Although extremely rare, mosquitoes in Florida can carry the eastern equine encephalitis or EEE virus. EEE is fatal in one-third of its victims; disability and significant brain damage occurs in the remaining victims. Recent deaths from mosquito-borne eastern equine encephalitis occurred in 2008 and 2010. The Center for Disease Control and Preventions advises taking precautions to reduce EEE by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing and staying indoors during peak mosquito hours.
Though equally nasty, wasps and hornets are known for their smooth, segmented bodies; bees are identified by their fuzzy yellow bodies and stinger often left in the wound. When stung by bees, wasps or hornets, a person will experience mild swelling and redness in addition to a pain similar to that caused by a needle stick. More extreme possible side effects include muscle twitching/spasms, cramps, vomiting, sweating, headache and severe trunk pain. The Florida Poison Information Center recommends immediate hospitalization if you have been stung repeatedly or are experiencing an allergic reaction.
Florida proves that poisonous scorpions don't just reside in the desert. The state is home to the Florida scorpion, known for its lobster-shaped black or brown body and stinger tail. Although the Florida scorpion is not venomous, someone stung by one of these critters will experience mild swelling and pain, in addition to a possible allergic reaction.
Black widow spiders reside in Florida and are easy to spot due to their shiny black bodies and red hourglass-shaped abdomen markings. Although less common, black widows can also be dull brown or red with orange or red circles on their abdomen. Symptoms of a black widow bite include muscle twitching/spasms, cramps, vomiting, sweating, headache and severe trunk pain. The brown recluse spider is no larger than a quarter, known for its dark brown violin shape on its back and dangerous bite. Brown recluse bites cause swelling, pain and a black blister surrounded by red rings; they induce fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, itching and brown urine.
Stinging caterpillars in Florida that are potentially deadly include the flannel moth caterpillar, hag caterpillar, buck moth caterpillar, lo moth caterpillar, the puss caterpillars and saddleback caterpillar. The spines of these caterpillars contain toxins, and contact with these spines can cause severe reactions. Immediate emergency medical attention is highly recommended upon experiencing an allergic reaction.
Known for their black, brown, red and often multicolored segmented bodies, fire ants are aggressive pests, biting humans and leaving behind itchy pimplelike sores that burn and itch for days. Fire ants can cause an allergic reaction in some people as well as infection, and victims should seek hospitalization if this occurs.