Types of Dangerous Insects

Whether you love them or wish the world could do without them, insects are a part of life. Some are harmless to humans, some bite the heck out of you but cause no lasting damage, and some are very, very dangerous. Learning which ones are the most dangerous is a great survival skill to have, as it allows you to identify the bad ones from the ones you might roast if desperate enough.

Let’s review a few of the most dangerous insects on the planet.

Deer Tick

Ticks are vampiric insects that send most people screaming from the room — or tall grass area. The deer tick is especially problematic, as it can infect its host with the dreaded Lyme disease. And while the disease doesn’t kill instantly, it does result in heart problems, stiff joints, and other health issues that plague victims for years.

Wasp

If you aren’t allergic to the wasp’s sting, you’re in good shape. If you are allergic, you can go into anaphylactic shock and possibly, you know, die. Some 53 people die from wasp sting allergies every year. Eeesh.

Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs are found in Central and South America and the southern United States. Their mouths feature sucking tubes that drain their victims’ blood. Yuck. What’s worse, these insects spread the Chagas disease, which causes chronic neurological disorders, heart damage and digestive system destruction.

Japanese Giant Hornet

These hornets grow up to 3 inches in length and top all other stinging insects for the most painful sting. Their venom contains eight different chemicals that cause un-fun problems such as tissue damage. Plus it leaves an odor that attracts more hornets. Greeeat. The insect kills around 70 people every year.

Anopheles Mosquito

Mosquitoes carry fatal diseases, such as malaria, in addition to vying for the title of “Worst Insect Ever.”

Have you had a serious or near-fatal experience with a deadly insect? Share your story in the comments section!