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

Key Dates to Watch for the Potential Resolution of the Shutdown

As of Friday, the government shutdown has entered the ranks of the…

Man Allegedly Poses as Lawyer to Infiltrate Oklahoma Jail, Sparks Security Concerns

In a curious twist of events in Oklahoma City, a man has…

Vols’ Struggle Continues: Alabama Secures 11th Consecutive Victory in Tuscaloosa

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Tennessee Volunteers’ aspirations for the College Football Playoff…

Breakthrough DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest of Georgia Man for 1990s New York Sexual Assault Cases

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities have tied a Georgia resident to a…

St. Pete Animal Shelter Seeks Urgent Help After Van Crash with 17 Pets Onboard

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A local animal shelter is urgently seeking…

Over 5,500 Truckers Lose U.S. Driving Privileges After Failing English Proficiency Test, Reports Industry Leader

In a sweeping crackdown, driving privileges have been revoked for 5,500 commercial…

SSU Selected as One of 30 Schools for Innovative Freshman AI Program

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Savannah State University (SSU) has been chosen as one…

Shocking Incident: Florida McDonald’s Dispute Over Service Ends in Gunfire

A late-night dispute at a McDonald’s in Davenport, Florida, turned violent when…

Local Legend Electrifies Audience at Sold-Out Temptations Concert

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A delightful surprise unfolded at the State Farm Center…

Former LAPD Officer Arrested at LAX for 2015 Homeless Man’s Fatal Shooting: Shocking Details Revealed

In a significant development, former Los Angeles Police Department officer Clifford Proctor…

Illinois Youth Hunters Achieve Record-Breaking Deer Harvest During Three-Day Season

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Recent figures released by the Illinois Department of Natural…

French IV Leads Georgia Southern to Commanding 41-24 Win Against Georgia State

In a thrilling encounter at Statesboro, Georgia Southern mounted an impressive comeback…