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Insect Safety Tip
Tip written by: Infraspection Institute

For many, it’s that time of year again when nature’s little wonders come out and remind us that we need to be proactive in reducing our exposure to the flying and crawling types of hazards. In this Tip, we offer suggestions for dealing with mosquitoes, ticks, and bees.

Mosquitoes – Nationwide there are more than 60 different kinds of mosquitoes some of which are capable of spreading disease. Mosquito larvae can develop in both tidal and fresh water locations; the key to minimizing their population is to reduce the availability of standing/stagnant water. Treat, remove or drain “water collectors” such as cans, discarded tires, etc. A single discarded tire can produce tens of thousands of mosquitoes over the course of a season! An insect repellant can help protect you from bites.

Ticks – Ticks like to rest on low-lying brush and “catch a ride” on a passersby. Areas prone to tick infestation are wooded areas and low-growing grasslands. The best way to reduce your risk of tick-bites is to avoid infested areas. When venturing into tick prone areas, stay in the center of paths, avoid sitting on the ground, and conduct frequent tick-checks. Dress properly by wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, tucking your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks. This reduces the skin area exposed to ticks and thwarts their efforts to crawl onto your skin. Again, an insect repellant can help protect you.

Bees – Keep a lookout for nests and the activity associated with them especially when opening cabinets or enclosures where bees might nest. For small nests or individual bees, knock down sprays may be effective. For large nests or colonies, contact a professional to have them removed.

Medical Attention – Be alert for signs of an allergic reaction to insect bites or stings. Non-emergency symptoms vary according to the type of insect and the individual. Most people have localized pain, redness, swelling, or itching. Signs of severe reaction which require immediate medical attention include trouble breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, weakness, swelling anywhere on the face and a tightening throat. In such cases, seek medical treatment immediately!

Thermographer safety is one of the many topics covered in the Infraspection Institute Level I Certified Infrared Thermographer® training course. For more information on open enrollment classes or our Distance Learning courses, visit Infraspection Institute online at www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.