Not many people truly like insects, and for good reasons – they’re creepy, they’re crawly, and they’re just plain pests. But besides the basic reasons to dislike them, there’s also a very strong reason: some are quite dangerous to humans. The most notable dangerous insects are:
The Asian Giant Hornet
These hornets, which are native to Eastern Asia, can grow to be up to 2 inches long with a stinger of 1/4 inch in length. Their venom is known for being particularly potent – one sting could kill a human with an allergy and enough of it could kill a human without one.
Fire Ant
A bite from a fire ant can be incredibly painful and cause a burning sensation (hence, “fire” ant) before it forms a pustule. For people who are allergic to the venom in fire ants, a bite could be deadly. If you think you have an ant infestation, contact our Seabrook pest control services.
Deer Tick
Deer ticks are found in many parts of the U.S. and can pose the threat of Lyme Disease. Once a person is infected with Lyme Disease, they experience symptoms that start with a rash and fever and if not treated quickly, get progressively worse (and include joint and heart problems).
Puss Caterpillar
Also known as a southern flannel moth or pussy moth, this moth is covered in fur, which hides its many venomous spines. A prick from these spines requires immediate medical attention. Some more serious reactions include chest pain, numbness, and breathing difficulties.
Mosquito
The common mosquito is often considered the most dangerous insect because it can transmit diseases like West Nile and (more commonly) malaria to its victims. Each year, this pest kills one million people around the world. Our Seabrook pest control can also help you control a mosquito infestation, if you have one.
Helminths
Also known as parasitic worms, these organisms feed on living hosts like humans and animals. Their presence weakens the host and can cause illnesses like insomnia, vomiting, asthma, and can weaken the overall immune system, allowing the host to be exposed to other illnesses and infections.
Assassin Caterpillar
This caterpillar is another species of furry moth and has deadly venomous bristles that protrude from its body. If touched, their venom causes inflammation followed by headache, fever, vomiting, and after 24 hours, a severe bleeding disorder. This caterpillar has already been responsible for several deaths in Brazil.
Human Botfly
The human botfly is a parasitic insect and often lives underneath the skin. Female botflies attach their eggs to mosquitoes and muscoid flies. Then, when a person is bit by a mosquito or muscoid fly, the larvae have an entrance into their skin and can cause painful, pus-filled raised lesions.
Kissing Bug
This bug is found widespread in the Americas and can carry Chagas Disease, which is a parasitic disease that causes a string of symptoms that can get progressively worse. Symptoms start with fever and swelling and can lead to heart failure, enlarged esophagus, or enlarged colon 10-30 years after the bite.
Tse Tse Fly
Tse tse flies are large biting flies that are found in Africa. If bit, a human could suffer from “sleeping sickness,” which includes symptoms of headaches, itchiness, and joint pain, which progresses to confusion, numbness, and trouble sleeping.
