Page 15 - 574220 SunCity Flipbook

Bees, bugs ’n bites CA NEWS

Submitted by Sue Gavron, EMC Committee Member APRIL 2016 SUNRAYS | 13

Warm weather is rapidly approaching, bring-
ing with it the bees, bugs and bites season.
The outdoors is one of our natural playgrounds
here in Sun City, as it is to fire ants, ticks, bees,
wasps, hornets, spiders, scorpions and snakes.

Human reactions to insect stings and bites may range from
redness, swelling, itching or burning to extreme cases involving
anaphylactic shock and breathing issues. Understanding how
to dress for the outdoors and appropriate first aid is important.

Bees, wasps and hornets become active in the first warm
days of spring. The CDC recommends the following:

• Avoid perfumes, cologne, soaps and shampoos.

• Wear clothing to cover your body as much as possible.

• Avoid flowering plants if possible.

• If a flying insect comes into your car, slow down, stop and
open all the windows.

• If you know you are allergic, carry an EpiPen on your person
at all times when outdoors.

First Aid: Stay with a person who has been stung and monitor
for an allergic reaction. Wash the affected area with soap and
water, remove the stinger with a credit card if possible- do not
try to squeeze it out. Apply ice to the site.

Fire Ants: LOOK FIRST

• Always look where you are walking to avoid fire ant mounds.

• DO NOT kick or disturb the ant mounds in any way.

• When lifting objects off the ground, look first for ants on
the object.

• Fire ants may also be found in trees or on the water

First Aid: If you know you are allergic, carry an EpiPen with
you at all times. If bitten, rub off the ants in a brisk manner
as they will cling to the body. Observe for allergic reaction and
if necessary, seek immediate medical attention.

Scorpions and venomous spiders are all over the South-
ern and Southwestern U.S. Scorpions are active at night and
usually hide during the day. Spiders prefer small dark spaces,
both inside and out. The CDC recommends the following:

• Know what these arachnids look like and know your risk
of exposure.

• Know how to dress for protection, and wear leather gloves
when working outdoors.

• Shake out clothing and shoes before you put them on.

• Be very careful when lifting up rocks, branches and other
natural things from the ground.

First Aid: For scorpion stings, wash the affected area with
running water, then apply ice and remain calm. In the instance
of a venomous spider bite, the CDC recommends washing and
then elevating the affected area. Do not move the victim unless
necessary and call 911.

Adapted from www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/topics/insects/default.
html and American Red Cross First Aid.

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG