When it comes to spreading illnesses, including life-threatening ones, insects are the perfect culprit. While most are small, they have piercing and chewing mouthparts that can easily inject pathogens into the bloodstream. So, before you head out to explore Europe, it's worth knowing the travel destinations with the worst insects and what you can do to help avoid bites!
1. Scotland
When travelling to Scotland, especially in the Highlands, you could encounter tiny flies known as midges. But don't be fooled by its small size. The bites of these insects can cause swelling and irritation and create the most nuisance for people who travel to many places in the Highlands where they are abundant.
If you're planning to camp or spend time outdoors in Scotland, it's worth noting that these insects are most active early in the morning before dawn. While they can bite you any time of the day, you're less likely to be bitten if you avoid spending time outdoors early in the morning.
2. Germany
Germany's Black Forest is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Exploring the area is a must for anyone going on a road trip in Southern Germany and an ideal stop when driving to Baden-Württemberg.
With evergreen forests and picturesque villages, Black Forest is an ideal destination for hiking. However, you must be cautious of the dangerous and potentially deadly creatures thriving in the woods. These include the Mediterranean Black Widow spider, one of the most dangerous spiders found in Europe. The best thing to do is be more vigilent in these areas and avoid moving around any rocks or woodpiles.
3. Latvia
Latvia is another country in Europe where there are black widow spiders. If you come here to explore or hike, you must be wary of these insects. As mentioned, they are among the most dangerous spiders on Earth, with a venom about 15 times stronger than a snake!
To minimise your risk of encountering these deadly insects, you might want to book one of the many excellent tours in Latvia, perfect for seeing more of what the area has to offer. These tours have knowledgeable guides who will take you to places to avoid these bugs.
4. Spain
Spain is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. It also offers opportunities for exploring the great outdoors. When you come here to hike or explore wooded areas, make sure to wear anti-insect clothing as a base layer since many places are infested with Vespa velutina, which originated from Asia. While they are not dangerous to humans, their stings can cause allergic reactions that can be extremely painful and deadly.
5. Italy
Italy is one of Europe's best destinations for a summer holiday. Unfortunately, many places in the country have mosquito problems during the summertime, which is the hottest and most humid time of the year, leading to an abundance of these nuisance insects. When travelling to Italy in summer, you will most likely find yourself harassed by mosquitoes buzzing in the middle of the night or during the daytime.
The best way to avoid them is to not go to places where they usually thrive. These pesky insects prefer to stay near water, such as lakes, rivers, and the seaside. But that should not stop you from exploring Italy's scenic lakes. The best thing to do is to spray repellent on your skin before going out or wear bug proof clothing made from fabric infused with anti-insect treatment. Bamboo anti-insect sleepwear is a great addition for lounging around in the evenings and getting peace of mind at night!
