Other biting & stinging pests
Africanized "killer" bees are a highly aggressive strain of honey bee that has moved into the southern states (US). Great care should be taken when these dangerous insects are encountered.
Bird mites (rodent/nest mites) are tiny mites that live in the nests of their animal hosts. These mites occasionally invade homes and bite people as well.
Biting midges are tiny, biting flies sometimes called "no-see-ums" or "punkies". These midges breed in salt marshes, mud flats, and shallow freshwater. Bites can be extremely irritating. Insect repellents containing DEET are effective. Sweet-itch in horses is caused by the bite of a midge.
Black flies are small, biting flies whose larvae are aquatic, found in shallow, fast-flowing streams. These flies bite during daylight hours. Repellents containing DEET are effective.
Camel spiders & urban legends. These desert arachnids are the subject of an active urban legend among Iraq War service personnel.
Centipedes are medium to large arthropods with many pairs of legs, one pair per body segment. Like their spider relatives, centipedes are predators, whereas millipedes, with two legs per segment, are mainly scavengers. Centipedes may bite producing a painful but localized reaction. Centipedes are rarely a problem, however.
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Chigger mites are tiny, extremely annoying biting mites. They produce an intensely itchy bite that can drive gardeners from their gardens.
European paper wasp (Polistes dominulus) has become a pest in many parts of the US in recent years.
Fire ants (Solenopsis spp.) inflict extremely painful stings with any encounter. Currently, there is a highly invasive species (Solenopsis invicta) making inroads in the southern US and Australia.
Horse & deer flies are large, biting flies. These flies breed in moist areas around ponds, ditches, etc. and can be very persistent and annoying. Their large, dark or multi-color eyes make these flies easy to identify.
Mange is a conditon in dogs, cats and other mammals caused by tiny mites. Sarcoptic mange is closely related to human scabies.
Scabies mites are tiny mites that burrow into the skin causing a condition called scabies.
Scorpions are desert-dwelling arthropods related to spiders and ticks. Some are deadly venomous while others are not particularly dangerous.
Unknown or mysterious bug bites can sometimes be traced to real insects or mites but often have another explanation.
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