Insects and Diseases

This compact volume invites listeners into the hidden world where tiny insects become agents of illness. Written by a university entomologist, it translates the latest scientific findings of the early 1900s into clear, everyday language, showing how mosquitoes, ticks, flies and other bugs interact with the microbes that cause common fevers and infections. The author’s own photographs bring the creatures to life, offering vivid snapshots of live specimens that most readers never see.

The first part surveys the biology of these arthropods—how they develop, where they breed, and why they thrive near human habitations. Subsequent chapters link each insect to the specific diseases they transmit, from malaria and yellow fever to typhoid and scabies, and suggest practical steps for reducing risk. Listeners will come away with a solid grasp of why controlling pests matters for public health, all presented without jargon and with a touch of historical curiosity.