Introduction: Contact with stinging or biting animals or insects is one of the most frequent causes of injuries in our industry. You are likely to encounter bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants, mosquitoes, and ticks on job sites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90–100 people in the United States die each year as a result of allergic reactions to insect stings. You can contract diseases from mosquito and tick bites. Mosquito-borne diseases include West Nile virus, which can lead to a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness. The most common tick-borne disease in the United States is Lyme disease, which can result in long-term arthritis, muscle and joint pain, or fatigue. Today, we’ll talk about measures we can take to reduce risks of insect bites and stings. 

What should you do if you have a history of allergic reactions to insect bites or stings? (Note to Trainer: Take this opportunity to ask if anyone has this history and to ensure precautions have been taken.) 

• Notify your supervisor and crew leader, and carry an epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen) with you at all ttimes. 
• Wear a medical identification bracelet stating your allergy. 

What are some ways you can reduce the chances you’ll be stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet? 

• Be aware that nests and hives might be found in trees, under roof eaves, or on equipment such as ladders. 
• Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. 
• Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, and deodorants, and don’t wear cologne or perfume. 
• Keep work areas clean and free of food and used food containers. 
• Stay calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying near you. Swatting at it could cause it to sting. 
• If you are attacked by several stinging insects, run away from them. Bees release a chemical when they sting that can attract other bees. Do not jump into water. 
• If a bee or wasp is inside a moving vehicle you are driving, stop slowly in a safe place and open all windows. 

What are some ways you can reduce your risks of being stung by fire ants? 

• Do not disturb or stand near ant mounds. 
• Always look over an area before starting work. Fire ants may be found on trees, in water, or on the underside of objects. Be careful when lifting or prying items off the ground. 
• If fire ants get on your body, briskly rub them off. They will try to attach to your skin with their mandibles. 

What are some ways you can avoid tick bites? 

• Wear a hat, light-colored clothing, and long-sleeved shirt and pants tucked into work boots or socks. 
• Use insect repellents containing 20 to 30 percent DEET on your exposed skin and clothing. Use Permethrin, which kills ticks on contact, on clothing and gear. 
• Check your skin and clothes carefully for ticks daily. Some ticks are very small! 
• Shower as soon as possible after working outdoors. 
• Immediately remove ticks from your body using tweezers. (Removing ticks within 24 hours significantly reduces your risk of being infected with Lyme disease.) 
• Dry work clothes in a hot dryer to kill any ticks. 
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What are some ways you can avoid mosquito bites? 

• Cover as much of your skin as possible and avoid perfumes and colognes. 
• If possible, do not work outdoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are more active. 
• Use insect repellents containing 20 to 30 percent DEET on your exposed skin and clothing. Use Permethrin on clothing and gear. 
• Do not touch dead birds. Instead, notify a supervisor for proper removal. 

True or False? Circle the correct response. 

1. You should notify a supervisor, wear a medical ID bracelet, and carry an EpiPen with you at all times if you are allergic to insect bites or stings. True False 
2. Wearing light-colored clothing reduces your risks for insect stings. True False
3. Showering as soon as possible after working outdoors and removing ticks within 24 hours reduces your risk of getting Lyme disease.. True False