Insect bites and stings can cause anything from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions, infections, or disease. Outdoor workers are especially at risk during the warmer months.
What Are Common Workplace Insect Threats?
A few insects account for most of the serious risks.
- Bees, wasps, and hornets, whose stings may cause severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis
- Mosquitoes, which may carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika
- Ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease
- Fire ants, whose painful stings may lead to infection
- Spiders, since some bites can be venomous, such as the black widow and brown recluse
What Are Insect Safety Tips?
Repellent, clothing, and tick checks go a long way.
- Apply EPA-approved insect repellent and reapply according to the product instructions
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe boots, and choose light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily
- Eliminate breeding grounds by draining standing water and keeping work areas clean and free of food or sugary drinks
- Inspect for ticks after working outdoors, checking clothing and skin, especially the underarms, groin, and scalp, then shower and wash clothing as soon as possible
- Know whether you or coworkers have allergies to stings
What Are the Signs of a Severe Reaction?
Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing.
