LANSING, Mich — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is confirming cases of the of the kissing bug in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Typically, the blood sucking insect is found in warmer climates in different countries or southern states like Texas and Arizona.
Experts say climate change is creating the ideal environment for the bug to migrate north.
The kissing bug feeds on blood from animals or humans.
It's called the kissing bug because their bites are often found around the mouth.
They usually hide during the day and are very active at night and bite people in the face.
However, the real danger isn't in the kissing bugs bite, but in its feces.
Those who come in contact with the kissing bug may experience flu like symptoms at first, then suffer from heart disease as long as ten years later.
Right now, experts say there's enough reason to believe they could be anywhere in the north including Michigan.
However, the CDC says there have not been any confirmed cases in Michigan yet.
Kissing bugs are most commonly found under porches, in piles of wood, or in outdoor dog houses.
Experts say to clean up those areas regularly.
Kissing bugs can hide in cracks and small crevices, so seal gaps or cracks around windows, doors, walls or screens to help keep them out.
