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milkweed assassin bug- thoughts?

last year

Anyone familiar with this Assassin bug? I’ve spent some time researching and they’re apparently friends to the garden— provided you let them be… as they do bite.

I have a shrub with about a dozen of them crawling about. I have been battling spider mites in this area so it’s almost like an answer to my prayers! But i also have tiny humans. I have no issue keeping them away from the area, but a mother still is cautious when hearing of bugs that bite. I saw the lifespan is up to 10 months… but I’m wondering if they lay eggs what we might be up against?

Any experience or knowledge of these bugs would be helpful!

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Comments (4)

laceyvail 6A, WV
last year
This is not something I would be worried about.
User
Original Author
last year
Hi Laceyvail,

Thank you! I too came to this conclusion after I had posted this. Glad to hear it’s not something I need to stress about.

Have a great weekend!
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
last year
I would not expect the assassin bugs, either as nymphs or adults to be remotely interested in spider mites, sorry. And I would simply discourage your children from touching them. They don’t bite…they stab and inject digestive enzymes. They aren’t aggressive insects and needn’t be feared at all, but no one should handle them.
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User
Original Author
last year
Good to note! My 2 and 3 year olds are under constant supervision outside near the garden so it shouldn’t be an issue— but still cautious when it comes to any insect/living thing…. This one is new to me so I appreciate the insight,
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