What are a few of the most aggressive insects found in Florida?

Our wonderful Sunshine State is filled with a lot of great things from theme parks and beaches to lively communities and nightlife. But, like every other state in the country, we also have our fair share of insects.

While some of these bugs are simply an annoyance, others pose an actual danger to people. Today, we’re going to look at some of the more aggressive insects you’ll find in the state of Florida.

Red Fire Ants

Any list of aggressive insects in Florida must include fire ants because these bugs are often the worst perpetrators. Not only do they have no natural predators, they attack animals in swarms and can take down pretty large creatures. Attempts to keep them in check cost the United States billions every year. The biggest concern is that people who are allergic to red fire ant venom or even to bees or wasps are vulnerable.

Wasps, Hornets, & Bees

Although bees aren’t typically too aggressive, they’re something you should watch out for if you’re allergic. The other two – wasps and hornets – can be quite aggressive when they’re disturbed or startled. Even if no one in your household is allergic to stings, it’s best to get rid of these insects as soon as possible. This is especially true if you have small children or pets that might not understand that they need to stay away from these insects.

Mosquitoes

Even though most people consider mosquitoes to be more annoying than dangerous, they’re actually the deadliest animals – not insects – in the world. That’s because these aggressive insects have the ability to carry life-threatening diseases. The humid marshes found in the state provide a convenient breeding ground. If you see even one mosquito, you should take action to defend your household.

Puss Caterpillars

Many people see caterpillars as completely benign, but the truth is that several different types of caterpillars in Florida and other states are venomous. Puss caterpillars become harmless when they turn into Southern flannel moths, but they’re one of the most venomous caterpillars in existence, so steer clear of them. Luckily, they’re easy to spot because they look like an oval-shaped mound of fur.

Widow Spiders

While widow spiders aren’t typically aggressive, they will bite if they feel threatened or you’ve startled them. They’re considered some of the most dangerous spiders in the world because they cause intense pain and multiple signs of distress within the nervous system. Although most people are most familiar with black widows, you can also find brown and red widow spiders in Florida, all of which are venomous.

Buck Moth Caterpillars

Although the sting of a buck moth caterpillar is very painful, that’s usually the only thing that most people need to worry about. However, there are rare cases where their sting causes anaphylaxis, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. The biggest problem with these particular caterpillars is that they often feed in large groups, which makes it easier for a person to come across them and get stung.

Saddleback Caterpillars

Like other caterpillars on this list, you’ll definitely know a saddleback caterpillar when you see one due to its intimidating spines. Although it’s no more aggressive than other caterpillars due to its relatively low speed, it’s best to avoid them because the venom can destroy tissue. They eat many different types of plants, so if you work in agriculture, you should always be on the lookout for them.

Wolf Spiders

Any arachnid that prefers to chase down its prey instead of spinning a web and lying in wait should be considered aggressive. The good news is that even though the spiders may not stay hidden as much as other species, their venom isn’t as bad as widow spiders. That being said, their bite is still quite painful and may cause a severe reaction if a person happens to have an allergy to their venom.

Brown Recluse Spiders

Brown recluse spiders have gotten a lot of attention in the media because their venom can sometimes eat away at tissue. Residents of our state typically don’t have to worry about these particular spiders because no type of recluse spider is native to Florida. Keep in mind, however, that these arachnids have been known to pop up in isolated areas where they’ve built a small yet established population.

Contact ProHealth Pest Control to Get Rid of Aggressive Insects

If your home has aggressive insects, then it’s always best to get rid of them as soon as possible. ProHealth Pest Control can handle all of your residential and commercial pest control needs to eliminate any type of pest that’s causing you problems. If you have any questions about our services or would like to learn about our organic pest control methods, reach out by calling (727) 472-9420 today.