Need help with assassin bugs (specifically wheel bugs) in NJ?

Question

Any help I can get on this would be GREATLY appreciated ...

I'm moving into a new home in Northwest NJ, right near the border of Jenny Jump State Forest. While working around the new house getting it ready to be lived in (painting, landscaping, etc.), I've noticed a bug I'd never seen before, and upon some researching discovered it is a "wheel bug." The info I came up with also states that they're very aggressive if you stumble across one (I encountered this myself - the thing came right at me!) and that the bite is extremely painful and can cause an anaphylactic reaction. I have two small children that will be playing outside and I must admit I'm a little worried - paranoid even - that one of them or myself will get bitten by one of these things. I'll do whatever it takes to keep them at bay. I generally don't kill bugs in their habitat but if it means keeping my family safe I will!!!

Any suggestions on how to deal with these pests?

Thanks very much in advance

Answer 1

In my book Destructive and useful insects by Metcalf, its only control measure is the use of Lindane(50milligrams per sq ft)or dieldrin at 125 milligrams per square foot.  It provides no treatment for outside the home. It describes the bite as the most painful of all insects and frequently confused with spider bites. From the usually not too aggressive nature of this book I believe you do have something to worry about.  I suggest you contact an exterminator before you move in and have the entire area sprayed.  Be sure they are spraying for the assassin bug.  Looks like another case of us moving to far into natural areas too quickly.

The book also talks about the need to flick the bug off quickly to avoid a bite.  Something young children are not good at.  The bugs feed chiefly on other insect by sucking them dry. They have no hesitancy in doing the same to animals and people.