If you plan on traveling this summer check out the region specific pest threats below. 

What pests should I be prepared to see in the Northeast?

Although there are several species of pests that travelers should be aware of before traveling to the Northeast, one of the most prevalent and dangerous is the tick.  Black legged, also sometimes called deer ticks living in the Northeast can transmit Lyme disease.

To avoid ticks and tick-transmitted diseases when in potential tick-prone areas:

• Avoid vegetation, especially long grass; this will go a long way to preventing tick bites.  Many species of ticks attach themselves to humans and animals as they pass through long grasses.

• Wear long pants and socks of a light color, with the pants legs tucked into white socks.

• Normally, ticks will not immediately attach themselves; frequently inspect your clothing, body, and head/hair

What pests should I be prepared to see in the Southeast?

Locals living in the Southeast have long been aware of the danger of fire ants.  Fire ants look remarkably like other species of ants but are usually a distinct color of red.  Unlike many other species, fire ants are ferocious stingers. Stinging insects, including the fire ant, send over half a million people to the emergency room each year; they are important pests to avoid!

Fire ants are known for the large mounds of dirt they create above their underground colonies. If these mounds are disturbed, fire ants will race to the top and sting whatever is disturbing their nest. To avoid fire ants -avoid these mounds.

What pests should I be prepared to see in the Southwest?

Scorpions are a great example of a pest to avoid while traveling through the Southwest. With large stingers on the ends of their tails, these pests can deliver a nasty shock to an unsuspecting tourist. Keep in mind that scorpions may hide in clothing, hats, shoes or any other items left on the ground, especially overnight.  When these are put on, the scorpion stings in defense.  Travelers should carefully inspect anything they are about to put on if it has spent the night in a location where a scorpion could have crawled into it.

What pests should I be prepared to see in the West?

Western states are home to a dangerous spider that many vacationers have probably heard of but perhaps can't identify. Luckily, it is easily identified by its black body and the red hourglass shaped mark on its abdomen.

What pests should I be prepared to see in the Mid-West?

Brown recluse spiders live throughout the Mid-West and are typically unknown or misidentified by people not from the region.  These spiders can deliver a nasty bite that could go undetected for days until a reaction begins at the site of the bite. 

To avoid these spiders, steer clear of any spider that has a violin-shaped marking over its body.