Major Medical Pests of Humans

(adapted from Higley, L. G., L. L. Karr, and L. P. Pedigo. 1989. Manual of Entomology and Pest Management. Macmillan, New York)

Common NameSpecies NameOrderFamily
bed bugCimex lectulariusHemipteraCimicidae
black fliesSimuliidae spp.DipteraSimuliidae
black widow spiderLatrodectus mactansAraneidaTheridiidae
brown recluse spiderLoxosceles reclusaAraneidaLoxoscelidae
chiggersTrombiculidae spp.AcariTrombiculidae
conenose bugsTriatominae spp.HemipteraReduviidae
fleasPulex and Xenopsylla spp.SiphonapteraPulicidae
horse and deer fliesTabanidae spp.DipteraTabanidae
house flyMusca domesticaDipteraMuscidae
body lousePediculus humanusAnopluraPediculidae
head lousePediculus capitisAnopluraPediculidae
crab louse (= pubic louse)Pthirus pubisAnopluraPthiridae
itch miteSarcoptes scabieiAcariSarcoptidae
mosquitoesCulicidae spp.DipteraCulicidae
punkiesCeratopogonidae spp.DipteraCeratopogonidae
stinging antsFormicidae spp.HymenopteraFormicidae
bumble beesBombidae spp.HymenopteraBombidae
honey beeApis melliferaHymenopteraApidae
hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, etc.Vespidae spp.HymenopteraVespidae
American dog tickDermacentor variabilisAcariIxodidae
deer tickIxodes damminiAcariIxodidae
Rocky Mountain wood tickDermacentor americanumAcariIxodidae

spp. = more than one species.