The 5 most dangerous insects in Canada and what to do if they bite

Do your best to avoid the following insects found around Canada, as their bites and stings can be downright dangerous.

Insects are a vital part of any ecosystem; however, there are certain ones you just don't want to get close to.

Don't let the small size of this spider fool you — its venom is more dangerous than a rattlesnake's.

• This spider is glossy-black in colour with a small red mark on its back that's shaped like an hourglass.
• It likes to hide in garages, wood piles and wherever it has access to moisture.
• Although rare, most bites tend to occur April through October. The bite will cause a sharp pain, redness, swelling and leave fang marks in the skin, which can lead to spasms, cramps, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting within half an hour.
• Don't panic if you get bitten, but seek medical help immediately.
  

While not tremendously common in Canada, they have been reported here.

• This spider ranges in colour from brown to deep yellow. Look for a violin-shaped mark that points toward its back.
• Symptoms of a bite include spasms, cramps, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. If bitten, seek medical attention.

The hobo spider features chevron or herringbone-shaped markings and a large mouth; females have larger abdomens than males.

• These spiders are usually found in basements and build webs in the cracks in brick walls or outdoor firewood piles.
• They can be very aggressive and their bites cause redness, skin lesions, blistering and even skin ulceration.
• Headaches lasting up to a week can occur, as well as weakness, nausea, vision impairment and memory loss. Hobo spider bites can take months to heal. Seek medical attention immediately if bitten.

While the mosquito itself is fairly innocuous, this bug can carry deadly diseases like the West Nile virus.

• This virus starts with flu-like symptoms and can lead to fatal inflammation of the brain.
• Since there is no vaccine for the West Nile virus, you'll want to do your best to avoid mosquito bites.

The Asian Giant Hornet is the deadliest of all hornet species. Indigenous to Asia, some of these hornets have made their way to North America in shipping containers.

• They are as big as a person's thumb and travel in groups that viciously attack beehives for their honey.
• Their bite can be highly dangerous to humans, so steer clear of this enormous hornet if you see one.

While most insects are relatively harmless and benign, you should do all you can to steer clear of these five dangerous creatures.