Weekly Safety Meeting – Insects – Safety Tips for Outside Hazards

Insects – Safety Tips for Outside Hazards

As summer approaches, you may notice an increase in the number of insects buzzing around outside. People with an allergy to stinging insects will want to take extra precautions this time of year.

Up to 5 percent of Americans are at risk for a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction from insect stings.

Stings may be fatal if not treated immediately. Symptoms of anaphylaxis (acute allergic reaction) to watch for include: itching and hives over large areas of the body (separate or away from the site of the sting); swelling in the throat or tongue; difficulty breathing; dizziness; stomach cramps; nausea and diarrhea. If you suffer from a stinging insect allergy, you should take extra precautions to avoid being stung.

Unfortunately, most people are not aware they are allergic to insect stings or bites until after experiencing a reaction. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to the insect venom.

Insects:

Ants

• Ants (fire ants) are aggressive when stinging and inject venom, which causes a burning sensation.

• Ant mounds can be commonly found under logs, rocks, and under bark in trees. Bees/Wasps/Hornets

• These insects are most abundant in the warmer months.

• Nests and hives may be found in trees, under roof eaves, and behind siding.

Spiders

• There are many types of spiders that can bite humans, with some being extremely poisonous.

• The black widow and brown recluse spiders both have very poisonous venom that can be fatal. Ticks

• Ticks are biting insects that can spread many types of diseases.
• These insects can be found in areas of high grass, brush, and around woodpiles.

Ants

• Do not disturb or stand on/near ant mounds.
• Be careful when lifting items off the ground, as they may be covered in ants; and
• Always be aware of your work area.

 Bees/Wasps/Hornets

• Wear light colored clothing.
• Avoid perfumes and colognes.
• Wear clothing to cover as much of the body as possible.
• Remain calm if a single insect is flying around you. Do not swat at it.

Spiders

• Wear clothing to cover as much of the body (arms/legs especially) as possible.
• If possible, do not disturb spiders.
• Inspect outdoor items for spiders before lifting or moving them.

Ticks

• If possible, avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass.
• Wear clothing to cover as much of the body (lower body especially) as possible.
• Inspect clothing/body after work.

What to do if you are stung or bit:

Ants

• Clean the area with soap & water.
• Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
• If you suspect the spider is poisonous, elevate the bite area, and seek immediate medical attention

Ticks

• Remove tick by using tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the surface of your skin as possible 
• Pull backwards gently. Do not jerk.
• After removing tick, wash area with soap & water.
• Seek medical attention if you feel it is necessary.

Remember:

Human reactions to stings and bites vary widely from those who are unaffected to others who have life threatening allergic reactions and need immediate medical attention.