Insect Bites and Stings - Prevention - Insect Bites and Stings

The time of year is another factor in the occurrence of insect stings and bites. Stings from bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and ants more commonly occur during summer months. Ticks usually sting in the late autumn and chiggers, lice and fleas are a yearly menace. The following simple measures for a homeowner and his family can prevent insect stings and bites:

1) Bees are attracted to bright-colored clothing and perfume odors - at outdoor affairs simply wear light-colored clothing and avoid using sweet smelling cosmetics. Women will have to 'grin and bear it'!

2) Try to control odors at picnics, garbage areas, etc. that can attract stinging insects. In simple terms avoid unofficial camping grounds - and in the yard at home don't stack fallen ripen fruit or leaves from your trees; just chuck the pile in a closed garbage disposal unit. If you require it for compost, cover it with a plastic sheet.

3) When you see hives or nests close to home try to relocate or destroy them. If unable to fulfill the task call your municipality office and they will send a man to do the job.

4) Don't leave pools of stagnating water as these may attract mosquitoes. This has been repeated over and over, so people should be sensible in drying out pools of water - or fixing leaking garden taps and hoses.

5) Electrical insect repelling devices and lit coils are quite effective against insects; their use is quite helpful.

6) There is no question that maintaining good personal and household hygiene would be a great help.. Say no more!

7) De-flea cats, dogs and other pets regularly. D-lousing your pet would also be a good idea, as well as removing ticks from their body (use the burn end of a cigarette on the backside of the tick and he will quickly fall away.)

8) Use insect repellents. Consult your family physician or pharmacist for the brand that is suitable for your skin.

9) Above all - avoid provoking insects whenever possible. (Time and time again we heard through the media that some youngsters were badly stung by wasps after playfully trying to destroy a wasp's nest.)

If you are afflicted or injured by these nasty bugs there are certain precautions and time-honored remedies to be taken:

MOSQUITOES BITES:
When you are stung by a mosquito the main treatment for insect bites is to prevent itching. If the bitten area begins to swell and you need to scratch, rub an antihistamine of hypo-allergic cream containing aloe vera or propolis on the bite area. Calamine lotion, and topical local anesthetic agents may also provide relief. If the bite does not improve or there is an allergic reaction medical attention would be required.

FLEA BITES:
Fleas increase their activity in the summer months and you may clusters of reddish fleabites on your skin. Sensitivity to fleabites varies between people; children often have especially severe reactions. In sensitive people, the bite is often surrounded by a "halo" of red, irritated skin. Fleabites should be treated with an antihistamine ointment containing steroids.