Oklahoma Woman’s Backyard Overrun by Mystery Bugs

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – What began as a frightening discovery for one Oklahoma woman turned out to be a case of mistaken identity after her yard became overrun with mystery insects.

Fears of Dangerous Kissing Bugs

Wanda Delaney said she first noticed the swarm of bugs in her yard earlier this month, describing them as “tiny drones” that seemed to follow her around.

“This morning I probably saw 20 of them while the sun was coming up,” Delaney said. “They follow you, they land wherever, and they’re just all over. They’re really creepy.”

Her biggest fear was that the insects were kissing bugs, known carriers of Chagas disease, a serious illness spread by parasites in the bug’s feces. Kissing bugs are named for their tendency to bite around the face and mouth.

Experts Identify the Real Culprit

To ease concerns, KFOR brought Delaney’s photos to Dr. Jonathan Cammack, an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University. After reviewing the images, Dr. Cammack confirmed the insects were leaf-footed bugs, not kissing bugs.

“We typically see leaf-footed bugs in garden situations, like on tomato plants and other things,” Cammack explained.

The confusion is understandable, he said, since several bug species share the black-and-red coloring that resembles kissing bugs.

Advice for Residents

Dr. Cammack suggested that anyone unsure about an insect should collect a sample and contact their local extension office for positive identification.

While Oklahoma does have two species of kissing bugs across several counties, there have been no confirmed human cases of Chagas disease in the state.

For now, Delaney’s yard infestation poses no public health threat — just a nuisance for her backyard oasis. For more unusual community stories and local updates, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.