5 of the World’s Deadliest Insects Live in Connecticut – What You Need to Know

What are the Most Dangerous Insects in Connecticut?

You’re buggin’ me. We say that to annoying people, and everyone gets it—because, let’s be honest, most of us don’t really like bugs. They creep us out, make our skin crawl, and sometimes straight-up gross us out.

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While I’m definitely not above taking cheap shots at these creepy crawlies (seriously, some of them are woof), any scientist worth their salt will tell you these insects are not just dangerous but also fascinating, beautiful, and essential for our ecosystems in one way or another. That said, some bugs are more than just a nuisance—they’re downright deadly. In this gallery, we’re taking a look at five of the world’s most dangerous insects that call Connecticut home. So, if you think your skin is crawling now, just wait—these bugs are serious business.

5 Additional Fun facts about these bugs and their life in Connecticut

Monarchs migrate like birds. Unlike most insects that stay in one place for the winter, Monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles from Mexico back to Connecticut every summer to lay eggs. It’s one of nature’s coolest migrations.

Blister beetles like alfalfa fields. This can be dangerous for farm animals in Connecticut because if the beetles get crushed in hay, their poison can hurt or even kill horses and other animals.

Fleas may be small, but they have a deadly past. They spread the bubonic plague that killed millions in Europe long ago. Even now, fleas in Connecticut can carry other diseases that make people and animals sick.

Wasps in Connecticut come with a variety of venom. Some, like the Asian giant hornet, can even spray venom into your eyes, which is a nasty defense no bug should have.

Mosquitoes here carry more than just malaria. While malaria is rare in Connecticut, local mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus, Zika, and other illnesses, making them more than just a biting nuisance.