World’s Deadliest Creature is in Maine, New York, Massachusetts

Most people, if asked, would probably agree that the northeastern states are some of the safest places to live in the country.  Outside of the few major cities we have, there is not a lot of crime.  We also don't have a lot of dangerous weather phenomena.

However, we do have critters! Lots of critters. And some of them are dangerous!  Bears, some wild cats, coyotes, moose (they are not dangerous unless you get too close), and INSECTS!  We have a lot of insects!

Most people probably do not realize that one of the most common insects found in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, and the rest of the northeastern states is also the DEADLIEST critter on the planet!

And swarms of them will soon be making a return to the forests and swamps near you!

What are we talking about?

Mosquitoes!

Wait...really?  Yes!

The danger from those blood-sucking bugs is not the fact that they like to make you a snack.  The danger comes from what they carry.  Much like ticks, mosquitoes carry some pretty dangerous diseases with them.  They carry everything from Zika, to Dengue Fever, Malaria, and other diseases that neither of us would be able to pronounce.

How many annual deaths are they responsible for?  According to the Pfizer website, mosquitoes are responsible for over 700,000 worldwide deaths every year.

Of course, most of these deaths occur in countries that are much less developed than the United States.  However, these pests are still capable of transmitting dangerous diseases here in the New England states.

All it takes is for someone taking a vacation in one of the countries where these viruses are prevalent getting bit (and infected).  The person then hops a plane back here to New England.  Once back here, they get bit by a mosquito that then goes on to bite someone else.

Which of those viruses have we found here in Maine and/or the rest of the US?  We have had several cases of the West Nile Virus in New England in recent years.  According to the CDC, Zika, Dengue, and several other mosquito-transmitted viruses have been found in the US over the last few years.

So, how do you minimize your risk?  Stay clear of the deep woods (there are tons of mosquitos there), wear repellent, and do your best to limit exposed skin.

Get more tips about protecting yourself and your family from the Maine CDC website.