What are the deadliest bugs in nature?
- Wasps
- Black Widow Spider
- Ticks
- Bullet Ants
Termite control and pest control can protect you from a variety of annoying pests. While pests in most homes are typically easy to eradicate with the help of a good pest control service, what happens when you venture outside the confines of your house? If you’re going to a foreign country or an exotic place, you might run into these unique and dangerous bugs. However, some of these exist here in our country and can wreak havoc in our community. Read on to learn more about these deadly bugs found in nature.
Wasps
Wasps are some of the most lethal bugs in nature, with over 30,000 identified species. Wasps are very different from bees. In other words, they are absolutely unfriendly. Their exoskeleton is decorated with bright colors which serve as a warning to those who dare go near them. They fly in groups and can deliver painful stings to unsuspecting victims. You’re lucky if you find a non-stinging wasp as they contribute in controlling the pest population.
Wasps are highly territorial and aggressive insects. When they find their target, they deploy their long stingers and deliver a painful attack. Unlike bees, wasp stingers are reusable and you can be stung several times if you chance upon an aggravated one. Wasps can also attack in packs, making them dangerous and deadly if you’re not ready.
Unfortunately, some people can be severely allergic to the venom in their stringer. The most severe reaction you can get from a wasp is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is when the body goes into shock because of the wasp venom. When this happens it’s essential that you find emergency treatment immediately.
Black Widow Spider
Black widow spiders are known for their deadly females who have the tendency to devour their mates. Their bites are 15 times deadlier than a rattlesnake, according to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. The female black widow spider has a plump, black, and shiny body. They have a distinct hourglass-shaped red mark on the abdomen. Other species of black widow spiders have different shapes as well. These spiders become aggressive when threatened and you can be bitten. The bites are not fatal, but your symptoms can still be serious.
The bite usually feels like a minor pricking sensation; you might even ignore it at first. In some cases, your bite can be painful as soon as contact is made. The irritation will occur around the bite and it will swell. Serious symptoms usually develop after a few hours, but some unlucky individuals might experience severe symptoms within 15 minutes.
The pain spreads throughout the body, with the chest and abdomen experiencing the most discomfort. Your muscles will begin to cramp and go rigid as severe spasms occur. The venom can cause difficulty in breathing, nausea, and chills. Blood pressure will rise severely and will definitely cause a headache. Overall you’ll feel weak, sweaty, and feverish, in addition to the extreme pain. Rare and extreme cases of these bites have resulted in seizures and even death. Thankfully, this rarely occurs in healthy adults. But the young, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems need to watch out. Medical treatment should be the immediate priority if you are bitten by a black widow spider.
Ticks
Did you know that ticks are classified as arachnids? These bugs can carry what’s known as tick-borne diseases that can be a danger to your household pets. Ticks require blood for their sustenance. Those who are bitten don’t immediately show symptoms. Symptoms of bites usually appear within days or weeks after the bite. Ticks can also bite humans, especially if you visit grassy areas and the woods. Ticks then fall off once they have sufficient amounts of blood.
Ticks are most likely to bite humans in the armpit, groin, and scalp area. They’re usually harmless, but if you’re allergic to tick bites you might experience the following symptoms. The bite area can be painful and you can develop a rash. The bite will also have a burning sensation and blisters can form. If your reaction is severe, you might have difficulty breathing. Tickborne diseases occur several days to weeks after a particular tick bite. You might experience a full-body rash, neck stiffness, headache, nausea, weakness, and fever. Seek immediate medical attention as soon as you see symptoms.
Bullet Ants
The bullet ant has the most powerful sting out of any ant species. Their sting is said to be comparable to being shot with a bullet — hence the name. The pain of the sting can possibly last for 24 hours. These ants feed on nectar and small arthropods. Typically, bullet ants are nonaggressive and will only attack when aggravated.
Their sting releases a chemical that signals other ants to perform relentless attacks within the vicinity. The toxin in these ants is called poneratoxin. This toxin attacks the sodium ion channels of the skeletal muscle and blocks the nerves from communicating with the central nervous system. The venom temporarily paralyzes the body and causes severe tremors throughout. Thankfully, allergic reactions are very rare. Death can only occur if you happen to be bitten around 2,250 times.
Key Takeaway
Termite control and pest control services can tackle some of these deadly bugs, specifically ticks and wasps. But it’s always good to be alert and cautious when you’re traveling. Some of these bugs can cause severe symptoms that can be difficult to deal with. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.