When you think of dangerous pests your mind may instantly jump to some sort of large rodent attacking you. Or you may think about a swarm of bees or ants attacking a person and causing anaphylactic shock.
But the real dangerous pests throughout history are the ones that simply and easily transmit deadly diseases. For thousands of years, the #1 enemy of human beings has been mosquitoes. Mosquitoes have been primary vectors for diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. Malaria alone has historically killed millions annually, with 249 million cases reported in 2022.
Fleas have done their own bit of damage to the human race. They carried the Yersinia pestis bacterium, causing the Black Death (1346–1353), which killed 30–60% of Europe’s population (75–200 million people). The Great Plague of London (1665–1666) killed 100,000 people, spread by fleas on rats.
According to pest control in Melbourne, Florida, fleas are still a very common phone call they receive from potential clients. Though fleas aren’t as deadly as they once were, they are a true nuisance and can still cause plenty of medical issues.
Locusts threaten the food supply all over Earth and have been responsible for millions of deaths by starvation throughout human history. They form massive swarms that devour crops, causing famines. A single swarm can cover 1,200 square kilometers and eat 80 million tons of vegetation daily. Modern pesticides can keep them in line, but in some parts of the world, they don’t have access to these pest control treatments.
Rats are an especially ugly pest to deal with. They are so good at adapting to any environment. They are smart creatures that oftentimes outsmart the humans trying to eliminate them. This is because humans underestimate the intelligence of this rodent.
Rats spread diseases like plague, hantavirus, and leptospirosis, while contaminating food and damaging infrastructure. Beyond disease, rats destroy 20% of global stored food annually. Their role in the Black Death amplified their infamy. The Great Famine of 1315–1317 in Europe was worsened by rat-infested grain stores.
Ever heard of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)? This pest devastates potato crops, a staple food. Resistant to many pesticides, making control difficult. It contributed to the Irish Potato Famine (1845–1852) alongside blight, leading to 1 million deaths and mass emigration. Annual global crop losses cost billions. It spread in the 19th century crippled European agriculture, especially in Ireland.
These pests stand out for their catastrophic effects on human survival and civilization. Mosquitoes and fleas top the list for direct mortality through disease, while locusts, rats, and beetles wreak havoc on food security. Their resilience and adaptability make them enduring threats, with modern challenges like pesticide resistance and climate change amplifying their impact.
Knowing how to keep these pests out of your home as well as out of your produce is a science. Farmers and homeowners have spent countless hours attempting to keep their families and crops safe from these annoying and sometimes deadly pests. There are many resources online, and you can hire a professional to help out as well.
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