ABSTRACT
A few forest arthropods are medically relevant. Ticks depend on blood meals from mammals for their development. When sucking on humans, they can transmit diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease.
Tussock moths such as the processionary moths have urticating hairs. They develop their tiny poisonous setae from the third instar on. The setae on the exuviae remain active for several years and can cause inflamed and itchy skin, irritation of the respiratory tract, and even hypersensitive reactions. Stinging insects such as yellowjackets, mosquitoes and horseflies inject venoms that usually cause itching and swelling.
Some insects may be beneficial for humans. Spanish flies (they are actually beetles) produce a toxin that is used to treat blood circulation problems, rheumatism and kidney issues. Some blowfly maggots have antiseptic saliva and are used for treating wounds.
