5 Most Dangerous Insects in Colorado

Insects are commonly regarded as mere pests that are irritating to deal with. However, some of these insects are dangerous to the lives and health of animals and people alike. Such is the case in Colorado, a state renowned for beautiful small towns and picturesque Rocky Mountain hiking trails. Since many Colorado residents and visitors love the great outdoors, it's especially important to be on the lookout for these dangerous insects. Of course, those staying indoors will need to be vigilant for insect infestations. Here are 5 of the most dangerous insects (which includes one arachnid) in Colorado and the most common medical issues they cause.

Wasps

Wasps are well known for their aggression and are identifiable by their six legs, wings, antennae, and stinger on their lower bodies. Wasps are common in Colorado, and there are three major species: the Social Wasps, which work together to attack prey; the Solitary Wasps, which tend to stay away from people; and the Western Yellow Jacket. This last one is responsible for 90% of the bee stings in the entire state. Although the sting itself is painful, the real risk is to those who have allergies to wasp stings. Allergic reactions to wasp stings can vary in intensity from swelling and itching to light-headedness and, most deadly, Anaphylaxis. In addition, if someone without an allergy is stung too many times, their immune system can be overwhelmed, leading to systemic toxicity. As a result of all these factors, it is a good idea to be wary of Wasp nests or to carry an EpiPen on hand in the event of an allergic reaction.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a familiar sight across many states, known for their long, thin legs and antennae. In Colorado, there are three common varieties of cockroaches. The German and Oriental Cockroaches are not able to fly, but American Cockroaches can fly. All of them like to get into cold and damp spaces in houses where they can breed and eat decayed materials. Unlike other dangerous insects, these pests do not bite or attack humans, but they can cause health risks. For one, their feces, saliva, and shed droppings can get into the air and cause allergic or asthma reactions. In addition, cockroaches carry various germs and diseases ranging from diarrhea to dysentery and salmonella and E. coli. As a result of these factors, homeowners in Colorado should be aware of infestations and place traps or contact a professional as needed.

Mosquito

The blood-sucking mosquito is a regular pest in many places, and Colorado is no exception. The flying insect lands on human skin and uses a siphon-like mouth to drink blood. Due to this, it has been named the world's deadliest animal and causes hundreds of thousands of deaths a year by a variety of diseases. These include malaria, which causes fever, headaches, and chills, and the West Nile Virus, which can cause tremors, muscle weakness, headache, neck stiffness, fever, and more serious complications. In Colorado, the Culex genus is the most common, and it can carry not only West Nile but also St. Louis encephalitis. When going outside, especially near moist areas, it's important to carry and use mosquito repellant spray to avoid getting bit.

Kissing Bug

This creature is native to Central and South America but has since migrated north, with some now appearing in Colorado. Kissing Bugs are about 1 inch long and feature a long black mouthpart that they use to bite their prey. They earn the name kissing from their tendency to bite prey around the mouth and suck blood. Kissing Bugs can spread Chagas disease, a parasitic illness that can cause swollen eyelids and potentially severe illness years later in a small number of cases. The parasite spreads to the victim when the kissing bug defecates, and the parasite can enter the open bite mark. However, Colorado Kissing Bugs are less likely to spread the illness as they tend to defecate after they have left the host. With all such insects, it's important to be wary of them and seek medical attention if one believes they have been bitten.

Black Widow

Although this spider is not technically considered an insect, it is infamous enough to be included on this list - known for its name, markings, and painful bite. The half-inch-long Black Widow is most easily identifiable with its black body and hourglass red marking on its abdomen. Only female spiders can harm humans, while the male dies after mating with the female. Black Widow spiders are not aggressive but will bite humans if they feel threatened, especially if a human gets close to their eggs on webs. These spiders have a venom that can impact the human nervous system and cause muscle stiffness and sourness, cramping, nausea, weakness, fever, and other symptoms. Usually, the bite is not fatal for adults, but it can severely affect the elderly and children. Much like the brown recluse, doctors recommend getting a picture, capturing, or killing the spider so a medical professional can identify the spider.

Although the risk of severe harm may be low from these insects, it is key for Colorado residents and visitors to be aware of them. By being aware of their surroundings and killing or removing insects as needed, they can keep themselves safe from these dangerous insects. Lastly, it is key to contact a medical professional in the event of a bite or symptoms from these insects.