Formosan Termites
This invasive termite species can be difficult to control once they have infested a structure due to their aggressive nature. In just six months, a mature Formosan termite colony could cause serious structural damage to a house.
Red Imported Fire Ants
Imported Red Fire Ants can be found in the southern half of the United States. These ants and their distinctive mound nests should be avoided. Interfering in a nest of fire ants can result in them stinging En masse, which can lead to painful welts.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Invasive species that arrived from Asia in 1996 to the United States and have since spread rapidly throughout the country. They pose a serious threat to agriculture and have been known to infiltrate homes in large numbers.
Asian Tiger Mosquitoes
Although this invasive species of mosquito can be found all over the United States, it is more common in the southern regions. They can transmit diseases such as the West Nile virus and Chikungunya viruses, as well as dengue fever. They feed during daylight hours, which is a departure from native mosquito species.
Africanized “Killer” Bees
The Africanized “killer bee“, a dangerous stinging insect that can chase people for up to a quarter-mile, is known to be aggressive. Although their venom is not as potent as regular honeybees’, they are more aggressive and can attack humans in greater numbers.
European Starlings
Shakespeare lovers who wanted to bring every bird in Shakespeare’s plays to America introduced starlings to New York more than 100 years ago. Since then, they have spread all over the country. Their droppings can cause serious structural damage to buildings and promote fungal growth in the soil, which can lead to disease.
Norway Rats
Norway rats are thought to be Asian in origin but can now be found all over the globe. They can damage structures by their gnawing and are vectors of serious diseases such as plague, jaundice and rat-bite fever.
