Assassin Bugs blog post

Assassin Bugs: One of Your Garden Friends!

Assassin bugs are primarily gray or dark brownish in color, although some can be brightly colored. They are named appropriately as an 'assassin' because of their beak that stabs their prey to death. They primarily prey upon caterpillars, leafhoppers, aphids, and other harmful pests to your garden. Assassin bugs can also turn to attack some beneficial insects as well. They will also bite you if you try to handle them, but will generally leave you alone.
Assassin bugs are primarily gray or dark brownish in color, although some can be brightly colored. They are named appropriately as an ‘assassin’ because of their beak that stabs their prey to death. They primarily prey upon caterpillars, leafhoppers, aphids, and other harmful pests to your garden. Assassin bugs can also turn to attack some beneficial insects as well. They will also bite you if you try to handle them, but will generally leave you alone.

How to Attract or Encourage:

  • It helps to have a source of shallow water for the assassin bugs.
  • Attract assassin bugs by having many different covers for them to use to hide from various predators or weather. Assassin bugs especially like mulch, vines, and shrubs.
  • Attract assassin bugs by having plants such as alfalfa, daisies, dandelions, dill, fennel, goldenrod, queen anne’s lace, marigolds, tansy.
  • Assassin bugs are attracted to lights. Try having some solar lights in your garden.
     

Learn more about how to manage pests and attract beneficial insects in our FREE iOS, Android, and Universal Web App!

assassinbug

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

3 thoughts on “Assassin Bugs: One of Your Garden Friends!

  1. This is another I have not heard of in a long time. They do not live here, but I believe that they are used in the almond orchards and other orchards of the San Joaquin Valley.

Leave a Reply

On Key

Related Posts

how to grow curry

How to Grow Curry: A Complete Guide for Home Gardeners

Want to grow your own curry plant? It’s easier than you think! This guide covers everything from planting to harvesting, plus tips for growing indoors or outside. Don’t forget to check out the Seed to Spoon app for even more plants and gardening tips — it’s free on iOS, Android, and the web!

November Blog

November Gardening Guide: What to Grow and Do Indoors & Outdoors This Month

November may bring colder weather, but there’s still plenty to do both indoors and outdoors to keep your garden thriving. From planting garlic and mulching to growing fresh herbs and microgreens inside, this guide covers all the essential November gardening tasks. Learn what to grow, how to protect your plants, and tips for planning ahead for a productive season!

october gardening

October Gardening: 11 Plants & Tips for a Thriving Fall Garden

October is the perfect time to refresh your garden with cool-season crops and essential tasks. In our latest video, we cover 11 must-grow plants and tips to keep your garden thriving this fall. From planting leafy greens and root crops to starting indoor microgreens and building DIY PVC hoophouses, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the most of your October garden. Don’t miss out on these expert tips to grow indoors and out!

How to Grow & Care for Yarrow: Tips for a Thriving Pollinator Garden

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a hardy perennial that brings beauty and benefits to any garden. Known for attracting pollinators and thriving in drought conditions, yarrow is easy to grow and care for. In this guide, learn how to plant, maintain, and harvest yarrow, while using the Seed to Spoon app to simplify your gardening journey. Start growing yarrow with high-quality seeds from Park Seed today!