Should You Worry About This Extremely Painful Bug Bite in Texas?

As the weather starts to get nicer throughout Texas we will start to spend more time outside. We will slather on the sunscreen to protect us from the rays. We will spray that nasty-smelling bug spray. Hey, if it keeps us from pain and itching later, who cares?

There are so many different bugs that can get us. Much more than just the mosquitos I feel we all dreaded growing up. Some bugs are an annoyance and some that can really cause some excruciating pain.

This Painful Bug is Ready to Attack if Needed

Have you come face-to-face with a wheel bug, scientific name Arilus cristatus? I know the name doesn't sound too threatening but if you read its description you may think otherwise. A wheel bug is an assassin bug with a wheel on its back.

Their bites are quite painful. The good news is they only attack if they need to. So they won't just go after you because they want to. You have to be a threat.

Do You Have to Worry About the Wheel Bug in Texas?

The answer is not what you want to hear, but yes wheel bugs are in Texas. They are predator bugs so you will find them where they can attack other bugs.

• Porches
• Trees and Shrubs
• Fields and Woods
• Gardens

They can camouflage themselves so you have to really be looking for them. They are usually hiding in leafy areas. If you do get bitten expect to feel the pain for a while. The pain can last from two weeks up to six months.

If you do get bitten it can feel like a wasp sting. The area can feel heated and irritated. It can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. As you are spending more time outside make sure you keep an eye out for the wheel bug in Texas.