Here’s How To Enjoy Your Outdoor Escapades Safely
Every year, more than half a million people go to the emergency room to receive treatment for stings from a variety of insects including, hornets, wasps and yellow jackets among others. To make things worse, when the time comes for these insects to look for food – from the end of summer to the beginning of fall – to maintain their queens throughout the winter period, these insects become even more dangerous.
For the next few weeks, you might be tempted to avoid venturing outdoors, whenever the thought of discovering a hornet’s nest below the patio or a bee hive right on your home’s porch comes to mind! However, you should not worry. You can still enjoy your time outdoors and avoid these dangerous insects by simply following a few practical tips.
Look For Crevices And Cracks And Cover Them Completely
Sealing off all areas of your home that may be used as shelter by these insects is one of the best ways you can use to keep them out. Spaces below eaves and decks, the rear side of porch lights and inside chimneys and attics are among the most common nesting areas for these insects. Take the time to inspect your property every now and then for any signs of visible crevices and cracks, before sealing each one of them, completely.
Cover Food At All Times
It is common to see outdoor tables covered with fruit, chips, hamburgers and other foods to attract swarms of bees. Open garbage bins and uncovered food normally attracts stinging insects. Be sure to place tight covers on all garbage bins and keep food items covered, during cookouts and picnics to avoid attracting bees and yellowjackets.
Strong Scents Should Be Avoided
Sweet smelling scents are a huge draw for various stinging insects including yellowjackets. Use colognes and perfumes sparingly if you intend to stay outdoors for extended periods of time. Fragrance free sunscreen, lotions, soaps and shampoos should be used where possible.
Choose The Right Clothing
These dangerous insects are normally attracted to surfaces with floral patterns and dark colors; avoid wearing such clothing if you want to stay safe. Since it is common for some hornets and bumblebees to nest in grassy areas, you should avoid wearing open shoes when spending time in such areas.
Avoid Panicking
Most people usually lose their calm and start throwing their hands in the air whenever they encounter a dangerous flying insect. It is worth noting that these actions may actually end up provoking the insect to attack you. However, the insect might actually fly away from you, leaving you unharmed, if you avoid panicking and resist any temptation to swat it. Stings can lead to serious reactions, and it is recommended that you take the stinger out of your skin and look for immediate medical care, if you do end up being stung.
Call A Pest Control Expert
You should not try to remove any nests discovered on your property; you should also stay away from the nest, and so should other members of your family. You could end up in a situation where a swarm of insects, numbering in their hundreds or thousands, and feeling disturbed, come from the nest and sting you over and over again, depending on the species. The work of relocating or destroying the nest should be left to a qualified pest control expert who will be able to correctly identify the species involved, and can handle them accordingly.
