Deadliest Creature On Earth Is Now Thriving In Wisconsin

When you think of the deadliest creatures on earth, you probably think they exist in exotic, faraway places like a tropical rainforest or somewhere deep in a jungle. However, that is not the case.

While people in Wisconsin don't have nearly as many dangerous creatures to worry about, there are threats to those who enjoy spending time outdoors. For example, it was recently confirmed that potentially deadly Asian needle ants were living in the state.

These nasty little ants can sting through your clothes, leading to a possible infection, and, in some people, a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Thankfully, Asian needle ants are still pretty rare in Wisconsin, especially when compared to the deadliest creature on earth, which is found in abundance throughout the state, and they are now emerging.

The Deadliest Creatures On Earth

For perspective, BBC Science Focus says the 10th-deadliest creature on the planet is the lion, which kills 200 humans per year. Then at #9 are hippos (killing 500 humans per year), followed by #8 elephants (killing 600 humans per year), #7 crocodiles (killing 1,000 humans per year), #6 scorpions (killing 3,300 humans per year), #5 assassin bugs (killing 10,000 humans per year by spreading the deadly Chagas disease), #4 dogs (killing 59,000 humans per year, mostly from rabies), #3 snakes (killing 138,000 humans per year), and #2 humans (killing 400,000 humans per year via homicide).

However, none can compare to the creature that sits atop this list. Despite weighing just 2.5 milligrams, these "silent feeders" kill a whopping 725,000 humans each year by spreading an array of diseases, including malaria, West Nile virus, Dengue Fever, Zika virus, Yellow Fever, and Chikungunya.

The deadliest creature on Earth is the mosquito, the tiny little flying menace that has been the cause of much death worldwide, thanks to its spreading of disease, and has steered the course of human history on multiple occasions.

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Mosquitoes are indeed deadly, with the majority of mosquito-related deaths occurring outside of the United States. Malaria infection is particularly bad in Africa, with the region accounting for 95% of cases and 96% of deaths worldwide. Tragically, children under 5 accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in that region.

According to the World Health Organisation, “malaria mostly spreads to people through the bites of some infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.”

Mosquitoes Are Abundant In Wisconsin, Where They Can Spread Diseases

While it's impossible to give an exact number of mosquitoes in Wisconsin, it's estimated that there are at least 56 different species of mosquitoes in the state. While many of these don't bite humans, some do, and that's when health issues can arise.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), mosquitoes can carry and transmit several diseases within the state. This occurs when mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected animals, then transmit the virus to humans when they bite them.

The most common disease spread by mosquitoes in Wisconsin is the West Nile virus, which often causes mild flu-like symptoms but can also lead to severe illness in some individuals.

Other diseases they can spread in the state include La Crosse encephalitis, which primarily affects children and can lead to inflammation of the brain, Jamestown Canyon virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis.

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The Wisconsin DHS believes that the 2025 mosquito season in Wisconsin is expected to be similar to past years, with peak activity typically occurring from May to September, but potentially lasting longer depending on temperatures. Factors like temperature and rainfall can influence mosquito populations, and warmer, wetter conditions could lead to more mosquitoes and potentially new species.

Avoiding mosquito bites may seem impossible, but experts suggest the following tips to avoid getting bitten:

Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin.
Stay indoors when possible, especially if there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect.
Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.
Use head nets, long sleeves, and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes.
Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights, which tend to attract fewer mosquitoes than ordinary lights. The yellow lights are NOT repellents, however.

Also, to keep mosquitoes outside and not in your home, you should cover all gaps in walls, doors, and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Also, make sure window and door screens are in good working order, and completely cover baby carriers and beds with netting.

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