9 of the World’s Deadliest Insects are in Arizona RIGHT NOW!

When I moved to Arizona from central Florida, I figured that there was no way the inset problem could be worse here. Florida summers are hot and muggy, creating the perfect breeding ground for the scariest insects known to man.

Unfortunately, I've gone out of the frying pan and into the fire, because Arizona summers breed a whole new type of evil.

Of the world's deadliest insect breeds, nine are preparing to wreak havoc on the Grand Canyon State.

Ticks

Ticks are one of wildlife's most diabolical inventions. The tiny insects will latch onto you and burrow under your skin, likely passing on diseases such as Lyme disease. They are most commonly found in the woods of the northern part of the state.

Fleas

Most commonly found on dogs, fleas cause a serious risk for humans as well. The insects still commonly carry the plague (yes, that plague), and have passed it on to 1,000-2,000 annually.

Ants

You likely pass by ants every day, whether you notice it or not, but these little workers are more deadly than you'd expect. One of the most common types in Arizona is the Fire Ant, which can cause anaphylactic shock in those who are allergic.

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Black Widows

Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of the Russian agent Black Widow may have been one of the deadliest characters in the MCU, but the insect she's named after is even more so. Usually found in or around man-made structures such as furniture and playgrounds, these little critters secrete a potent venom that causes pain, vomiting, and sweating.

Bees

Nature's pollinators, while vital for the ecosystem are still incredibly dangerous to humans. In 2017, bees killed 89 Americans, with most going due to anaphylactic shock.

Kissing Bugs

Most commonly found in Tucson and Phoenix, kissing bugs are an airborne insect that loves to bite the soft tissue around the mouth, earning them the nickname Vampire Bugs. They are known to carry Chagas, a disease that kills around 12,000 worldwide.

Mosquitoes

At the top of our list is the disease-carrying Mosquito. Killing nearly 700,000 worldwide annually by transmitting diseases such as Malaria, Zika, and West Nile Virus. The mosquito is commonly found near bodies of water and prefers people with O-type blood.

[Field and Stream]