Massachusetts Bug Guide: 10 Creepy Crawlers That Can Cause Serious Harm

Moving from New Bedford to the woods of Dartmouth has introduced me to a whole new set of neighbors. Some have feathers, some have fur, and others have entirely too many legs for my liking. Living in the woods comes with a welcome committee nobody is usually warned about.

Just the other day, I was chopping wood and getting ready for a fire with some of the guys when I came face to face with a massive wolf spider. I’m talking about a spider that looked the size of a hockey puck. Gathering firewood became a little more exciting than I had planned.

Now, I know looking intimidating doesn’t automatically make something dangerous. Still, that creepy spider got me thinking: what else is out there? More specifically, which creepy crawlers living right here in Massachusetts can actually cause us harm?

Massachusetts Critters Worth Knowing About

After exploring the extensive Massachusetts bug directory on InsectIdentification.org, I realized there’s plenty to learn about the smaller creatures sharing our yards, woods and outdoor spaces. Some can deliver painful bites or stings, while others can carry diseases or cause skin irritation. They don’t all pose the same risk, but knowing what you’re looking at is a good place to start.

READ MORE: 10 Unexpected Animals You Can Find Living in Massachusetts

So before you grab that next piece of firewood, I'd like you to meet these 10 Massachusetts bugs below that can cause harm. I've included ticks and spiders under the everyday “bugs” umbrella, too. Consider it an introduction to some neighbors you probably won’t be inviting to your next backyard fire.