On the WROK Morning Show, Joe Dredge and I have different takes on creepy-crawlies. Joe will scream and run at the sight of literally any snake, and I am no particular fan of up-close-and-personal encounters of the spider kind. Since I'm the dad around my house, I have to man up and deal with them anyway, though.

Both Joe and I find a lot of agreement in our assessment of Illinois as being a place where nasty little poisonous creatures are in short supply. I mean we're not covered in snakes and scorpions (I'm looking at you, Arizona), or scorpions and snakes (looking at you, Texas), but we've got a few of them in our state.

Let's meet a few:

Bald-faced Hornet
UIG, Getty Images
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Bees: Not only do their stings hurt and cause painful welts, but some people are deathly allergic and can go into anaphylactic shock. Urgent medical attention is essential.

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Photo Researchers, Getty Images
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Harvester ants: These insects have a tenacious bite with a vicious sting. The reaction can spread to the lymph system and cause pain for hours.

Caterpillar of brown-tail butterfly (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) on leaf
(Browntail Moth caterpillar) De Agostini, Getty Images
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Browntail moth: This moth causes a reaction similar to poison ivy, spreading a full body rash that will violently itch uncontrollably. The rash can last for weeks if touched.

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National Geographic, Getty Images
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Brown recluse spiders: These spiders cause a dangerous reaction that can totally destroy the nervous system. Victims report never recovering from the effects and some can die. Get immediate medical attention if you’ve been bitten.

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Ikon Images, Getty Images
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Black widow spiders: Everyone knows of this spider because of its potentially fatal bite. The female black widow can be particularly aggressive when it comes to protecting an egg sac.

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Science Photo Libra, Getty Images
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Assassin Bug: While not poisonous (isn't the name alone bad enough?), these bugs stab--and stab--and stab--their victims to death. They go after other insects, but sometimes humans are on the receiving end. And it hurts--A LOT. Even if you get bitten by a baby assassin bug.

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