You know, it’s spring again. And when spring blooms, so do insect populations. I got bit today by an insect that hasn’t pestered me since last summer. I forgot about them entirely, in fact. It was a yellow biting fly, a species of fly that…really hurts. And it got me thinking. We should cover a few of the horrible biters in Florida. So, that’s what we’ll do! Today we’re talking about Florida pest bites, and how bad they hurt!
Florida Pest Bites: Overview
Alright, we don’t do many list articles here but this is going to be one. We’ll start with some of the more common pests that you’ll be bitten or stung by in the sunshine state. After that, we’ll move to less common and more painful bites.
What is the most common biting pest in Florida? That’s right, the Mosquito.
I’m sure my first biter here isn’t much of a shock to most. In fact, if you’re reading this and live in Florida you likely have a few bites right now. Any time spent outside will see you brushing up against populations of this nasty bloodsucker. In fact, worldwide, this pest kills more humans than anything but human beings. They spread a myriad of diseases, and have resisted centuries of effort to eradicate them.
They’re in all fifty states, you can’t really escape them. Thankfully, their bite isn’t very painful. They actually inject you with a chemical while they bite that numbs the area. But a few hours this chemical starts to break down, and that’s when the itching begins for this case of Florida pest bites…
Bees
Up next, we have an insect that is most assuredly not a pest. They help us grow our flowers and make our honey. The bee! But, just like any common good thing, they do brush up with and sting humans from time to time. The same thing can be said for any pet, or even cars.
Their sting is painful, and many people have allergies. About sixty people a year actually die from allergic reactions to bee stings. So when you’re in your garden, be careful around these guys. They don’t go out of your way to sting you, but it’s easy to miss them and catch a sting.
The Brown Recluse
Up next on the list of Florida pest bites is an insect that many people fear greatly. The brown recluse. Though very common, bites from these spiders are rare. They do not bite unless threatened, and you’ll likely have to go so far as to actually touch one with bare skin to antagonize it.
And when it does bite, the pain is actually so little that you may not even notice that you have been bitten. It’s what happens after, though, that’s the problem. The venom from these spiders is known to cause necrosis at the site, which kills nearby tissue and leaves for a disgusting recovery process. Deaths, however, are rare.
The Black Widow
This is one that’s captured the popular imagination of the masses. Distinctive with their red hourglass, the black widow is considered the most venomous spider in North America, with poison stronger than a rattlesnake’s. They prefer dry, dark shelters and are not aggressive, but when they do bite it is painful and occasionally fatal if untreated. Females are about 1.5 inches long — twice the size of males, who sometimes get eaten after mating.
Just make sure to check where you’re going and what you’re doing around your garage and you’ll probably be fine.
Florida Pest Bites: The bed bugs
These guys were actually nearly eliminated in the previous century. But, since world travel opened up, disgusting humans that carry pests with them brought these guys right along. And the once-common pesticide DDT, while effective, was so toxic it had to be banned. So, if we’re not careful, we share our sleeping quarters with quarter-inch bloodsuckers.
When you see these guys, it’s usually in hotel rooms. So when you go out and travel, be careful! Check headboards, mattresses, and boxsprings of the hotel rooms you stay in religiously. No one wants to bring a horrific swarm of parasites with them back to their home.
Ants
While ants disrupt picnics, they’re mostly benign. The exception: imported red fire ants. Since arriving in the 1930s, they spread have spread far and bit many. Legend has it they use a pheromone signal to swarm and all bite at once. Though the legend isn’t supported by science, tell that to a picnicker whose legs are covered with painful welts.
And these guys just get worse by the year. It feels like you can’t go two steps without running face first into a four foot tall ant pile. They’re numerous and annoying, and possibly dangerous. Be safe around these swarmers!
Florida pest bites: Scorpions?!?!?
You read that right! There are scorpions in Florida! While most common in the Southwestern united states, they also live in the tropical parts of Florida.
But, most scorpions are very non-aggressive. Thankfully, most scorpion species aren’t aggressive. As is the case with most animals, they will defend themselves if they feel they are in danger. For example, if you slide a foot into a shoe where a scorpion is hiding, roll on them, touch them or step on them, you could be at risk of getting stung. So don’t go harassing them, and shake out your shoes, and you’ll be good.
BUT, if you do get stung. Expect pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, the pain can be very intense. Researchers have discovered that scorpion venom is actually designed in such a way that it not only activates pain signals but essentially unlocks your pain gateway, letting more pain signals pass through and that these signals are magnified due to the venom’s acidic nature. Essentially, the venom is built to maximize your discomfort. The greatest threat, like always with these kinds of pests, is the risk to children and people who are elderly. Or someone with allergies as well.
