CONENOSE BUGS

Integrated Pest Management In and Around the Home

though not painful, bites from wings in the adult and a more oblong conenose bugs sometimes produce shape. allergic reactions, which can be cause for concern in sensitive individuals. In The conenose bug life cycle takes about Latin America these are impor- 1 year. Eggs are usually laid in summer tant because they sometimes carry a and hatch in 3 to 5 weeks, giving rise to (actual size) protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, which the first of five nymphal stages, each causes Chagas’ disease in humans; this requiring a blood meal before molting debilitating disease is rare in the to the next stage. Each blood meal can United States, however, with only two last 20 to 30 minutes and then takes 1 recorded cases in southern Texas and week to digest. Conenose bugs spend one in central California. the winter as developing nymphs and molt into adults in spring. Adults can Another common assassin bug that is fly and are long-lived; frequently they attracted to lights around homes, the are drawn to outside lights at night. western corsair (Rasahus thoracicus) Feeding occurs at night, and during the (Fig. 2), looks somewhat similar to day nymphs and adults congregate in conenose bugs but has an orange and hiding places. In homes likely places Figure 1. Adult conenose bug. black body with an orange spot on for them to spend the day are in cracks each wing. The western corsair feeds or crevices around doors and window primarily on other insects and does not screens, in bedding or mattresses, in Conenose bugs (Fig. 1) are members of seek out warm-blooded or furniture, closets, and other dimly lit the family , which are com- require a blood meal in order to repro- locations. Outside they can often be monly called assassin bugs. Most duce. However, if it is picked up, it can found in nests and nesting members of this family are predators inflict a bite that is quite painful. material. of other insects, but the conenose bugs (also known as kissing bugs), in the IDENTIFICATION AND genus Triatoma, are bloodsucking para- LIFE CYCLE sites of a wide variety of domestic and The adult western bloodsucking wild animals and humans. In Califor- conenose is 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch long, dark nia these bugs are most prevalent in brown to black in color, and has a lat- the foothill areas surrounding the Cen- eral abdominal margin that is some- tral Valley and in foothills and desert times tan. The wings are held flat over areas of southern California. the back at rest. The head has four- segmented antennae, conspicuous The only important species in Califor- eyes, and a three-segmented, straight nia is Triatoma protracta, the western beak that extends backward below the bloodsucking conenose, whereas in the body. Nymphs are similar in appear- (actual southern United States from the Atlan- ance to adults except that they do not size) tic Ocean to Arizona the most impor- have wings and are smaller. Wing pads tant pest species is Triatoma sanguisuga. appear in the last instar. Conenose Triatoma protracta frequently lives in bugs are easily distinguished from aggregations in the nests of wood rats another bloodsucking true bug group, (Neotoma spp.), but also flies into bed bugs (see Pest Notes: Bed Bugs, homes and may feed on people. Al- listed in References), by the presence of Figure 2. Adult western corsair.

PEST NOTES Publication 7455 University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Revised November 2002 November 2002 Conenose Bugs

