Summer Insect Safety 101

Summer means sun, beaches, and fun. But don’t forget those bugs that are everywhere. Insects, such as bees, ants, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, wasps, and spiders may bite or sting if you get close.

The initial bite or sting may be painful, followed by an allergic reaction to venom deposited into your skin. Most of these encounters trigger nothing more than minor discomfort, but some can be deadly, especially if you have severe allergies to insect venom.

Mosquitoes:

• Avoid being outdoors at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Reduce standing water on your property which is where mosquitoes breed.
• Repair torn screens on your windows and doors.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin whenever outside for a long time.

Ticks:

• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes when in wooded areas or tall grasses.
• Wear light-colored clothing, which makes it easier to spot ticks.
• Wear a bug spray containing at least 20% DEET when outdoors.
• Keep your yard tick-free by cutting grass and remove woodpiles and debris.
• Inspect yourself and your family carefully for ticks when returning from outdoors.

Bees and Wasps

• Wear shoes, especially in grassy areas.
• Remove garbage frequently and keep trashcans covered.
• Do not swat at the insect as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction.
• Avoid wearing sweet-smelling perfumes.

If you happen to be bitten or stung, watch for possible allergic reactions. If you notice any of the following, you may be having an anaphylactic reaction, and you should seek medical treatment immediately:

• Hives
• Swelling of your face, including eyes, tongue, and lips
• Difficulty breathing
• Throat tightness
• Vomiting
• Faint or lightheadedness

One final tip is don’t use products that combine bug spray with sun protection. It is best if you reapplied sunscreen often but use bug spray sparingly. Apply the sunscreen first and then layer with bug spray. Remember these few tips to have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Amy Renfro, APRN-CNP
Ringling Family Care