U.S.WEIRD NEWS

Disease-carrying winged pests swarm Los Angeles, officials warn

Officials in Los Angeles are warning residents that the swarming insects can spread serious diseases; the outbreak is described as unusual for the region, and the bugs remain unbothered.

On air: Hank Ledger, Gloria Vance and Dale Bearman on BBN Newsroom
Published 1:38 PM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The Daily Caller: “Bloodsucking Disease-Carrying Winged Pests Swarm Los Angeles”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 1:38 PM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Hank Ledger, Gloria Vance and Dale Bearman.
Topics: Los Angeles.
BBN covered this story before: Lufthansa jumbo jet's tail nearly scrapes runway during LAX landing (October 12).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The Daily CallerBloodsucking Disease-Carrying Winged Pests Swarm Los Angeles

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAs promised: the invasion in California.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorBloodsucking, disease-carrying winged pests are swarming Los Angeles, and officials are warning people that these insects can spread serious diseases.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe Daily Caller reports an unusual outbreak across the region.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe data does not say which insect, how many, or exactly what is driving it, so those answers remain unclear.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWhat we do know is the warning itself. Officials want residents to take the bites seriously, because the concern is the illness, not the itching.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorBloodsucking and winged. Someone in Los Angeles has finally built the perfect villain, and it's already booked a table.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorI have covered a locust season on two continents. In my experience, officials announce the swarm only after it has arrived.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo the warning shows up after the guest of honor.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorDinner, Hank. In Los Angeles, you are the guest of honor and also the menu.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThat is not a sentence I wished to hear before lunch has settled.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorDale, you have never once been bitten by anything that wanted a second helping. Statistically, you would taste of tea.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorTea is a preservative, thank you.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorBrock has the forecast, and I suspect he has views on anything that flies.