Did you know there are plenty of venomous creatures in Iowa? Next time you’re thinking about leaving the house and heading out for a hike, take into consideration what may be waiting for you in the great outdoors…
- Pelecinid Wasp
Flickr / Kerry Wixted These creepy wasps deliver one heck of a sting and you’ll want to avoid them if you see them flying by.
- Timber Rattlesnake
Flickr / Michael Janke Timber Rattlesnakes can be found across most of the United States. Though they’re typically shy, if you encounter one, they may feel threatened and strike. If they do - get to the hospital, ASAP!
- Prairie Rattlesnake
Flickr / Andrew DuBois Prairie Rattlesnakes are most common in the Western part of the Hawkeye State. They’re known to get to more than 3 feet in length!
- Massasaugav
Flickr / Peter Paplanus The Massasaugav is a beautiful but potentially deadly snake. They’re common in Iowa, and though they’re typically shy, their bite packs quite the punch.
- Copperhead
Flickr / Mark DuMont Copperheads are the last of Iowa’s rattlesnakes, and often the most dangerous due to their incredibly effective camouflage. Keep your ears open and don’t stray from trails!
- Ticks
Flickr / R. Kriatyrr Brosvik Ticks are one of the worst nuisances in the state. They carry all sorts of diseases, so be sure to wear appropriate repellent when you head outdoors. You can also spray your clothes with permethrin for a long-lasting treatment to help fight the battle against these bloodsucking critters.
- Black Widow Spiders
Flickr / Justin Ennis Black widows are perhaps the most infamous of spiders. The red hourglass on their abdomen makes them easy to identify, as to their strangely woven webs. If you get bit by a black widow, get to the hospital! These bites are painful and occasionally fatal.
- Brown Recluse Spiders
Flickr / Robin Anderson Brown recluse bites never seem to go away. If you find a strange spider bite that swells and is incredibly painful, seek medical attention, because oftentimes they need to be treated.
Stay safe, Iowa! Keep your eyes peeled and watch your step, and then make plans to explore the true beauty of the Hawkeye State – don’t let these creepy venomous creatures in Iowa keep you glued to the couch.
Flickr / Kerry Wixted
These creepy wasps deliver one heck of a sting and you’ll want to avoid them if you see them flying by.
Flickr / Michael Janke
Timber Rattlesnakes can be found across most of the United States. Though they’re typically shy, if you encounter one, they may feel threatened and strike. If they do - get to the hospital, ASAP!
Flickr / Andrew DuBois
Prairie Rattlesnakes are most common in the Western part of the Hawkeye State. They’re known to get to more than 3 feet in length!
Flickr / Peter Paplanus
The Massasaugav is a beautiful but potentially deadly snake. They’re common in Iowa, and though they’re typically shy, their bite packs quite the punch.
Flickr / Mark DuMont
Copperheads are the last of Iowa’s rattlesnakes, and often the most dangerous due to their incredibly effective camouflage. Keep your ears open and don’t stray from trails!
Flickr / R. Kriatyrr Brosvik
Ticks are one of the worst nuisances in the state. They carry all sorts of diseases, so be sure to wear appropriate repellent when you head outdoors. You can also spray your clothes with permethrin for a long-lasting treatment to help fight the battle against these bloodsucking critters.
Flickr / Justin Ennis
Black widows are perhaps the most infamous of spiders. The red hourglass on their abdomen makes them easy to identify, as to their strangely woven webs. If you get bit by a black widow, get to the hospital! These bites are painful and occasionally fatal.
Flickr / Robin Anderson
Brown recluse bites never seem to go away. If you find a strange spider bite that swells and is incredibly painful, seek medical attention, because oftentimes they need to be treated.
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