Pests Beneficial Organisms Insect-Transmitted Diseases Management Options Other Resources Contact a Specialist Diseases of Insects Just as people are affected by disease-causing microbes like viruses and bacteria, so are insects infected by their own host of diseases. Some disease organisms are very specific to certain insect species, while others are able to infect and kill a wide range of insects.   PTM Granulovirus (PoGV) Small Scale Production of PTW Granulovirus   Fungal Infections Colorado potato beetle infected with the fungus, Beauveria bassiana Green peach aphid infected with the fungus, Lecanicillium lecanii   Disease Dispersal Hanging posture and fragile integument of virus-infected larvae aid in the dissemination of the occlusion bodies into the environment. Some viruses induce climbing.