Assassin bugs are a great pest control partner to have when growing hemp organically.
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| Milkweed assassin bug, Zelus longipes, is an important part of an organic hemp pest management program |
Members of the Reduviidae insect family, assassin bugs are the perfect hemp (or for that matter any organically grown garden plant) pest predator. They inject a digestive secretion into their prey and then suck out their prey's body fluids through a straw-like snout. Assassin bugs favorite hunt includes; aphids, beetles, caterpillars, leafhoppers and even bees and flies.
Included with the Assassin bugs in the Reduviidae family are the closely related ambush bugs (subfamily Phymatinae), wheel bugs (Harpactorinae) and kissing bugs (Triatoma spp.). Some Reduviidae can and will bite humans. As with any insect bite, a bite from these insects may be painful and proper first aid should be administered.
Foraging across the garden, the assassin bug's appetite is voracious and non-discriminatory, devouring both bad and beneficial insects. But on the whole, the assassin bug is welcomed as an eat all pesty pest bug control partner.
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| Milkweed assassin bug, Zelus longipes, foraging on Monarda punctata |
The key to managing the assassin bug in the hemp growing area includes the use of nectar producing native plants the bug is naturally attracted to. Strategic plantings of spotted bee balm, milkweed, goldenrod, mountain mint and other wildflowers can direct assassin bug's attention into those areas needing urgent pest control attention.
There are about one hundred fifty species of assassin bugs. One of the most common assassin bugs seen in the garden is the Milkweed assassin bug, Zelus longipes.
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| Milkweed assassin bug, Zelus longipes, have a never ending appetite for hemp cultivation pests |
Though assassin bugs may look wicked, they can help the organic hemp grower keep pest insects to a minimum.
The native plants mentioned are known to attract assassin bugs looking for high-energy packed nectar. Organic hemp integrated pest management will always use assassin bug attracting native plants around growing areas, either as permanent plantings or in movable growing containers for spot pest control.
The organic hemp nursery is a dynamic site, rich in complex ecosystematic matrices. The relationships between native wildflowers, the Reduviidae family of insects and the hemp farm are important for the grower to understand.
Welcoming these colorful but alien looking bugs is another key component in a successful organic hemp growing program.
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