Insects

Travel 20 hours ago

Destructive bug infestation threatens historic 1,000-year-old book collection

Restoration experts at Hungary's Pannonhalma Archabbey are fighting to save thousands of historic books from drugstore beetles that have caused an unprecedented infestation.

Travel 6 days ago

Massive bee swarm sends three people to hospital in critical condition, 24 injured

Twenty-four people were injured during a 30-minute bee attack in the French alpine town of Aurillac, with three victims initially in critical condition now improving.

Health July 2

Federal government plans to air-drop sterile flies over Texas to fight flesh-eating maggots

USDA combats flesh-eating New World Screwworm by breeding sterilized flies for release over Mexico and Texas, with a new fly factory planned for 2026.

Health June 28

Billionaire's death after swallowing bee raises questions about rare cardiac reaction

Cardiologists discuss the rare possibility of bee-related cardiac events after Indian businessman Sunjay Kapur reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack swallowing an insect during a polo match.

Health June 27

Ticks spread to new regions across America, bringing dangerous diseases and need for vigilance

Ticks are spreading beyond traditional regions experiencing an uptick in milder winters, with experts warning about the rise in tick-borne illnesses across the country.

Texas June 20

US government to build $8.5M fly-breeding facility to combat cattle parasite threat

USDA announces new Texas facility to breed sterile New World screwworm flies as part of an effort to combat the flesh-eating parasite threatening livestock near the US-Mexico border.

Health June 18

Invasive pests could stage dramatic comeback this summer, experts warn

Experts warn of a potential spotted lanternfly surge this summer, urging vigilance against these invasive pests that damage plants and spread easily through human transportation.

Health June 14

Bedbug 'massacre' at Las Vegas hotels leads to multiple lawsuits from guests with 'injuries'

Two Las Vegas hotels are facing lawsuits over bedbug infestations, as guests have reported bites, severe reactions and emotional trauma. Attorney Brian Virag representing the guests shared details.

Travel May 29

America's second-largest cicada swarm is about to emerge across the East Coast

The fascinating emergence of Brood XIV cicadas in the Eastern U.S. will take place this summer. These insects are harmless to humans and gardens, and mark a unique natural event, experts say.

Travel May 19

Flight passenger spots cockroaches crawling in airplane cabin: 'Never again'

After a passenger found roaches on a Spirit Airlines flight, she shared footage online. Spirit Airlines inspected the aircraft and said it maintains a commitment to cleanliness.

Health May 18

Family kicked off flight over son’s insect bites despite doctor’s approval

A family was stopped from boarding their British Airways flight after staff became suspicious of insect bites on their baby's leg, as the airline cites safety concerns.

Health May 15

Invasive insect poses health threat in 19 states, expert warns

The Asian needle ant is a stealthy and dangerous invasive species spreading across the U.S., with a painful sting that can cause severe allergic reactions.

Health May 13

FDA warns seniors to avoid this vaccine after deadly complications

Adults over the age of 60 are recommended not to get the chikungunya vaccine to prevent the mosquito-borne illness due to two related deaths, according to the FDA and CDC.

Health May 13

Flesh-eating New World Screwworm could pose health risks to cattle, humans

Mexico's New World Screwworm outbreak halts livestock imports at the southern border as US officials work to prevent the parasitic fly from spreading to American animals.

Infectious Disease March 24

Dengue fever cases rising in popular spring break locations, CDC alerts

As spring break continues, the CDC released a warning about rising dengue fever cases among U.S. travelers and in several destinations across the globe. Here's what to know.

Travel March 21

Travel hot spot seeks emergency declaration over massive bug infestation

Orbetello, Italy, located in the Tuscan region, seeks an emergency declaration over swarms of midges ahead of the busy tourist season. Fishermen say dead fish attracted the bugs.

Massachusetts March 3

Woman stung by venomous critter while getting bag at Boston's Logan Airport

Massachusetts State Police said a 40-year-old woman retrieving her luggage at Boston Logan International Airport was stung by a scorpion on Sunday night.

Travel January 17

This 'hitchhiking' bug can travel on planes, follow passengers home: expert weighs in

A bug expert reveals that traveling is a common way for people to bring home the well-known, parasitic insects that are bedbugs — and yes, they can wind up on airplanes.

Travel November 19

Actress boards plane with head lice, triggers social media firestorm: What to know

Actress Jenny Mollen said on Instagram that she learned she had head lice while on an airplane, sparking social media users to sound off. A lice expert weighs in.

Travel November 12

Store your luggage in this bizarre location while traveling, expert says

A bug expert in Pennsylvania says to store your luggage and its contents in this unusual location at your hotel or homestay if you want to avoid bringing back any unfavorable pests, like bed bugs.

HEALTH October 22

'Airport malaria' on the rise in Europe, new study suggests: Here's what travelers should know

A study noted an increase in airport and luggage malaria cases in Europe, but is it really a concern? Experts weigh the risks and the need for prevention measures.

TRAVEL October 21

After travel, wait to unpack your suitcase, doctor insists in unsettling social media post

A Virginia primary care physician is telling people on social media to be "lazy" and to not unpack their luggage for up to 10 days to avoid a bedbug infestation.

North Carolina October 6

Hurricane Helene flooding in NC stirs yellow jacket swarms, prompting distribution of Benadryl and EpiPens

Swarms of stinging insects in North Carolina are swarming those trying to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, prompting the distribution of Benadryl and epinephrine injections.

SCIENCE September 26

Giant Joro ‘flying’ spider continues march northward with Massachusetts sighting

A palm-sized and brightly colored invasive spider that is native to East Asia was spotted in a historic neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts.

HEALTH September 25

New York resident dies from mosquito-borne disease as experts warn of widening risk

New York has reported the state’s first death from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a disease that spreads through bites from mosquitoes. An expert discusses the risks and means of prevention.

HEALTH September 10

Tick-borne Wetland virus, newly discovered in China, could cause damage to brain, researchers say

Scientists are warning of a new tick-borne disease, which they are calling the Wetland virus, recently discovered in China. Here's what to know about the symptoms and risks.

US Open Tennis September 4

US Open ball boy ignites crowd by chasing down insect that stopped play

A bug flew around the court at the U.S. Open Tuesday and halted a match between Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov and American Frances Tiafoe.

HEALTH September 3

What is EEE, the mosquito-borne disease that killed a New Hampshire man?

Here's what to know about Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), the rare, potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease that has sparked concern in the Northeastern U.S.

HEALTH August 28

'Sloth fever,' or the Oropouche virus, has entered the US, here's what to know

A disease transmitted by mosquitoes — the Oropouche virus, or sloth fever — has been detected in the United States. Travelers returning to the U.S. from Cuba had contracted the virus in recent months.

New York August 25

West Nile Virus detected at New York beach

A mosquito sample found at Fire Island National Seashore near Long Island, New York, contained the year's first case of West Nile Virus, officials said.