As if people needed another insect to worry about. For those who love the outdoors, summertime means protection from mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, and more. But now there is a new species to look out for, the assassin bug, and its numbers are on the rise in the southern United States. They can deliver painful bites when provoked and some can carry diseases.
There are different species of assassin bugs with different traits and physical attributes. Many are colored black or brown while others are red, yellow, or orange. Their bodies tend to be oval-shaped with a small head, long antennae, and thin wings. They have three mouth sections, which include a proboscis to drink from their prey’s bodies like with a straw. Hatchlings are called nymphs and have different appearances from adults.
Assassin bugs are predators that feed on other insects, so they inhabit trees and grassy areas where they can hunt bees, flies, caterpillars, and more. This makes them helpful bugs to have in gardens because they can provide free pest control. However, they can enter homes through tears in screens, open doors and windows, and other cracks and crevices.
Assassin bugs generally don’t bother people but they can bite if they feel threatened. Their bites are venomous and extremely painful. They can be treated by washing the area, applying antiseptic cream, and taking over-the-counter painkillers. However, seek professional medical attention if there are any changes to the skin or if there are symptoms of an allergic reaction like itchy hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
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