Herbert George Wells, The War of the Worlds

In The War of the Worlds, Martians invade England. These Martians are worm-like creatures who intend to use Earth as a feeding ground, and the Earthlings are powerless to stop this. Martians arrive in London, quickly taking control of the city. These Martians are hideous, worm-like monsters with sixteen tentacles protruding from their mouths. They intend to feed on humans. Despite their best efforts, the humans are unable to fend off the Martians and their deadly assault. The aliens soon overrun the planet. The Martians aren't prepared for Earth's bacteria, however, and don't have the antibodies to fight off viruses. Their nervous systems are destroyed, and they die not from a human assault, but from illness.