As temperatures rise, insects have started to emerge. Aside from causing itching pain, redness, and swelling, many bugs bites can also spread diseases. To help prevent insect bites:
- Wear light colored clothing that covers your body.
- Avoid standing water where mosquitoes like to lay eggs.
- Avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk.
- If you are bitten, try not to scratch. Scratching irritates the bite and may cause infection.
Ticks
- Avoid wooded, brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
- Check for ticks after coming in from outdoor activities. Also check clothing.
- If you find a tick it is important to remove it as quickly as possible. Use fine-tip tweezers, make sure to remove the entire tick. Then wash the area with soap and water.
- If you are bit and develop flu-like symptoms or a rash, seek medical attention.
Bees/Wasps/Hornets
- Stay away from hives and nests.
- Don’t swat bees or wasps with your hands.
- Stings may feel hot and itchy, swelling or a red bump may appear.
- Treat stings by washing the area with soap and water, then apply ice.
- If there are signs of a severe reaction, call 911 and use an EPI if available.
You can also find Heat Safety information, and all of our summer series Daily posts, on our myDSU page.
Questions? heidi.fleming@desales.edu.