Like most bugs the kissing bug doesn't look inviting.
But while many insects are just a nuisance this bug is deadly.
"They can be found under logs, under stones or under the house,” said Dr. Brian Smith, the Regional Director for The Texas Department of State Health Services.
Once only found in South America, this blood sucker can now be found in Texas and many states around the nation.
But experts say there is some misinformation about how long they have been living here.
"It's really not anything new and nothing has changed,” said Dr. Smith. “It's a very rare disease in the states and in the last 50 years we've had a mere handful of cases.”
Dr. Brian Smith says kissing bug cases have been around in the states since the 90's and are extremely rare.
But we should still be cautious.
This little bug carries a deadly parasite called T Cruzi.
T Cruzi lives in the feces the bug leaves behind and if it makes its way into the bloodstream it causes Chagas disease.
And it's not just humans, pets are especially vulnerable to Chagas.
"We did a study and found that a fair number of dogs that were picked up by the animal control officers actually had evidence of the Chagas disease organism, said Dr. Smith.
Smith also adds the bugs in the US are not as strong as the bug indigenous to Central and South America.
There is good news. These kissing bugs are easy to kill
All you have to do is get your normal bug spray that you would use to kill roaches.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT