Is called Zelus Renardiibut now everyone knows it as “murderous bedbug”. Disturbing name? Enough. But more than from horror films, this is a true story, which starts from very far: North America, precisely. From there, this insect traveled (probably hidden between plants and goods) to Europe. And now, its presence is also confirmed in Italy: Lazio, Sicily, Liguria, Sardinia, Basilicata and other regions.
Where he hides and because he is everywhere
Unlike the classic bedbugs that stink if you crush, this is a silent predator. He does not enter the house attracted by the heat or light: he prefers gardens, vegetable gardens, hedges, flowered balconies. It is very active between late spring and summer, when hunting small insects using its front legs covered with a sticky substance.
The secret of the success of this predatory bedbug? The extraordinary adaptability to anthropized spaces – cultivated fields, parks or orchists – make it a frequent guest close to man. Use front legs equipped with glands that secrete a glue substance: once the prey, immobilizes it and stings it with the rostrum. This predatory style recalls that of mantides, and allows it to survive even in different environments and rapidly evolving.
A useful insect
Experts define it as “useful” for agriculture, because it eliminates many insects harmful to plants: aphids, fruit flies, cyclines. In some cases, even parasites of olive trees. According to a study by the University of Bari, the assassin chimice could slow down the diffusion of the XYLELLA by acting as a natural predator of the spitachine, the insect that transmits the bacterium to the olive trees.
But the downside is that it does not make distinctions: it also eats “good” insects, those useful for the ecosystem. For this reason some scientists consider it invasive. It is not yet known whether his arrival will bring more benefits or problems.
The question that everyone is asked: is it dangerous?
The answer is: does not transmit diseases and does not suck blood. So no, it is not as dangerous as the tiger mosquito or other carrier insects.
However, it can bite. And if it happens, it hurts.
The bite takes place only if it feels threatened or is crushed against the skin. Maybe it is found in the laundry, hidden between the sheets or inside a shoe, if the contact happens it can hit.
How is the bite?
Those who have tried it describes it as more painful than an ape puncture. A dry, intense blow, followed by swelling, redness and itching. Sometimes it can last days. In rare cases, symptoms similar to an allergic reaction have occurred: light fever, swollen lymph nodes, but nothing serious. Most people heal completely in a few days, without the need for particular care.
What to do if you sting you
Even if rarely, the bug can sting man: it happens when it is disturbed or trapped – for example in socks, shoes or laundry spread. The bite is painful and can cause intense pain, swelling and persistent itching. The risk grows during autumn, when insects form aggregations to winter in domestic shelters or warehouses.
If you come point from a murderous bug, do not panic. Here are the tips to follow:
- Wash the area well with soap and water.
- Apply ice to relieve pain and limit swelling.
- If it itch, you can use an antihistamine cream or a cortisone ointment.
- For pain, an ibuprofen or a paracetamol is also fine.
- If after 24-48 hours the swelling increases or strange symptoms appear, better to consult a doctor.
Why is it called “murderer”?
The name “Assassin Bug” was given to her for her hunting style: she moves slowly, approaches the prey and blocks her with a sticky substance on her legs. Then it pierces it with the rostrum (a kind of needle) and sucks the inside of the insect. His polyphagia is a double -edged sword: he does not hesitate to also predict useful insects such as the chrisoperla meat ladybug. Molecular studies on the intestinal content have highlighted this activity, suggesting that the inclusion of native entomophages between its prey can unbalance the existing biological balance.
Presence in Italy
In recent years, this bedbug has made it talk about itself in many areas of Italy. In particular in Rome, but also in the South and along the coasts. Some have seen it on spreading clothes, others in public parks. Reports increase in summer, especially between July and September.
How to recognize it
It is not difficult to identify:
If you see it, don’t get too close to you. Let it go.
Should it be eliminated?
No, you don’t need to make a massacre, it’s not a serious threat to man. If anything, it is important not to touch it with bare hands and not crush it.
If you find one at home, use a card or a glass to remove it and throw it out.
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