing bugs. For example, swallows and some lizards can help control these insects.

Encourage their presence by creating a wildlife-friendly environment.

Takeaway

Kissing bugs might have a cute name, but they are anything but. They pose a serious health risk to you and your loved ones, as well as to dogs [4].

Take drastic measures as soon as you see one of these pests. However, if you notice a severe infestation, consult a pest control professional.

Picture via Wikimedia