Bugs have a natural way of making people uncomfortable. From giant tarantulas to tiny parasites, some of the scariest bugs can make anyone squirm. Whether they're dangerous or creepy to look at, these insects are unsettling. Here’s a list of 10 bugs you’ll want to avoid, and a few might be closer to home than you think.

Scariest Bugs Worldwide - A Top 10 List

1. Assassin Bug

Instagram | bill_wimley | The assassin bug preys on garden pests but delivers a painful bite you’ll want to avoid.

The assassin bug earns its name through its deadly predatory habits—but not towards humans. While its bite is incredibly painful, it won't kill. Found across the U.S., this insect preys on pests like caterpillars and beetles, making it a helpful presence in gardens, though one you probably wouldn’t want to touch.

2. Camel Spider

Often featured in urban legends, the camel spider gained infamy during the Iraq War when exaggerated photos made it appear larger than life. While it can grow up to six inches long, the myths about its size and behavior are mostly false. Despite its intimidating look, this spider is not venomous and doesn’t lay eggs inside animals, as some myths suggest.

3. Scorpionfly

Despite its ominous appearance, the scorpionfly is harmless to humans. With its long, curled tail resembling a scorpion's stinger, it tends to evoke fear. But, the stinger is not dangerous and poses no threat. This insect's eerie look is further accentuated by its elongated head, which often frightens those who encounter it.

4. House Centipede

The house centipede is a frequent guest in basements and damp corners of homes. While its long legs and rapid movements make it terrifying to many, it's actually quite harmless. In fact, it helps control other pest populations, like spiders and cockroaches. Still, its unsettling appearance and tendency to dart around cause many to shudder at the sight of it.

5. Goliath Birdeater

This massive tarantula, native to South America, is one of the largest spiders in the world. Its name comes from its rare ability to prey on small birds, though this behavior is not common. The Goliath Birdeater has been described by some as tasting similar to shrimp—though it’s safe to say most people would rather stick to seafood.

6. Cockroach

While it may not be the deadliest, the cockroach is certainly one of the most enduring. Known for their ability to survive extreme conditions—including radiation, freezing temperatures, and even living for days without a head—cockroaches are a familiar, albeit unwelcome, sight in homes across the world. If any insect is likely to outlast humans, it’s the cockroach.

7. Giant Silkworm Assassin Caterpillar

The larvae of the giant silkworm moth may look hypnotic, but their appearance hides a dangerous secret. These caterpillars are incredibly venomous, and even a slight touch can be fatal if not treated promptly. Found in South America, this is one bug you'd want to avoid at all costs if ever encountered.

8. Bullet Ant

Instagram | bbcearth | The bullet ant's sting is excruciating but not deadly, earning its fearsome reputation.

Known for delivering one of the most painful insect bites in the world, the bullet ant lives up to its name. Victims of its sting often describe the pain as equal to being shot. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, the bullet ant's bite is not deadly but is certainly an experience to avoid.

9. Tongue-Eating Louse

Though its name is terrifying, the tongue-eating louse poses no danger to humans. This parasitic creature attaches itself to the tongues of fish, slowly replacing the organ and feeding on the fish’s blood. Thankfully, this nightmarish bug only targets fish, and humans have no reason to fear it.

10. Bot Fly

One of the most disturbing insects on this list, the bot fly takes parasitism to another level. Its eggs hitch a ride on mosquitoes, which then deposit them onto human skin. Once inside, the larvae develop and eventually burrow their way out. Found mainly in South America and Mexico, this unsettling insect doesn’t often make an appearance in the U.S., but it’s certainly one of the most horrifying bugs out there.