photo of bug
Share this @internewscast.com

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – An Oklahoma woman is voicing her concerns after her backyard paradise was taken over by bugs.

Wanda Delaney says she is worried they are kissing bugs that can carry a disease called Chagas.

The kissing bug is named after its behavior, where it tends to bite the face, specifically around the mouth.

photo of bug
Metro woman’s yard infested with unknown bug. (KFOR)

Delaney says she doesn’t know exactly what the bugs are, but believes they could be kissing bugs.

“This morning I probably saw 20 of them while the sun was kind of coming up,” said Delaney.

She says they are everywhere.

“I started seeing a few at night, mostly. They’d come out in the evening when the sun would go down,” said Delaney.

She describes them as tiny drones.

“They follow you, they land wherever, and they’re just all over. They’re really creepy. Really creepy,” said Delaney.

image of bug
Metro woman’s yard infested with unknown bug, Image Wanda Delaney.

The affiliate KFOR consulted with experts at Oklahoma State University, where Dr. Jonathan Cammack, an assistant professor and state extension specialist, immediately identified what Wanda found in her backyard after viewing a photograph.

“That’s a leaf-footed bug,” said Dr. Cammack.”We typically see leaf-footed bugs in garden situations. So like on tomato plants and other things.”

But Dr. Cammack says it’s easy to confuse other bugs with the kissing bug.

“Numerous insect species closely resemble kissing bugs and share a similar appearance. Most of them exhibit a black and red patterning,” explained Dr. Cammack.

He is talking about the lines seen in the photo of the bug.

Dr. Cammack says he can see how they got mixed up, adding, If you are unsure, collect it and send it in.

“Reach out to your local extension office to get some of those specimens collected so that we can get a positive identification,” said Dr. Camamck.

Dr. Cammack says there are two types of kissing bugs in Oklahoma across several counties.

While they can carry a disease, there have been no confirmed human infections in Oklahoma.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Up-And-At-Em’ Organization Makes Generous Contribution to Local Schools

On a bright Friday morning in Johnson City, Tennessee, a wave of…

Suspect in Charlie Kirk Case Seeks Judge’s Intervention to Disqualify Prosecutors

SALT LAKE CITY – A 22-year-old man from Utah, accused of murdering…

FAA Issues Caution for Pilots Over Eastern Pacific Amid Increased Military Operations

On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a cautionary advisory to…

Recent Study Strengthens Evidence Dismissing Tylenol-Autism Link Contrary to Trump’s Assertions

A recent comprehensive review has determined that taking Tylenol during pregnancy does…

Cuban Mass Protests Condemn US Actions in Venezuela, Demand Maduro’s Freedom

HAVANA – On Friday, a massive gathering of tens of thousands took…

Breaking: Trump Administration Halts Wage Garnishment for Student Loan Defaulters

WASHINGTON – In a recent policy shift, the Trump administration has decided…

Top-Secret Talks: CIA Director’s Unprecedented Meeting with Venezuela’s Acting President in Caracas

WASHINGTON – In a notable diplomatic move, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made…

Hampton Resident Charged with Multiple Drug and Firearm Offenses

In Elizabethton, Tennessee, a Hampton resident is confronting a series of drug…

ETSU Hosts Virtual Graduation for Ukrainian Student Pursuing Master’s Degree

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. and KRIVORIVNYA, Ukraine (WJHL) — Pavlo Rybaruk recently shared…

Breaking: Arrest Made in Disturbing Whittaker Family Exploitation Case

A man has been apprehended in connection with an exploitation inquiry involving…

Unveiling the Impact: How Trump’s Policies are Reducing Sexual Violence Investigations in Education

WASHINGTON – Prior to the changes enacted by President Donald Trump’s administration,…

Tragic Incident: 70-Year-Old Woman Passes Away Following Revenge of the Mummy Ride at Universal Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – A tragic incident at Universal Studios has claimed the…