There are a half dozen different species of fire ants in the Southern United States, some of which are native and others imported. Although all can sting and hurt humans, the red imported fire ant is the most threatening. Fire ants are known for the large mounds of dirt they create above their underground colonies. These mounds can even be found in garages or in crawlspaces. If these mounds are disturbed, fire ants will race to the top and swarm whatever is disturbing their nest. To avoid fire ants - avoid these mounds.
Fire ants are sensitive for vibration or movement. They swarm up a person's leg and when one ant stings, that person jerks or moves. This movement triggers the other ants to sting in response. Fire ant venom causes small blisters to form within a day of being stung. These little pustules usually cover the skin of the person who was stung and can easily become infected.
Potential distribution of red imported fire ants in the general landscape. Please note that "certain" and "possible" sites with insufficient rainfall are still at risk along natural waterways and in areas that are irrigated. Limited numbers of red imported fire ants may also be able to survive in colder climates in the "Undetermined" or even "Improbable" infestation zones in urban environments and other areas with artificial heat sources. This species may also be able to temporarily expand its range into colder regions during unusually warm years.
The black widow spider is one of six poisonous species of spiders in the United States; however, it is the only species whose venom can kill humans. Black widow spider venom affects a humans neurological system causing severe pain, nausea, vomiting, chills, sweats and muscle cramps.
The Black Widow is easily identified by its black body and the red hourglass shaped mark on its abdomen.
Previously thought by most Americans to be merely a nuisance, these pests have been at the center of a recent rapidly spreading public health threat - West Nile Virus. Although the most famous, West Nile Virus is just one of many illnesses spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are most likely to be found around and breed in stagnant or putrid water. Travelers that are planning to spend time in marshy areas, around standing ponds, or other areas close to unmoving water should come prepared to battle with these pests.
The best defense against mosquitoes is an active offense: Travelers should avoid going outdoors when and where mosquitoes are typically most active: during dusk or dawn. However, some species are active during the day as well. Insect repellent should be applied on exposed skin whenever and wherever mosquitoes are most likely to bite. The most effective repellent currently available contain the active ingredient, N, N-diethylbenzamide (DEET), in concentrations up to about 35% (greater concentrations don't offer better protection). Wear long-sleeved shirts and long-legged pants, preferably treated with a repellent as well.
Best known as the catchy ending of a bedtime rhyme, bedbugs have recently made a comeback in American homes, apartment complexes, residence halls, hospitals, hotels and cruise ships. Although they are not disease-spreading pests, bedbugs feed on human blood and can leave itchy, red welts on human skin. Bedbug infestations are not a sign of unsanitary or unclean living areas and are just as likely to be found in a five-star hotel as a two-star hotel. Travelers that come into contact with bedbugs away from their homes should be just as concerned about bringing them home as they are about their itchy bites. Renowned hitchhikers, bedbugs will catch rides in luggage, shoes, pant hems and any other mobile material and travel back to infest your home.
To avoid bedbugs while traveling: At hotels, pull down the bed covers at night. If you see something moving, or if you see spots on the sheets, move to another room. After traveling, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into the house.
Many times, you'll see small red dots of blood from feeding bugs. They also leave droppings on the sheets. A serious infestation will cause a sickly, sweet smell.
Health experts believe they do not carry diseases. But most people do have an allergic reaction to the bite and end up with itchy, red welts.
The best way to battle the bugs is a multi-pronged attack. Contact a pest-control company if you have an infestation.
Reduce the chance of bringing the bugs in by vacuuming out your suitcases after returning from a trip. Throw the vacuum cleaner bag away in an outside container.
Brown Recluse Spider: The Brown Recluse is one of the most dangerous spiders in the United States. Commonly found in states throughout the South, the Brown Recluse will occasionally hitchhike a ride into other states.
The brown recluse spider is a member of a group of spiders commonly known as the "fiddle-back" spiders due to its violin-shaped marking over its body. Another identifying characteristic is the number of eyes - most spiders have four pairs of eyes while the brown recluse has three pairs arranged in a semicircle.
A Brown Recluse bite can go undetected for hours or days until a reaction at the site of the bite begins to develop. Others that have been stung describe a pinprick feeling followed by severe burning and pain. Other symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, weakness, swelling and the formation of a lesion at the site of the bite. The healing process can take as long as eight weeks.
Introduced into the United States in the early 1990s, these bees look like traditional honey bees but exhibit much more aggressive behavior.
Also known as "killer bees," when they sting many more bees participate so the recipient receives many more stings - sometimes creating a life-threatening situation. Once disturbed, these bees will pursue their target for a long distance.
If you are stung: Quickly remove yourself from the area and seek shelter in a car or building. Once safely away from the bees, remove the stinger from your skin as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of venom they inject.
We now have a 
There are a half dozen different species of fire ants in the Southern United States, some of which are native and others imported. Although all can sting and hurt humans, the red imported fire ant is the most threatening. Fire ants are known for the large mounds of dirt they create above their underground colonies. These mounds can even be found in garages or in crawlspaces. If these mounds are disturbed, fire ants will race to the top and swarm whatever is disturbing their nest. To avoid fire ants - avoid these mounds.