My Father Was Bitten by a Bug—Is It Dangerous? What to Do Right Now (And How to Stay Calm)

and how to identify them.
What Assassin Bugs Look Like
Size: About ½ to 1 inch long (roughly the size of a small grape)
Shape: Elongated, narrow body with a distinct “cone-shaped” head
Color: Usually brown, black, or gray, sometimes with orange or red markings on the edges
Behavior: Generally shy; they don’t seek out humans. Bites usually happen when the bug is accidentally pressed against skin (e.g., while gardening, moving firewood, or rolling over in bed).
What “Kissing Bugs” Specifically Look Like
“Kissing bugs” are a type of assassin bug (family Reduviidae, subfamily Triatominae) that can transmit Chagas disease. Key identifiers:
Distinctive orange/red stripes along the edge of the abdomen
Long, narrow head with a visible proboscis (beak) tucked under the body
Often found in cracks of older homes, woodpiles, or outdoor shelters
⚠️ Important: Not all assassin bugs are kissing bugs. And not all kissing bugs carry