SAN MARCOS – As the summer heats up, experts with the Texas Chagas Taskforce are warning about the threat “kissing bugs” can pose for humans and pets as they spread Chagas disease.

“Kissing bug” is the common name for a group of blood-sucking insects called triatomines. Chagas disease is caused by a parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, that lives in the intestines and feces of kissing bugs.

“These bugs are found across the Southern United States, Mexico, Central and Sou...