Medical entomology

Veterinary entomology is included in this category, because many animal diseases can "jump species" and become a human health threat, for example, bovine encephalitis.

Public health entomology has seen a huge surge in interest since 2005, due to the resurgence of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius.

Medical entomologists worldwide are working to combat the known effects in order to improve public health.

Many disease-carrying insects have developed resistance to common insecticides making control efforts harder.

Their bodies, saliva, and feces can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which are spread when they come into contact with food or surfaces.

Due to increased international travel and trade, bedbugs, lice, and cockroaches have resurged in cities worldwide.

Additionally, cockroach excrement and cast skins contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

Also altered rainfall patterns and urbanization contribute to stagnant water accumulation, boosting mosquito breeding sites.

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in May 2018, illnesses caused by insect bites have tripled from 2004 to 2016.