Summer is a season that brings warmth, long sunny days, outdoor adventures, family barbecues, and countless opportunities to enjoy nature. Hiking, camping, gardening, and evenings spent on patios or porches are hallmarks of the season.

While most people prepare for sunburn, heat, and mosquitoes, many are unaware of other potential threats lurking in the natural environment—one of which is the assassin bug, commonly known as the “kissing bug.” Despite its seemingly benign nickname, this insect can pose serious health risks to humans and animals.

The danger stems from a parasite carried by the bug, Trypanosoma cruzi, which can cause Chagas disease, a potentially life-threatening illness that affects the heart and digestive system. Understanding the Kissing Bug. Kissing bugs belong to the Triatominae subfamily of insects and are primarily found in the Americas, including…