photo of bug
Share and Follow

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.

affiliate KFOR took her concerns to the experts at Oklahoma State University, and Dr. Jonathan Cammack, assistant professor and state extension specialist, knew exactly what Wanda had in her backyard after seeing a photo.

“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.

“There are a bunch of species of insects that are closely related to kissing bugs that look very similar to them. So they’re all going to have that black and red patterning,” said 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 and Follow
You May Also Like
Karoline Leavitt reveals she's pregnant with a baby girl

Karoline Leavitt Announces Expecting a Baby Girl

In a delightful announcement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed her…
Kyle Whittingham's Michigan contract details revealed

Inside Scoop: Kyle Whittingham’s Michigan Contract Details Unveiled

The details of Kyle Whittingham’s new contract with the University of Michigan…
Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, charged in Zion pedestrian Darren Lucas' death while allegedly livestreaming on TikTok, out of custody

Zion Tragedy: TikTok Livestreaming Suspect Tynesha McCarty-Wroten Released from Custody in Darren Lucas Pedestrian Death Case

A woman, previously held in custody after being accused of fatally hitting…
Michigan confirm Sherrone Moore replacement on $41m five-year deal

Michigan Announces New Five-Year $41M Deal for Sherrone Moore’s Successor

The University of Michigan has taken a notable step in revitalizing its…
The Cure guitarist Perry Bamonte dies aged 65

Guitarist Perry Bamonte of The Cure Passes Away at 65

Perry Bamonte, the renowned guitarist of The Cure, has passed away at…
Tiny 'Survivor' island will start taking Trump deportees

Remote Island Prepares to Welcome Deportees Under Trump Policy

The small Pacific island nation of Palau has entered an agreement to…
I was anxious and tired... I blamed my busy life but it was much worse

Uncovering the True Cause of My Anxiety and Fatigue Beyond a Hectic Lifestyle

In her early twenties, Rachel Christensen was navigating the typical whirlwind of…
More companies charging restocking fees this year than last as many make returns after Christmas 2025 | What to know

Increase in Companies Implementing Restocking Fees Compared to Last Year Amid Post-Christmas 2025 Return Surge | Key Insights

As the twinkling lights of Christmas fade into memory, retailers are bracing…