I myself am guilty of squashing an assassin bug. But I would like something that includes animals too. I'm not as quick to squash now.
If it looks like it is sleeping or waiting to ambush then I leave it be. If it's mouth parts are near leaf veins or the base of vine shoots then splat. If it looks like it is looking for something or seeking I give it a pass.
Luckily, nature is balancing itself out here. The increase in Japanese beetles has gotten the attention of some local bats(I can hear them chirping and squeaking in the trees at night). So the presence of beetles has greatly diminished.
If it looks like it is sleeping or waiting to ambush then I leave it be. If it's mouth parts are near leaf veins or the base of vine shoots then splat. If it looks like it is looking for something or seeking I give it a pass.
Luckily, nature is balancing itself out here. The increase in Japanese beetles has gotten the attention of some local bats(I can hear them chirping and squeaking in the trees at night). So the presence of beetles has greatly diminished.
