Malibu High School Lights Might Really 'Bug' Us

There is a lot of controversy  at athletic field. To add another interesting factor to the discussion, a tipster turned me on to a Malibu interloper known as triatoma protracta, or the kissing bug. Also known as the Western conenose, the blood sucker is in our area and ready to feed on the blood of wood rats in their nests ().  

The nasty bugs fly toward lights at night and feeds on us humans. They plunge their stiletto-type beaks into us, and inject an anesthetic so they can feed on us undisturbed. It has been reported that a bite can cause an allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock and death. Doctors suggest sensitive individuals keep epinephrine and antihistamines handy. My source said a former mayor of Westlake died from a bite. I checked past Malibu news stories and others have been bitten as well.

My source said she had been bitten several times, and although she does not have allergies to the bug, she suffered for a week with the miserable aftermath from egg-shaped bites. Lights invite hordes of this pest into the neighborhood, which could be a public health issue. Pesticides won't work as they are very mobile.

Add bats, also attracted to bright lights so they can feed on moths and other creatures, and you have a double whammy. If the feeding is good, they will roost in the neighborhood. I have had bats find my hair incredibly attractive, and my screams were heard as far away as Texas. On the scary side, there are reports of rabid bat bites in Moorpark this summer. Even touching a dead bat can result in rabies (Cujo anyone?).  

Our beautiful rural Malibu is full of wild creatures (I actually saw a zombie a few night ago), so when you are wandering in the dark or under bug- and bat-attracting lights, wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants and a hat.