Assassin bugs are capable of biting humans although this is not common for the species found in Oregon - unless under duress. 'Wheel bugs' and 'kissing bugs' (found in other states) are more prone to delivering a painful bite to humans. Oregon species are mostly generalist predators of other bugs and therefore beneficial. As such, they can prey on insects such as bed bugs but I would by no means use their presence as an indicator that you have bed bugs.

Christine Buhl
March 5, 2018, 12:43 a.m.