Tips to Ward off Insects When Working Outdoors

While we enjoy 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 aggressive wasps, these critters can make our skin crawl. Today, let’s discuss insects in the workplace and some ways to keep your employees safe. 

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

Individuals who spend long hours working outdoors risk being stung or bitten by unwelcome insects. While most stings and bites cause only mild discomfort, some may result in severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical care and may even be life-threatening. 

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. 

Signs and Symptoms of Tick-Borne Infections:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• Skin rash
• Swollen lymph nodes

Protect Yourself with These Tips: 

1. Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing.
2. Use insect repellent and apply it regularly.
3. Wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.
4. Avoid flowering plants when possible.
5. Keep work areas clean; some insects are attracted to discarded food.
6. Remain calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying around. Swatting may cause it to sting.
7. If attacked by several stinging insects, run to get away. Bees release a chemical when they sting, attracting other bees.
8. Do not jump into the water. Some insects hover above the water.
9. If an insect is inside your vehicle, stop slowly and open all the windows.
10. 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.

What to Do If 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.

When you have completed work, be sure to check yourself for crawling insects (such as ticks) to keep yourself and others protected. 

Reducing Tick Populations: 

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

Reducing 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.

Protecting Your Employees: 

• Encourage them to wear a hat and light-colored 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, including 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 a vector-borne disease, they should seek medical attention promptly. Ensure they inform their doctor that they work outdoors and report any tick or mosquito bites. 

Working outdoors during the summer months has unique challenges. However, by being diligent and following these proper steps, you can arm yourself with the tools required to ward off pesky insects and keep your employees safe.