Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

i want to track the kissing bug population in my area and i would like to see if any have the parasite that causes chagas disease. how should i go about this? what type of equipment/supervision would i need?

walcotted,

Unfortunately, the Rediviid bugs that carry Chagas disease primarily live in South and Central America. These bugs often live in between mud walls of shelters in impoverish and rural communities.

Due to migration, it is possible to find Rediviid bugs in the United States. There are currently 12 known species of the bug in the United States. I would suggest you to contact your state's Department of Natural Resources. They will have the information about the population that may be present in your state.

It is apparent that exposure to these bugs may pose a serious health risk, the ecologist from the DNR would be an expert in how to safely track the population. They may have a task force for watching their movement that you could get involved with.

Hopefully they will be able to help! Please let us know how that goes and feel free to ask us additional questions concerning your project!

- Travis Sigafoos