Killer or creepy: 5 Japanese bugs to avoid this summer

I remember as a child growing up and seeing something that absolutely terrified me.

No, it wasn’t a horror movie, nor was it the mid-’80s threat of nuclear war. It was a BBC documentary about insects that went into graphic detail about just how many creepy crawlies are living in your house, your bed — and even your body.

Unfortunately, Japan has its own unique assortment of usual suspect insects lurking — and possibly breeding — in your house. Last month’s news of venomous South American fire ants found in Japan is just the latest round of expat bugs to infiltrate the island nation. Although there have been no reports so far of anyone being stung, just this week, biologists warned of the dangers of an infestation, according to a July 9 article in Japan Today.

You’re not yet likely to run into the ants, but there are bugs to be wary of in Japan. It can be hard to tell which insects are safe to pick up and remove and which ones are dangerous to handle. So today, we present some of the worst summer bugs to keep an eye out for and more importantly — how to avoid them.

1) Suzumebachi: the ‘killer hornet’

Japan’s infamous suzumebachi, or “killer hornet,” is one of the more dangerous creatures on this list, as it does kill a dozen or so people every year. However, the actual risk posed by this particular bug needs to be seen in its true context.

The suzumebachi is bigger and has a far more venomous sting than conventional hornets. However, a single attack is unlikely to be fatal to an adult unless you have a wasp/bee sting allergy or you are stung several times in quick succession. The danger posed by suzumebachi comes from the fact that they often live in swarms. You might be more likely to be stung in more rural areas, making it far tougher to seek medical attention if someone does go into anaphylactic shock.

Suzumebachi are rare in urban areas, so unless you live in the countryside near mountains or forests you are unlikely to have them show up in your house. You are most likely to encounter one of these while you are hiking, but some simple steps can help limit your exposure to them.

Precautions

-- Wear bright colors, as these bugs are attracted to black clothes.

-- Carry antihistamine cream with you.

-- Squeeze the stinger and venom out as quickly as you can if you’re stung. Do not try to suck it out!

-- Apply cream afterward.

-- Go to the hospital as soon as you can, just to be on the safe side.

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