Bed bug dirty predator: silent predator with perfect disguise
The dirty predator bug got its name due to the interesting ability of the larvae to disguise themselves. They secrete a sticky substance on their upper body and use their long hind legs to stick small pieces of dirt and dust. Outwardly, they look like a small piece of dirt. But as soon as an ant is nearby, this “piece of dirt” attacks him, and the ant becomes a delicious dinner.
Content
- Bed bug dirty predator: general characteristics
- Habitat and distribution of predator bugs
- Harm and benefit from insects
- Does a predatory bug bite?
- With whom you can confuse the bugs of predators
- Predator control methods
- Prevention of the appearance of predators in the house
- Interesting facts about predatory bugs
Bed bug dirty predator: general characteristics
The dirty predator bug belongs to the order of the Hemiptera, one of the most dangerous insects of its kind. They call it the killer beetle. It kills the bug of other insects by injecting a poisonous substance into their body that can dissolve its insides in a matter of minutes. The parasite sucks out the contents of the victim, leaving only a chitinous cover.
Appearance of adults and larvae
Reproduction and development cycle
The female bug lays about 20 eggs on the underside of plant leaves or sticks to the walls of buildings. The eggs are oval, 3 mm long and 2 mm in diameter. After 2 months, larvae appear, which after 6 months, having passed 5 molts, become adults. Under adverse conditions, the process of growing up can take up to 9 months. After birth, the larvae are pink in color, over time they darken and become purple-black. The full life cycle of a predatory bug is about 2 years.
Diet and lifestyle
Habitat and distribution of predator bugs
Bedbugs of this species live in Central Europe, capturing the region of northern Africa and the habitat reaches the foothills of the Caucasus. There are quite a lot of these insects in North America. They are less common in South America and Australia.
Harm and benefit from insects
From many insects living on the earth, there is a benefit, despite the fact that they do harm.
Does a predatory bug bite?
The dirty predator bug does not harm a person, it is not a carrier of dangerous diseases.
But he can pierce human skin with his proboscis. Its sting has been compared to a wasp sting, and some people may experience an allergic reaction on the rare occasions when the parasite bites a person. The saliva of the bug contains toxic substances and has an unpleasant odor, and it is able to spray it at a distance of 30 cm.
The consequences after a bite can be unpleasant. The bite site may tingle during the day, swelling may appear, and not subside for up to 3 days. Some people have an allergic reaction to the bug bite, in which case you need to take an antihistamine.
In the event of an insect bite, the wound should be washed with soap and water or a solution of baking soda. Try not to scratch the bite site. On the edema formed at the site of the bite, apply ice or a bottle of cold water.
To avoid meeting with the parasite, you need to protect yourself. When going on vacation in nature, take care of closed shoes, clothing that covers the body and a headdress. Do not use strong-smelling cosmetics, so as not to attract insects with a smell. Apply repellent to skin and clothing. Being in nature, avoid places overgrown with tall grass and shrubs. For trips, choose daytime, as bedbugs come out to hunt at night. Do not climb into old nests and under stones, into a dry litter of leaves, bugs choose these places for daytime rest and you can accidentally disturb them.
With whom you can confuse the bugs of predators
In nature, there are many insects similar to each other and they can be confused. The predatory bug can be confused with the earthen wasp, they have a similar color and body shape.
It can be confused with a very dangerous triatomic bug that feeds on the blood of people and animals and is a carrier of dangerous diseases, including sleeping sickness.
Predator control methods
This type of bed bug does not harm people or plants, but it can lay its eggs on plant leaves. The methods used to deal with bedbugs are also suitable for dealing with a predatory bug.
| chemical | Insecticides are used to kill pests. Plant leaves are treated on both sides. Indoors, chemicals must be used with caution so as not to get poisoned. Means for greater efficiency should be alternated, since bedbugs have the ability to adapt to them. |
| Mechanical | Bedbugs in the daytime and for the winter hide in dry fallen leaves. If the foliage is collected and disposed of in time, the predators will not have the opportunity to hide in them. |
| Natural enemies | In nature, the enemies of these insects are jumping spiders. Although the predatory bugs themselves prey on bed bugs. |
Prevention of the appearance of predators in the house
Preventive measures include the fight against parasites that live in residential buildings. A predatory bug will not try to get into a room where there is no food for it. It can feed on cockroaches, bed bugs, flies and other indoor dwellers.
Interesting facts about predatory bugs
- It has been observed that adult insects share food with relatives, allowing them to taste the nutritious juice from their prey.
- Bed bugs can spray their poisonous saliva at a distance of up to 30 cm.
- When they want to drink in dry weather, they stick their proboscis into the soil and extract moisture.