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Bugs can be beautiful, indeed. Butterflies, ladybugs, fireflies, and dragonflies make us admire them every summer, but there are insects that are way less charming and even dangerous! Meeting one of those can end up quite badly if we are not cautious, and if you are in love with long walks in the woods or you spend a lot of time outdoors due to your work or just because you like it, it is better not to be careless and consider protecting yourself.
No Stings Today! Actions Needed to Avoid Insect Stings And Bites
The most frequent reason why a bite of an insect may result in nasty aftermath is that some people are allergic to those insects’ poison. But even if you are not, you still should take into consideration the basic precaution rules when going outside to a place where you know harmful insects live.
In addition, it is good to keep in mind the list of the bugs and stinging insects that are capable of causing hazards and to be aware of how they look. See, some of those tiny creatures can be absolutely harmless and simply resemble the more dangerous ones, for instance, as it happens with ticks and the insects that look pretty much like them. Which, let’s agree, often bring folks to panic!
So, if you are heading to the woods this weekend, remember to be careful and protect yourself by doing the following:
1. Do not wear too sweet perfumes and avoid wearing too much fragrance when being outdoors. It refers not only to colognes or perfumes but also to soap, shampoo, and shower gels. You don’t want some bees to take you for a flower, do you? Yellowjackets, by the way, are also highly attracted by the sweet scents.
2. If you happen to meet wasps, bees, or hornets, stay calm. Do not wave your arms or swat at them since it can provoke the creatures to attack you and sting.
3. Always cover the bare skin! Especially if you are outside when the insects are especially active. Long sleeves and pants are probably not the best clothing pick in summer, but it is better to be a bit sweaty than come back home covered with painful stings!
4. If some parts of your body still remain uncovered, apply some repelling spray on them. We would recommend you pick one of those that contain fifty percent DEET since they are way more efficient.
5. Be especially cautious when being close to flowering plants or trees, or passing by rubbish, compost, or stagnant water. Quite many harmful bugs and stinging insects like living in such areas. Also, be careful when staying at the places where food is served in the open air.
6. Never ever disturb insects’ nests! This is probably the one crucial and vitally important rule! Even if it is found in your garden or indoors, better call pest control to remove it carefully and correctly rather than playing a hero and trying to do that yourself. Wasps or bees turn into truly deadly beasts when in rage!
7. When eating outside (for instance, during a picnic), remember to cover all the food and beverages, especially the sweet ones like soda. It will help to avoid attracting unwanted “guests”.
8. When camping, prefer not to choose locations near swamps or ponds/lakes. Mosquitoes and horseflies do like dwelling close to water.
9. Also, it is often advised to not wear dark garments or those with floral patterns on them since both tend to attract stinging insects.
As for the house protection, try to keep doors and windows closed, or, if it is not possible (like in summer when it’s too hot for that!), put thin netting over them. It will shield your home from the unexpected invasion of flying beasts.
What If an Insect Bit You?
For treating an insect bite or sting, stay calm first of all, and act fast:
● take the sting out
● wash the harmed skin zone with soap and water
● in case of any swelling, apply a cold compress (a piece of clean cloth soaked in cold aqua) or a packet of ice for a minimum of 10 minutes
● raise the affected area if the situation allows or elevate it since it helps to reduce swelling
● do not scratch the stung spot! Otherwise, you can infect the damaged area.
● we would recommend you avoid such homemade remedies as acetum or bicarbonate of soda since they are not much help.
Since now you are aware of the basic protective measures and know what to do to treat the stung area, memorize this information well to be able to make use of it in case of need.
Be careful and stay safe!
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