These 10 Bugs Found In Maine Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
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Michelle
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We live amongst nature here in Maine, which means there’s no shortage of nearby wildlife. It comes as no surprise that there are plenty of bugs in Maine. If you’ve ever wondered what some of the creepiest Maine bugs and insects are, wonder no more. We’ve included 10 bugs of Maine below. While some of these creepy crawlers are pretty much harmless, the others are ones you might want to avoid, as they can be among the most dangerous things in Maine.
Okay, we admit it: close up, this guy looks a bit frightening. However, the good news is they're quite small and they're actually pretty fascinating! They have the ability to jump more than four times their own body length. It's this fast pounce that allows them to attack insect prey after stalking it. A bite from one of these small spiders is not lethal, and, at the most, will cause a small stinging sensation. They're really fast, so it's rare for humans to actually be bitten. They don't spin a web and they're on the go for most of the day.
Okay, this one is actually every bit as scary as it looks. These bugs in Maine have very strong beaks, which are kept tucked under their heads when they are not being used. Assassin bugs use their legs to hold their prey down, and then they use their beaks to stab the unfortunate prey until it dies. After that, they suck out all the bodily fluids. Humans won't suffer this fate from these little guys, but bites are still quite painful.
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These bugs don't look especially horrifying. In fact, they're almost cute. But, folks, I promise you that this is one of the scariest bugs on this list. They are little abominations. They'll feast on you in your sleep, typically biting three times in one area. Experts call it "breakfast, lunch, and dinner" because they have one meal, then take a break, then continue all night. If you find out you have bed bugs, don't try moving to the couch. They will follow your CO2 to the new area and infest that area as well. Oh, one more thing you should know is how they reproduce. It's called "traumatic insemination" and involves a male punching the female in the stomach and impregnating her. They're awful. Run, do not walk, from a place that is infested with bed bugs. It costs thousands of dollars to have pest control companies eradicate them from your home, and it's a difficult process that isn't always successful.
Some advice: When you check into a hotel, pull back the sheets and check in the crevices of the mattress for small specks. If they get in your luggage, you will end up bringing them home with you.
Some advice: When you check into a hotel, pull back the sheets and check in the crevices of the mattress for small specks. If they get in your luggage, you will end up bringing them home with you.
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This Maine bug is pretty creepy-looking, but it's actually a helpful one to have around the house. Centipedes keep larger pests, like moths and cockroaches, low in number. House centipedes move very fast and run with their bodies high above the ground. They are most often found in damp areas, and occasionally, you might see them outdoors.
Fear not, Mainers, this spider isn't nearly as scary as it looks. The females have ridges with spines, and it's believed that they are used to ward off predators. It's also possible that they exist to help her conceal herself in her web. Males do not have spines and are mostly black with white edges. Females are twice as large as males. Their webs are close to the ground and are typically re-spun every single day. Imagine if you had to rebuild your house every day. No thanks!
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These curious beetles find a dead bird or small mammal and remove its feathers and hair. Then, they get to work laying eggs on the carcass. It is then covered up with soil or plants. Later, when the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the remains of the animal. Pretty creepy stuff!
They're tiny, they're gross, and they're deadly. A tick bite is more dangerous than you might think. Unchecked, Lyme disease can lead to a lifelong autoimmune disorder, or, in the case of one mid-coast Maine woman, even death. Always give yourself and your pets a thorough once-over after spending time outdoors. If you can, be sure to secure the loose ends of your pant legs to avoid ticks traveling inside.
There are many different species of this wasp and all have different coloring. That long syringe-type thing on the back is actually not a stinger. It is used by the female to insert her eggs into wood (live trees, or logs) where the larvae will feed on any other insect larvae that are already there. These bugs will sting when threatened, so it's best to keep your distance.
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So, this one might be on a "bugs of Maine" list, but it's actually not an insect. It's a crustacean, like lobster or crab. Pillbugs, also known as roly-polies, are a food source for insects as well as members of the spider family. Their diet of rotting organic material, such as leaves and wood, means that they help cycle nutrients through the food chain. When feeling threatened, they roll into a tight ball until the threat has passed. We think they're quite adorable!
Many Maine bugs hide from bodies of water, but these guys actually spend the majority of their lives near it. This species does not swim, but it likes to hunt along wet, sandy areas looking for insects to eat. They hunt at night, combing the beach for small insects, their eggs, and any dead arthropods that may have drifted ashore. They're typically seen around high tide.
Have you ever seen any of these 10 scary bugs in Maine? If so, let us know in the comments below. Also, share with us your least favorite bug of Maine!
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Bugs Of Maine
What three Maine insects should be avoided at all costs?
Like most other states, Maine is filled with many types of insects. While most of the Maine insects are pretty harmless, there are several that can be dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Listed below are three of these Maine insects.
- Ticks: Ticks might be small and not look like they pose a threat, but they certainly do. They're known to carry a variety of diseases, including Lyme disease. Babesiosis is another disease that can be contracted through tick bites. Both of these diseases, if contracted via a tick bite, can be fatal. To help prevent tick bites, remember to always wear bug repellent when outdoors.
- Bumblebees/Hornets: If you've ever been stung by a bumblebee or hornet, you probably experienced some pretty significant pain. Even though bumblebees are great for our environment, their stingers can still cause allergic reactions, which, like tick bites, could be fatal. Hornet stings also hurt. In fact, they usually hurt much worse. The next time you see a bumblebee or hornet, be sure to leave them alone. They'll only bother you if they feel threatened.
- Assassin Bugs: Assassin bugs have a long, pointy beak they use to kill their insect prey. With that being said, when an assassin bug bites a human, the pain is usually excruciating. These insects typically hide in plants, so always use caution whenever you're outdoors.
What's one of the most destructive Maine bugs?
There are several types of bugs located throughout the state of Maine, including quite a few that are very destructive. One of the most destructive Maine bugs is the Southern Lyctus beetle. The Southern Lyctus beetle is a wood chipper bug that's known to do lots of damage to trees, untreated furniture, etc. It's usually 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch long. Also known as a powderpost beetle, the Southern Lyctus beetle re-infests dry, seasoned wood year after year. This destructive beetle is known for leaving behind holes filled with powdery frass.