SB: SB: Problem with "Kissing Bug"?

["Ron Stone" <rstoneis@rogers.com>]

Hi all,

I am currently doing some research on an aid project involving strawbale
construction in the tropics.

One particular and unexpected question that has come up concerns a
parasitical condition called Chages' Disease which is endemic to populations
in Central and South America.  The beetle responsible for transmission is
triatoma protracta, commonly called the "Kissing Bug".  Its long term affect
on human health is devastating.  On two occasions while describing this aid
project to people, they have raises the concern that the Kissing Bug may
infest the bale walls of strawbale buildings in Central America and pose a
health risk to the occupants.  My first thoughts about these concerns was
that it would be difficult for insects to get into or out of plastered walls
if they are properly detailed and maintained, and that, as the straw is
devoid of nutrients, there would be no more reason for them to infest a
strawbale wall than any other.

I know that the Kissing Bug also infects parts of the US south west, so I am
hoping that there is empirical evidence that they pose no particular
problems in strawbale walls.  Any insights appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron Stone,

P.S.

Please contact me directly if you want more info on the project.


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