How to prevent insect bites
Nobody wants a side of bee sting with their picnic, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
Here comes the sun – and shorts, T-shirts, sandals, picnics and afternoons outdoors. But this means insect bites and stings may also be more likely. Besides being itchy and sore, Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy says bites and stings may take several days to disappear – and can become infected with bacteria.
“Insect bites can also worsen eczema,” says Lee. And while most people will only have relatively mild symptoms, they can also cause more serious allergic reactions – including lifethreatening anaphylaxis.
“For all these reasons, it’s a good idea to take steps to minimise your risk of being bitten or stung,” she advises.
Wasps
“If a wasp flies nearby or lands on you, don’t flap your hand. Just stay still and let it fly off,” says
Lee. “Wasps only usually sting if provoked.”
She suggests wearing shoes when walking on grass. Wearing white or pale-yellow clothing has also been found to help keep wasps at bay.
“They have a very sweet tooth and highly sensitive sense of smell, so are instantly attracted to a picnic. Try filling a jam jar with jam, ginger syrup, or beer, plus add a little washing-up liquid, and place it a short distance away from your food,” adds Lee.
And if you get stung: “If the sting is still in the skin, remove it gently with your fingernail or using a piece of gauze. Don’t use tweezers as you can squeeze more venom into the skin.
“Wash the area with soap and warm water and pat dry. Apply a cold compress for around 10 minutes. Elevate the limb or area if possible. If it’s itchy, try some antihistamines.”
Bees
“Bees are gentle and will only sting if frightened, so when one comes near you, keep calm and still,” says Lee. “A void swatting it. It’s likely to simply fly away.”
Stay away from flowers, as bees feed on the nectar inside flowering plants. “Bees like sweet things too,” adds Lee. “So always keep food in sealed containers and don’t leave sweet foods outside uncovered.
“If bees appear, don’t jump up and run away in a panic. Get up slowly and move cautiously in the opposite direction. Bees don’t like panic.”
And if you get stung: Same advice as a wasp sting.
Mosquitos
You can try out gadgets like the Thermacell Mosquito & Midge Protector, or wear scented bracelets to try and keep pesky mozzies away, but the colour of your clothes makes a real difference to whether or not you get bitten. “Go for light coloured clothing. Don’t wear black leggings as they will bite through thin fabric,” says Lee. “They can even bite through jeans!”
Lee advises liberally applying a certified insect repellent containing DEET, before you leave the house, and don’t forget exposed areas such as your neck, fingers, ankles and wrists.
“Mosquitos love stagnant water, so don’t go near ponds. Other sources can be blocked guttering, or even a watering tray underneath your plants.
“Mosquitos are attracted by some smells, such as lavender, so again, avoid any perfumed body products,” she continues. “Citronella candles are ineffective because although mosquitos don’t like the smell of lemons, they’re attracted by the carbon dioxide from burning the candle.”
And if you get stung: “Wash the area with soap and water, and pat dry with a towel,” says Lee. “Apply calamine lotion to help relieve the itching. Apply a cold compress for five to 10 minutes.”
Ifyouhaveabadreaction…
A normal bite or sting should heal within a few days, but any possible signs of anaphylaxis should be treated as a medical emergency. This includes difficulty breathing, feeling lightheaded, faint or confused, a fast heartbeat and unconsciousness, as well as symptoms like a red, itchy rash (hives), vomiting and swelling.
With any insect bite or sting, if you have a bad reaction or symptoms get worse, seek medical advice.