Ready to be spooked out? We’ve compiled a list of the seven most scary bugs in the world that will leave you running to your mommy. Seriously, you might need to grab a new pair of pants after reading about these pests. They are proof that sometimes it’s the little things that hurt the most.
1. Tsetse Fly
Tsetse flies are similar in appearance to house flies but are much more dangerous. If one of these bugs lays on you, it could be lethal. They transmit a virus informally known as Sleeping Sickness Disease.
While the illness starts with normal flu-like symptoms, the virus soon leads to a comma. Most infected patients die within months. This terrible disease affects somewhere between 250 and 300 people each year.
2. Kissing Bug
Pucker up for this next terrifying bug. It’s called the Kissing Bug because it feeds on soft tissues on the face, such as the eyes and lips. It’s even able to hunt in the dark because of its thermal imaging senses.
Once kissing bugs bite into their victim, they leave a nasty parasite in the skin that can lead to Chagas disease. This virus can result in heart failure and affects 20 million people each year.
3. African Assassin Bug
The African assassin bug is a brightly colored insect with venom more powerful than that of a cobra. Its sting results in a painful burning sensation. What’s worse, the sting liquefies the inside of the African assassin’s prey, enabling them to suck their victim completely.
4. Mango Fly
Native to Africa, Mango flies are horrifying pests. They lay on you, bite your skin, and contaminate your body with a disease called eye worms.
The worms will grow and live within your eyeballs and can be quite painful as they squirm around. Thankfully, they won’t blind you, but you will have to undergo surgery to remove the adult worms.
5. Japanese Hornet
The Japanese Hornet is a giant wasp with a wingspan of 3 inches and a stinger that measures a quarter of an inch. These bugs are one of the leading causes of death in Japan, killing almost 40 people a year.
Japanese hornets hunt down their victims for 3 miles. Once they close in, they inject a painful venom capable of dissolving human flesh. If they can’t catch up, they will spray poison in the target’s eyes. Talk about a bad day.
Image By David Dewitt
6. Africanized Honey Bees
While most bees are fairly calm unless you bother them, Africanized honey bees are extremely territorial and aggressive. Also known as killer bees, these insects were created by Warwick Kerr, who was trying to produce a superior honey-producing bee. The bees were accidentally released and, since then, have spread throughout the Americas.
Killer bees are extremely territorial and will chase you down for half a mile and sting you fatally if they perceive you as a threat to their colony.[/row]
7. Human Bot Fly
The deadliest bug on earth in the Human Bot Fly, found in Central and South America.
What’s most horrifying about these pests is their larvae. They will lay their eggs on your skin. After which, the larvae will crawl from the eggs, burrow into your skin and slowly start eating your insides. Yet most people don’t die from this bug because, with the proper medical help, the parasites can be removed.
Keep Away Scary Bugs by Calling a Pest Professional
After reading about these terrifying pests, you probably need to sleep with the light on for a few weeks. Or you could just call up U.S. Pest at (615) 590-1260. Our team of fearless pest control professionals will inspect your home for bugs and wipe out any that we find.
What to learn more about scary bugs? Check out our Vampire Bugs: Blood Sucking Pests infographic, featuring bloodthirsty pests that will make you cringe.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY HOUSE INSPECTED FOR TERMITES AND PESTS? Middle Tennessee has seen a lot of rain this past month and with that comes more pest and termite activity. Though the symptoms aren’t always obvious, your house is constantly changing due to weathering. Cracks and crevices may crop up in unexpected places,…
What is a fire ant – Fire ants, thankfully, aren’t known for coming inside your home. They are, on the other hand, known for their ability to deliver a painful sting to anyone they deem a threat. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what to look for when potentially coming into contact with fire…
July 4th mosquitoes & outdoor celebrations are just around the corner! That means there will be barbecues and cookouts for the holiday. The Fourth of July holiday is known for family and friend gatherings. Most of the holiday celebrations are outside. The official beginning of summer was in mid June and most people are wanting…
Black widow spiders in Tennessee – There is no other spider that can create so much fear like the black widow spider. The name is synonymous with deadly venomous spiders that lurk in the dark. With their all-black appearance and their red hourglasses on their abdomen, they are especially spooky. The bite of a black…
Summer mosquitoes in Tennessee are in full swing. With the Summer weather bringing its usual bounty of barbecues, pool parties, and other festivities, it also brings along pesky mosquitoes during the right outdoor conditions. First of all, no one wants to be bothered by a pesky summer mosquito while trying to enjoy a popsicle, ice…
What is a Cicada? – A Cicadidae, more formerly known as the Cicada, is an insect within the Cicadidae family. Within this family it also includes leafhoppers and frog hoppers. Cicadas are as old as time; they have been mentioned in a variety of classic literature. They were talked about in Homer’s Iliad and written…