Insects and Diseases

Mosquitoes

Ticks

Midges

Mosquitoes are tiny insects that begin life as eggs laid on water surfaces. The eggs hatch into larvae. It’s the female mosquitoes that are drawn to smells and can bite, feeding on blood. During the bite, they transfer their saliva, causing itchy rashes and possibly spreading diseases like Zika, Dengue, Malaria, Yellow Fever, and other viruses.

Ticks are arachnids and have four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. They live mostly on the ground, near leaflitter, and attach to hosts to feed. Nymphs are most likely to bite humans and can transmit Lyme disease if not removed promptly.

Midges are small flying insects, with various species. Female midges often bite in groups, though they usually prefer cattle, sheep, and deer. Midge bites can cause irritating lumps that last hours or days, especially in wet, humid and dark conditions (such as campsites).

Bedbugs

Head Lice

Other Insects

Bedbugs are found worldwide and feed at night, causing rashes and in severe cases, wart-like symptoms. An exterminator might be needed for severe infestations. Wearing long bedwear and using citronella soap before bed can help. Spray insect repellent on your clothes and exposed skin to avoid bites. If bitten, request a room change, as bedbugs can survive up to 12 months without feeding.

Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair, spreading through head-to-head contact. They can’t survive more than 24 hours off the scalp. They are very common amongst young children in school settings. Using a nit comb and nit remover shampoo is effective for removal. Head lice cause itching and discomfort, so if there’s an outbreak, spray repellent on the hair to make it less likely for your child to catch them.

Sandflies thrive in sandy areas whereas horseflies are found around lakes, wetlands and rivers. Both flies suck blood from humans and leave painful bites. Sandflies can spread diseases like leishmaniasis and pappataci fever. Horseflies are typically not harmful to humans but have been known to spread animal-based diseases.