Skip to main content
Back to library

Assassin Bug

Easy DIY
Assassin Bug

Identification

Predatory true bugs with a curved, piercing mouthpart used to feed on other insects; while beneficial in gardens, some species can deliver a painful bite if handled.

Can I DIY this?

Easy DIY

You can handle this one yourself.

With the right product and a little patience, most homeowners take care of this pest on their own. Follow the treatment guide, read the product label, and you're set.

Download PDF guide

Recommended products

Syngenta Demand CS Insecticide, 8ozExterior perimeter spray

Some links may be affiliate links. Buggsy may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Always follow the product label.

  1. Confirm it's an assassin bug — most species are actually beneficial predators of other garden and household pests, so treatment often isn't necessary.
  2. If bites are a concern (some species can deliver a painful one when handled), avoid picking them up rather than treating the whole yard.
  3. Seal cracks and gaps around the foundation if they're getting indoors in numbers.
  4. A residual perimeter treatment is only worth applying if they're a repeated indoor nuisance — otherwise, leaving them alone outdoors helps control other pests naturally.

Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.