According to John R. Meyer, Department of Entomology at NC State University, “Because they dominate nearly all environments that support human life, insects are usually our most important competitors for food, fiber, and other natural resources. They have a direct impact on agricultural food production by chewing the leaves of crop plants; sucking out plant juices; boring within the roots, stems or leaves; and spreading plant pathogens. They feed on natural fibers, destroy wooden building materials, ruin stored grain, and accelerate the process of decay. They also have a profound impact on the health of humans and domestic animals by causing annoyance, inflicting bites and stings, and transmitting disease.”
- Mosquitoes – Malaria, Chikungunya, Dog Heartworm, Dengue, Yellow Fever, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, LaCrosse Encephalitis, Western Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, Zika Virus
- Fleas – plague
- House flies - Enteric diseases (Salmonella, Cholera, E. coli)
- Ticks – Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever