Fact Sheets - Biting, Stinging, and Health-Related Insects

For more health-related insect information reference the Common Structural and Health-Related Pests of Utah Guide

Asian Giant Hornet

asian giant hornet

The Asian giant hornet (AGH) is an invasive wasp native to Southeast Asia. AGH was recently detected in a small area of North America, but is not known to be established in that region. This insect is a concern to beekeepers because it can quickly destroy honey bee colonies. Stings can cause pain and swelling and are a health concern for people with bee or wasp allergies. At roughly 2 inches in length, AGH is the world's largest hornet. 

 

Africanized Honey Bee

Africanized honey bees, sometimes called “killer bees,” were detected in Utah for the first time in 2008. These bees are more aggressive and will defend the nest in greater numbers compared to domesticated honey bees in the United States; their sting is not more painful or venomous than other honey bees.

 

Bed Bugs: For Homeowners

Bed bugs are one of the most difficult indoor pests to eradicate; hiring a pest control company is highly recommended. Bed bug control is intensive, and two or more visits from your pest control company are likely necessary to achieve control.

 

Bed Bugs: For Pest Control Operators

Bed bugs are one of the most difficult indoor pests to eradicate; standard insect control tactics will not eliminate an infestation. Bed bug control is intensive, and a minimum of two visits 10 to 14 days apart is mandatory.

 

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees cause damage to structural timbers and other wood products such as fence posts, utility poles, firewood, arbors, and lawn furniture. They avoid wood that is painted or covered with bark.

 

Centipedes

Centipedes are predatory relatives of the insects, and are considered beneficial. Occasionally, centipedes enter homes and become a nuisance, but management options are available.

 

Fleas

Adult fleas feed on blood, but larvae feed on skin, feathers and hair. Although not common in Utah, regular grooming and sanitation will help monitor for fleas on household pets, and topical insecticides are very effective if needed.

 

Hobo Spider

Hobo spiders and related spiders build funnel-webs to catch prey. In Utah, hobo spiders are frequently found indoors from August through October. Recent scientific evidence suggests that hobo spiders do not have a necrotic bite.

 

Human Lice

6-12 million people in the United States get infested with head lice every year. Although lice cannot jump or fly, they are very contagious and are spread by close human contact

 

Human Parasites

Very few insects are considered pests, and even fewer are actually parasites of humans. If you believe your body is infested with insects or other parasites, consult a physician immediately. Never try to remove parasites or treat yourself.

 

Imported Fire Ants

This fact sheet covers information on red and black imported fire ants, which can cause agricultural, ecological, economical, nuisance, and publich health problems. They are not known to occur in Utah, but parts of southwestern Utah may be suitable for colony establishment.

 

Western Conenose Bug (Kissing Bug)

Western conenose bug is a common concern due their ability to carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease of humans. This fact sheet covers the identification and biology of western conenose bug, risks of Chagas disease transmission in Utah, similar conenose bug (kissing bug) species in the U.S., and prevention of kissing bugs around the home. 

 

Key to Common Spiders of Utah

This key is intended as an identification aid for spider specimens commonly collected from indoor situations in Utah. It is not all-inclusive and will not correctly identify all spiders. However, the key does include groups that comprise about 90% of the specimens that are submitted from household situations in Utah, and about 80% of spiders submitted from all situations.

 

New European Wasp

The European wasp has a native range from Europe to China. As a group, these wasps have a high rate of reproductive increase and are excellent invaders.

 

Scorpions

Scorpions are most active at night, and hide under boards, rubbish, bricks, and in wood piles. Although all scorpions have venom, only one species in the United States is considered to have a potentially life threatening sting.

 

Spiders

Spiders are beneficial predators that feed on pest and non-pest insects. The major spider of medical concern in Utah is the black widow. Brown recluse spiders do not occur in Utah.

 

Ticks and Tickborne Diseases of Utah

Ticks occasionally attach to humans and pets in Utah. This fact sheet discusses the commonly encountered ticks of Utah and the diseases they can vector.

 

West Nile Virus in Utah

West Nile Virus was first detected in North America in 1999 and is a relatively new concern in Utah. West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Horses, humans and some birds are particularly sensitive to developing West Nile Virus symptoms compared to other mammals.

 

Yellow Sac Spiders

The yellow sac spider has a necrotic bite and is of concern in Utah. These spiders are bright-yellow to bright-green in color with darkened “feet.” Yellow sac spiders are nocturnal, and spend the day in white, flattened sacs; indoors they can be found in the corners of walls and ceilings.

 

Yellowjackets, Hornets, and Paper Wasps

Yellowjackets, hornets and wasps are closely-related social wasps commonly found in Utah. All social wasps are capable of repeatedly stinging without dying if they feel threatened. Bees are often blamed for most stings, but about 90% of all stings are likely caused by yellowjackets.