   Conenose Bugs - May 10, 2000 Jeff Schalau, County Director, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County Insect populations ebb and flow. This is especially so as we make the transition from spring to summer. At this time of year in the garden, aphids are typically decreasing while whiteflies, squash bugs, blister beetles, and grasshoppers begin to increase. Summer also brings greater numbers of conenose bugs. Conenose bugs, also known as kissing bugs or Hualapai tigers, feed on the blood of mammals. Their primary hosts are rodents and most commonly wood rats (pack rats). They will also feed on human hosts when others are not available. They tend to be most common in foothill areas of mountains and on the edges of towns where woodrats are most abundant. Conenose bugs belong to the Order Hemiptera. These are the "true bugs". Other Hemipterans are squash bugs, plant bugs, box elder bugs, stink bugs, and assassin bugs. They are characterized by thickened front wings and shorter, membranous hind wings. This gives many Hemipterans the appearance of a triangle on the back of the insect where the front wings come together on the back of the insect. They also have sucking mouthparts in the form of a beak that can be neatly tucked between the legs on the underside of the body when not feeding. Four species of conenose bugs occur in Arizona. They are between 3/4" and 1 1/4" long, usually dark brown with yellow or red markings. They may be distinguished by their characteristic long, cone-shaped nose when viewed from above. Many of the Hemipterans listed above somewhat resemble conenose bugs, so proper identification is important. Conenose usually feed when the host organism (you or your family in the absence of other more desirable hosts) is sleeping. Most people do not feel the bite of the conenose bug. Some people suggest that the bugs inject an anesthetic. To date, there is no direct evidence of this. They also move slowly and most often bite when the host is unaware. Upon biting, they inject an anticoagulant to stimulate blood flow. This can cause an allergic reaction that can increase after repeated bites. If you suspect that you have been bitten by a conenose bug and might be allergic, call your local poison control center immediately. In South America, some species of conenose bugs transmit the organism that causes Chagas' disease. Arizona species are not known to transmit this or other diseases at this time. Conenose bugs fly from rodent burrows in late spring to early summer to search for new rodent burrows. They fly at night and are attracted to lights. This is most often the time when humans become acquainted with conenose bugs. They fly toward outdoor lighting or windows with light showing. If the home is not well screened and weatherstripped, they gain entry to feed on humans and our pets. They also can move from rodents to human hosts when rodents are suddenly removed from the area. If you decide to remove a woodrat nest, be sure to treat it with an insecticide (as well as with a disinfectant to reduce the threat of Hanta virus). To prevent conenose bugs, there are several steps that can be taken. In addition to weatherstripping and otherwise sealing the home, you can: reduce the amount and duration of outdoor lighting; use shades or curtains on brightly lit windows; check bedding, furniture, and under beds; and in extreme cases, bed nets can be used. If you decide to use an insecticide, use a crack and crevice formula and treat any areas where conenose bugs could hide. Explicitly follow label directions of any insecticide used. Also use caution when camping to minimize risk of conenose bites. Don't camp near woodrat nests or caves when adults are active in the summer months. This information was developed by Dave Langston. Up until a few years ago, he was working as a University of Arizona Cooperative Extension entomologist. Many people know Dave for his great teaching ability and good humor. Now, he is the farm manager of the Maricopa Agricultural Center. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has publications and information on composting and cover crops. If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood office at 646-9113 or E-mail us at mgardener@kachina.net and be sure to include your address and phone number. |