DAMAGE conenose bugs is not directly transmit- sticky tape on the legs. In extreme Typically, bites from conenose bugs ted during feeding but excreted in their cases a tent of mosquito netting over occur at night; victims are bitten in feces. If the fecal material is scratched the bed that is tucked in all around the their sleep and may find the engorged into the bite or onto mucous mem- mattress will provide protection from bugs in their beds. Usually there are branes, it can enter the human body; the bugs. several punctures about 1⁄4 inch apart therefore, always disinfect the bite site along a straight line primarily on the with iodine to prevent infection, and If the above measures do not eliminate torso; the bite is initially painless but then wash it to remove fecal material. the insects, it may be necessary to use a may swell and cause a substantial welt Because Latin American species are registered total-release pyrethrin space that itches for several days. Fifty per- more likely to defecate immediately spray or a quick-acting fumigant. On cent of those bitten react more severely after feeding than are species found in dry surfaces, insecticidal dusts such as the second time, with symptoms rang- the United States, protozoan transmis- fumed silica (also called diatomaceous ing from welts that itch to swelling of sion is more likely in Latin America. earth) can be used. the tongue, larynx, and trachea. Bites Immediate or acute symptoms of this from conenose bugs may be confused disease include swelling of the face, REFERENCES with spider or tick bites (e.g., that of high or moderate fever that develops Greenberg, L., and J. H. Klotz. Sept the pajahuello tick). about 2 weeks after the victim is bitten, 2002. Pest Notes: Bed Bugs. Oakland: swelling of other body areas, and Univ. Calif. Nat. Agric. Res. Publ. 7454. If you suspect you or a family member sometimes nervous system disorders. Also available online at http://www. might be allergic or is developing an If the patient recovers, chronic infec- ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/ allergy to conenose bug bites, go to a tion becomes established and may pn7454.html physician or allergist for testing and to result in cardiac damage or other seri- find out about the availability of a de- ous disorders and even death. Marer, P. 1991. Residential, Industrial, sensitization program of antigen injec- and Institutional Pest Control. Oakland: tions. Research has shown that about MANAGEMENT Univ. Calif. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 3334, 7% of people tested in areas where Various measures can be taken to pre- pp. 109–110. conenose bugs are common have the vent problems caused by this pest. potential for developing serious These include removing likely harbor- Marshall, N., M. Liebhaber, Z. Dyer, immediate-sensitivity reactions, in- ages and sealing points of entry. Fix and A. Saxon. 1986. The prevalence of cluding anaphylactic shock, to the bite structural problems in buildings that allergic sensitization to Triatoma of this . If treated in time, ana- permit the bug’s entry. Use weather protracta (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) in a phylactic shock can be reversed by the stripping, caulk, or silicone seal to southern California, USA, community. effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) eliminate small cracks and crevices. J. Med. Entomol. 23(2): 117–124. injected into the body. Individuals who Screen all windows and vent openings. are aware that they are allergic to bites Keep fireplace flues shut. Make sure Olkowski, W., H. Olkowski, and can get epinephrine in either a normal that dog and cat entrances are insect S. Darr. 1991. Common Sense Pest Con- syringe (sting kit) or in an auto-injector proof. Since lights attract the insects at trol. Newton, CT: Taunton Press, pp. (Epi-Pen) from a medical doctor (it is night, move them away from doors 183–191. available by prescription only). Anti- and windows. Remove ground squir- histamines potentially have value com- rel, wood rat, and other rodent nests Vetter, R. 2001. Kissing bugs (Triatoma) bating non-life-threatening reactions, within 300 feet of the house. Eliminate and the skin. Dermatology Online Jour- but should be used according to a harborages such as piles of lumber, nal 7(1): 6. (http://dermatology.cdlib. physician’s instructions. firewood, and debris. Check beds at org/DOJvol7num1/centerfold/ night and shake out the bedding before triatoma/vetter.html) The Chagas’ disease protozoan, Trypa- getting into bed. Keep beds at least 1 nosoma cruzi, that is transmitted by foot from walls and place double-sided

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For more information contact the University of California Cooperative Extension or agri- cultural commissioner’s office in your coun- ty. See your phone book for addresses and phone numbers.

AUTHORS: L. Greenberg, J. H. Klotz EDITOR: B. Ohlendorf TECHNICAL EDITOR: M. L. Flint DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: M. Brush ILLUSTRATIONS: Fig.1: S. A. Klotz; Fig. 2: adapted from Powell, J. A., and C. L. Hogue. 1979. California Insects. Berkeley: UC Press

Produced by IPM Education and Publica- tions, UC Statewide IPM Program, Universi- ty of California, Davis, CA 95616-8620 WARNING ON THE USE OF CHEMICALS This Pest Note is available on the World Pesticides are poisonous. Always read and carefully follow all precautions and safety recommendations Wide Web (http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu) given on the container label. Store all chemicals in the original labeled containers in a locked cabinet or shed, away from food or feeds, and out of the reach of children, unauthorized persons, pets, and livestock. Confine chemicals to the property being treated. Avoid drift onto neighboring properties, especially gardens containing fruits or vegetables ready to be picked. Do not place containers containing pesticide in the trash nor pour pesticides down sink or toilet. Either use the pesticide according to the label or take unwanted pesticides to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection site. Contact your county agricultural commissioner for additional information on safe container This publication has been anonymously peer disposal and for the location of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection site nearest you. Dispose of reviewed for technical accuracy by University of empty containers by following label directions. Never reuse or burn the containers or dispose of them in such California scientists and other qualified profes- a manner that they may contaminate water supplies or natural waterways. sionals. This review process was managed by the ANR Associate Editor for Pest Management. The University of California prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed by or To simplify information, trade names of products seeking employment with the University on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical have been used. No endorsement of named products or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era that are not mentioned. veteran, or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which This material is partially based upon work a campaign badge has been authorized). University policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions supported by the Extension Service, U.S. Department of applicable State and Federal laws. Inquiries regarding the University’s nondiscrimination policies may be of Agriculture, under special project Section 3(d), directed to the Affirmative Action/Staff Personnel Services Director, University of California, Agriculture and Integrated Pest Management. Natural Resources, 300 Lakeside Dr., Oakland, CA 94612-3350; (510) 987-0096.

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