Where Can You Find Assassin Bugs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Where Do Assassin Bugs Live? Assassin, a.k.a. kissing bugs, are found

all across the bottom two-thirds of the United States

, and predominantly in Arizona, California, Texas, and New Mexico. Once only found in tropical regions further south, climate change and global warming have since pushed them further north.

Do assassin bugs kill humans?

Beneficial as they may for protecting your garden plants, these critters

may attack and bite humans and animals

, even if unprovoked, piercing the skin with that sharp beak. Though painful and likely to cause swelling at the site, for the most part an assassin bug bite rarely requires medical attention.

How do I identify an assassin bug?

The head is cone shaped and sports a curved beak from which the insect injects its toxin. They also bear long antennae and six long legs. Assassin bug identification also notes that

the insect is beige with black markings and folded wings perched on its back

.

How do you get assassin bugs?

  1. Assassin bugs love Queen Anne’s lace, daisies, and alfalfa.
  2. You could also try planting flowers like marigolds, dandelions, goldenrod, and tansy.
  3. Herbs like dill and fennel may also attract assassin bugs.

Where is the assassin bug native?

Distribution of the Assassin Bug

They are found in

Europe, parts of Asia, Central America, South America, and Africa

, as well. There are a wide variety of species, but the greatest species diversity occurs in North America.

How does the assassin bug kill humans?

It has a powerful beak that it uses to

launch a violent attack on its prey

, stabbing it to death. It is not necessarily aggressive toward humans but when it feels threatened it will attack and it is quite unpleasant to be on the receiving end of its sting. It tucks its beak under its head until it is ready to use it.

Does an assassin bug fly?


Assassin bugs are able to fly but they

are poor fliers in general with some notable exceptions. Although most assassin bugs are slow-moving and nonaggressive, they will use their rostrum in self-defense if handled carelessly.

What animal eats a assassin bug?

Main predators of assassin bugs are:

birds, rodents, praying mantis, spiders and other assassin bugs

. Assassin bugs can transmit serious diseases, such as Chagas disease, to humans.

What does an assassin bug bite feel like?

An assassin bug bite produces

intense, localised pain and, eventually, a small patch of dead tissue

. Until Walker’s team went to work, it was assumed that the discomfort arose because the bug injected the same venom it uses to Magimix its food.

Is a kissing bug the same as an assassin bug?


Wheel bugs and kissing bugs

(Triatoma spp.) belong to the same taxonomic family, Reduviidae; the so-called “assassin bug” family. They both share several family features including large bodies, long spindly legs, a narrow head, beady eyes, and a long “beak” at the front of their head.

What do you do if you find an assassin bug?

If you find assassin bugs in the home, or around the house, consider calling

pest control to spray insecticide

. The CDC mentions that synthetic pyrethroid sprays, which also combat bed bugs, have been used to prevent infestation.

Do assassin bugs eat mites?

What Do Assassin Bugs Eat? Assassin bug nymphs or larvae and adults feed on

aphids

, caterpillars, scale insects, spider mites and insect eggs. Many also prey upon beetles.

Are assassin bugs bad?

These creepy looking bugs actually eat

bad bugs

in your garden! They find caterpillar eggs, larvae, and aphids very delicious. If you see these guys around, best to leave them alone. While they are generally harmless to humans, they can deliver a painful bite if they feel threatened.

What is the life cycle of an assassin bug?

The Assasin Bug Life Cycle

Assassin bugs, like other Hemipterans, undergo

incomplete metamorphosis with three stages—egg, nymph, and adult

. The female lays clusters of eggs on plants. Wingless nymphs hatch from the eggs and molt several times to reach adulthood in about two months.

Are assassin bugs poisonous to dogs?

This is of particular concern when it affects the heart and brain. The most common way for chagas to spread to dogs is through

unknowing ingestion of feces from

so-called “kissing bugs,” which are also referred to as “assassin bugs.”

What happens if a wheel bug bites you?

Some assassin bugs, most notably the wheel bug, will

bite if picked up and handled carelessly

. The bite of the wheel bug is immediately and intensely painful. Persons who are bitten should wash and apply antiseptic to the site of the bite. Oral analgesics, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be useful to reduce the pain.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.