6 Disgusting Bugs You Need to Watch Out For This Summer in Wisconsin

Ticks and mosquitoes may get all the credit for being dangerous bugs you need to watch out for in Wisconsin, (and they totally are!), but it turns out the state is home to 6 more we need to beware of too.

Before you pack the car and head to Wisconsin to enjoy its lakes, scenic landscapes, and cheese, please be aware that its woods, grasses, weeds, and even waters are home to creatures that will make your skin crawl.

From venomous biters to disease-carrying invaders, these six bugs are not just disgusting but pose a genuine threat.

The Most Disgusting Bugs in Wisconsin

Today I came across an article from UpNorthNews that I wish I would have NEVER seen, because I spend a lot of free time up in Wisconsin, especially during the summer months.

I will admit that almost all bugs give me the creeps, but this article about 6 bugs that are found in Wisconsin literally is the stuff my nightmares are made of.

Let's start with three bugs that are 100 percent nasty, but don't usually cause humans any harm.

Pseudoscorpion

I think we can all agree that this bug looks TERRIFYING, but unlike its cousin the scorpion, they don't have tails with stingers and they don't bite humans or pets. Pseudoscorpions are often found in closets and storage spaces because they feed on common house pests like moth larvae, mites, and small flies. Their horrible looking claws, DO contain venom, but it is not enough to harm humans.

Bot Fly

Bot Fly adults are gross, but their larva stage (pictured on the right) is where the real problem lies. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources;

Female botflies lay their eggs along mammal paths and at entrances to small mammal burrows. When the eggs hatch, the fly larvae enter the mammal through the nose, mouth or a wound in the skin. The larvae then travel to an area of the body just under the skin to complete development.

These larvae love to burrow into the skin of pets, cattle, sheep, squirrels, bunnies etc., and the removal process is difficult due to the tiny spines you can see in the pic above. It's also completely NASTY...

American Pelecinid Wasp

I know I've seen an American Pelecinid Wasp while relaxing on the beach in Wisconsin, and I also know that I ran away in terror after seeing one too.

Turns out, the long horrible tail on these wasps isn't for stinging at all, they use it to lay eggs on grubs. This wasp feeds on garden plants and wood and is actually no threat to humans at all...it just looks super ugly.

Now let's get to three bugs that WILL harm humans and should be avoided at all costs.

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Dangerous Bugs in Wisconsin

Assassin Bug

The disgusting, fast-moving  Assassin Bug is a vicious killer who likes to repeatedly stab its prey until it dies when they then suck out all its fluids.

Assassin bugs are found in weeds and shrubs throughout Wisconsin and they WILL come after humans, they WILL sting you, and it WILL hurt!

Northern Black Widow

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but black widow spiders are found in Wisconsin, and their venom is highly toxic. Female black widows are the ones you need to watch out for and are easily recognized by the red hour glass shape on their abdomens. Door County is where the most reports of Black Widow sightings come from, but you better keep your eyes peeled...just in case.

Giant Water Bug

Seeing water bugs skimming the lakes, rivers, and ponds is a common occurrence in Wisconsin, but Giant Water Bugs can grow up to 4 inches long and do possess a painful bite, so watch out!

Are you thoroughly grossed out yet?

Here are some more nasty bugs that will get the job done...