One of the worst problems that could happen to our home is a pest infestation. Some people think that pests can only ruin crops, belongings, furniture, clothes, and other properties. The truth is, pests can cause pain and diseases to human beings. Getting to know these dangerous pests can contribute to awareness, prevention, and elimination.
Even if some of these pests are only common in certain countries, it is possible that their population could spread in various areas. Due to the issue of global warming and urbanization, the spread of these dangerous species all around the world is not impossible. Without further ado, here are ten of the most dangerous pests in the world.
#10: Bullet Ant
This species is known as the largest ant in the world. The Bullet ant is commonly found in the rainforests of Nicaragua and Paraguay. Its name is derived by the searing pain caused by its bite. It is literally like being shot by a gun. The sting of a bullet ant is 30 times more powerful and painful than the bite of wasps or bees.
Have you ever heard of the 24-hour ant? This is the term locals use to describe the one-inch sized bullet ant. The reason for its title is the 24-hour pain its bite cause to human beings. Each colony of bullet ants contains at least a hundred of members. This species usually nests at the base of large trees. Bullet ants are one of the most notorious odorous ants. They release an unpleasant odor when they found a predator. But the smell is not to drive the predator away, it is to signal its fellow ants to attack the predator together.
#9: Bot Fly
Botflies are often underestimated in many areas on the planet. Little do they know that the larvae of botflies are internal parasites located among mammals. Unfortunately, the larvae of botflies can also brood beneath the human skin and causes horrible consequences. The human bot fly is commonly found across Central and South America. Its larvae penetrate the skin and lives beneath the dermis for more than 60 days. Victims of the bot fly can literally feel the movement of bot flies in their skin. The only time the larvae get out of the body is when the larvae’s development is complete.
#8: Fleas
We have to admit, most pet owners take fleas for granted when they infest our cats or dogs. We regard the situation as a regular and normal phenomenon. In fact, fleas are more than just irritants to our dogs. They pose more danger than most of us think For example, fleas can cause tapeworms and anemia to our pets. When this happens, our fur babies could lose their appetite, becomes inactive, and experience weight loss. As responsible homeowners, we need to do the necessary preventive measures and control to eliminate fleas indoors and outdoors.
These creatures are external parasites that feed on the blood of humans, birds, reptiles, even wild and domestic animals. Fleas are almost the size of the tip of a pen although some fleas could grow bigger depending on their host and environment. Fleas can reproduce an approximate number of 2,000 eggs in their lifetime. Which is why it is easy for them to cause a full-blown infestation within days after their first arrival at home.
Did you know that there are 2000 species of flies in the world? They can consume blood more than 15 times their body weight. For this reason, they can grow bigger and lay more eggs. The worst part of having fleas at home is their ability to leap quickly. Fleas can leap vertically as high as 7 inches. This is because of their well-developed leg muscles and a chemical called resin stored in their bodies. They are usually found along the back, armpits, stomach, and neck of our pets. If you want to check for fleas, you can use a flea comb to check for fleas and flea dirt.
#7: Fire Ants
Did you know that there are over 285 different species of fire ants in the world? When you see fire ants around, never disturb their peace. Once you do, they will become aggressive and sting you repeatedly even if it’s the last thing they do. Just like the bullet ant, the bite from a fire ant can be very painful too. The bite from a white pustule fire ant can sting for more than a week. They inject venom that may cause allergic reactions and skin infections.
Getting rid of fire ants can be very tricky because of their aggressive behavior. For this reason, you are going to need more than just manual pest control. You may need professional help. If you do, contact your local pest exterminator near Mooresville, NC. If you are looking for the best pest control service around you, call Lake Norman Home Services. This company has been proven to provide top-quality service using safe and environmental-friendly methods for pest control. The best part is, Lake Norman Home Services offers a basic service plan that covers your entire home eliminating and preventing all kinds of pests including flies, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, and many more.
#6: Kissing Bug
These species of bugs grow up by sucking the blood of different animals. Kissing bugs are named based on their habit of biting the lips of human beings while they sleep. They can transmit the parasite called the Trypanosomacruzi. The Kissing Bug is one of the most feared vectors in the world because it transmits Chagas disease which kills over 12,000 people every year.
#5: Giant Japanese Hornet
The Giant Japanese hornet is the largest and most dangerous species of hornets in the world. It can grow up to 2 inches and causes more than 40 deaths every year. The Giant Japanese Hornet injects a venom accompanying its bite which causes an allergic reaction. It can dissolve the tissues of human beings in just a short time. Without immediate and proper treatment, the bite from this hornet could lead to death.
Japanese hornets are known to be very aggressive and fearless. Each colony contains more than 700 members. Imagine disturbing a whole colony of these hornets. I cannot even fathom how you can survive such an incident. Did you know that these hornets can finish up to 40 honey bees in just one minute? That extreme power can lead to instant death if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
#4: Tsetse Flies
This is one of the deadliest biting insect common in Africa. They feed off of the blood of vertebrates. Tsetse flies inject a potent toxin in every bite. According to statistics, these species cause the deaths of half a million people each year. At the early stages, the bite from a tsetse flies causes sleeping sickness. Without proper treatment, it could eventually lead to death.
#3: Killer Bees
Killer bees are known for their dominance and aggressiveness. They are famous as the Africanized honey bees. When you bother one of their kind, they would follow you for miles until they can sting you.
We all know that bees can only sting once because their stinger is directly connected to their guts. Once bees bite another creature, their stingers leave its mark, ripping their stomach from the inside out. Killer bees are not the same. They are the kind of bees that can repetitively sting their oppressors.
These bees are known to target the face and eyes of human beings. Although the toxin they inject with their stingers is not as lethal, their physical damage from their bite is enough for a human being to experience horrible consequences. An attack from a group of killer bees can lead to death. One colony could contain up to 80,000 members. Imagine getting chased by this number.
#2: Driver Ants
These ant species contain the biggest number of colonies in the whole world. One colony of a driver ant could consist of more than 22 million members. Even elephants can be attacked by driver ants. They will attack anything and anyone that comes their way. I would not want to provoke driver ants. They are as deadly as hell. They can kill thousands of animals in a single raid.
#1: Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are the most dangerous vector species on Earth. It causes millions of death all over the world because of the deadly diseases it can transmit to human beings. Illnesses such as Dengue Fever can affect more than 5 million people each year. Malaria can cause 500,000 of cases every year. These are only a few of the deadliest illnesses in the book. Mosquitoes can also cause Japanese Encephalitis, West Nile Fever, and Yellow Fever among many others.
For this reason, WHO has been advocating methods for mosquito prevention and awareness. With the growing number of cases of mosquito-borne diseases, it’s about time people all around the world take the precautionary measures to prevent their infestation.