Dangerous Bugs

These insects, spiders and other arthropods can bite, sting or cause a reaction. Most are only a problem when handled or disturbed, but a few need medical attention.

German cockroachBlattella germanica
Allergen carrier

Bed bugCimex lectularius
Bites cause itching

Red imported fire antSolenopsis invicta
Painful sting

Deer tickIxodes scapularis
Disease vector

American dog tickDermacentor variabilis
Disease vector

Lone star tickAmblyomma americanum
Disease vector

Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictus
Disease vector

Eastern bloodsucking conenoseTriatoma sanguisuga
Potential disease vector

Common waspVespula vulgaris
Painful sting

Eastern yellowjacketVespula maculifrons
Stinging wasp

European hornetVespa crabro
Painful sting

Northern giant hornetVespa mandarinia
Dangerous sting

Bald-faced hornetDolichovespula maculata
Painful sting

Red velvet antDasymutilla occidentalis
Painful sting

European paper waspPolistes dominula
Painful sting

Southern black widowLatrodectus mactans
Venomous bite

Brown recluseLoxosceles reclusa
Venomous bite

Arizona bark scorpionCentruroides sculpturatus
Venomous sting

Southern flannel mothMegalopyge opercularis
Painful sting

Saddleback caterpillar mothAcharia stimulea
Stinging caterpillar