The Truth About Dangerous Insects: Murder Hornets vs. Mosquitoes

Public concern over dangerous insects has grown, especially with the arrival of the Asian giant hornet—dubbed the “murder hornet”—and the ongoing threat of mosquitoes. The Asian giant hornet, first seen in the U.S. in 2019, poses a low risk to humans but can devastate honeybee populations, vital for pollination. Containment efforts have been effective, with no recent sightings reported.

In contrast, mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest insects, responsible for over 700,000 deaths annually by spreading diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. Female mosquitoes transmit these illnesses through their bites.

Other harmful insects include the tsetse fly (sleeping sickness), kissing bug (Chagas disease), and sand fly (leishmaniasis). Combating these threats involves public awareness, eliminating breeding grounds, using repellents, and supporting health interventions like vaccines.

While headlines may exaggerate, understanding insect behavior and prevention methods is essential to protecting public health and preserving ecosystems.