Assassin Bugs – Best Left Alone
Assassin bugs are part of the hemipteran order of insects – true bugs. When we talk about bugs we often mean insects, but to an entomologist – someone who studies insects – a bug is only a hemipteran. Everything else is an insect. It can be confusing, but as an example, a ladybug is not a bug, but a beetle. Assassin bugs, which are literally assassins of the bug world are predators of other insects. They also can inflict a severe bite that is not only painful, but swells. Here’s a closer look at Assassin bugs and why they are best left alone.
The Bite of the Assassin Bug
Normally, these bugs are very happy to leave humans alone. They primarily use their stylus-like mouth to feed on other bugs. They do so by stabbing the insect with its mouth and then they inject an enzyme that liquifies flesh.
That process is part of the problem. When an assassin bug bites a human, our body reacts strongly to the bite and the enzymes and causes a massive inflammatory action. It is not uncommon that if bitten on the hand, for example, that the hand swells to three or more times its original size. Also, these are painful bites on par with a wasp sting. If you have ever been stung by a hornet or a yellowjacket, then you will understand the type of pain involved if a hemipteran should bite you. The problem here is that the pain lasts for days.
Hemipterans, which also include stink bugs and milkweed bugs, and boxelders, among many other species, also have a painful bite and can cause your body to have an allergic reaction with massive inflammation. Of course, you should seek medical help as needed. Some hemipterans carry diseases such as Chagas disease. It would be a rarity, according to the CDC, to contract Chagas or another disease from an assassin bug. However, there is risk to secondary infection due to the massive inflammation response. For that reason, always have your primary doctor care for a bite from a hemipteran.
Are Assassin Bugs Pests?
For the most part they are not pests. However, during the fall months, many hemipterans invade homes to find a warmer place to overwinter. When that happens, you are more likely to encounter an assassin bug. Otherwise, they tend to avoid humans. They are very good flyers.
Controlling Assassin Bugs
You don’t really want to control them outdoors, unless you are over run with them and that is a rarity. They tend to disperse to hunt other insects. What you can do is make sure that the screens on your windows and doors are in good working order and that they are free to teas or holes. Also, makes sure that screens fit tightly into their tracts. It does not take very much space for a bug or insect to squeeze their way into your home.
If you have assassin bugs in your home, you can relocate them to the outdoors or you can call our team to discuss the options for assassin bug and other hemipteran control. We provide comprehensive pest control services for Bryan, Texas and the surrounding communities.
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/gen_info/vectors/index.html
