Summer officially arrived this week! While we rejoice at the higher temperatures, longer days, and plenty of sunshine, there is one thing most of us dread about this time of year: insects. From pesky mosquitoes to warding off wasps, these critters can make our skin crawl! So, today let’s chat about insects in the workplace, and how to keep your employees safe from bites and stings. 

Insect and spider bites often cause minor swelling, redness, pain, and itching. These mild reactions are common. They may last from a few hours to a few days. Home treatment is often needed to relieve the symptoms of a mild reaction to common stinging or biting from spiders and insects, such as fleas, flies, ticks, and mosquitoes.  

Outdoor workers risk being stung by flying insects (bees, wasps, and hornets) and bites from aggressive species like spiders. While most stings and bites cause only mild discomfort, some may result in severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical care and may cause death. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 83 workers died from injuries due to  

insects, arachnids, and mites from 2003 to 2010. 

Outdoor workers may also be exposed to vector-borne diseases from the bites of infected ticks and mosquitoes, which carry bacteria, parasites, or viruses, including Lyme disease and West Nile virus infection. 

To protect your employees from stinging insects, encourage them to do the following:  

• Wear light-coloured, smooth-finished clothing.
• Wear clothing to cover as much of the body as possible.
• Avoid flowering plants when possible.
• Keep work areas clean. Some insects are attracted to discarded food.
• Remain calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying around. Swatting may cause it to sting.
• If attacked by several stinging insects, run to get away. Bees release a chemical when they sting, which attracts other bees.
• Do not jump into the water. Some insects are known to hover above the water.
• If an insect is inside your vehicle, stop slowly, and open all the windows.
• Workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should carry an epinephrine autoinjector and wear medical ID jewelry stating their allergy.

If an employee is stung by a stinging insect: 

• Have someone stay with the worker to ensure they do not have an allergic reaction.
• Wash the site with soap and water.
• Remove the stinger, using gauze, and wipe over the area.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling.
• Do not scratch the sting, as this may increase swelling, itching, and risk of infection.

Ticks and Mosquitos  

Ticks are found in wooded areas, high grass, or leaf litter. They are most active during the spring, summer, and fall, but they may be active all year round in warmer areas. Mosquitoes may be found near standing water or in weedy or wooded areas. They are usually most active during dawn and dusk in the warmer months. 

Illnesses are transmitted by organisms that act as vectors, such as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. 

Symptoms: Symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, and joint pain. 

Causes: Caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. 

Treatment: Treatment includes antibiotics, antiparasitic therapy, and self-care measures. 

Vector-borne diseases in Canada have been relatively rare, with a few exceptions, for example, malaria in southern Ontario in the 1800s. However, in recent years, West Nile virus and Lyme disease have emerged as significant public health concerns in many parts of Canada.  

 To decrease tick populations: 

• Remove leaf litter.
• Remove, mow, or cut back tall grass and brush.
• Discourage deer activity.

To decrease mosquito populations: 

• Eliminate standing water.
• Remove, turn over, cover, or store equipment.
• Remove debris from ditches.
• Fill in areas that collect standing water and place drain holes in containers that collect water and cannot be discarded.

To protect your employees, encourage them to: 

• Wear a hat and light-coloured clothing (so ticks can be easily spotted), including long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into boots or socks.
• Use insect repellents and insecticides such as permethrin for greater protection.
• Check skin and clothing for ticks daily. Check hair, underarms, and groin.
• Immediately remove ticks using fine-tipped tweezers.
• Wash and dry work clothes using the "hot" settings to kill any ticks present. 

If an employee develops symptoms of vector-borne disease, they should seek medical attention promptly. Make sure they tell their doctor that they work outdoors and that they should report any ticks or mosquito bites.