Squash Out Hazards With Bite & Sting Safety

Stinging and biting insects can cause major problems for you and your customers. While these creatures are tiny, their punch can be mighty to some. On the low end of the spectrum, these pests can irritate skin but on the extreme end, they can cause anaphylactic reactions.

While your guests may have the travel bug, use these tips to keep yourself and your travelers from being on the snack menu for insects and other pests.

Keep an Eye Out for These Pests

Outdoor pests that can cause mild to severe injury or illness by biting or stinging include the following:

• Rodents (carry disease)
• Snakes (inject poisonous venom)
• Ticks (carry Lyme disease, typhus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
• Fleas, lice and mites (carry infection)
• Bees, wasps, hornets (venom)
• Mosquitoes (carry West Nile Virus and St. Louis encephalitis)
• Spiders (poisonous bites)
• Scorpions (allergic reactions and lethal venom stings)
• Bats (carry rabies)

Prevention and Protection

Big or small, bites and stings of any size can be brutal. While most often we swat at insects that come our way without any thought, there are better ways to be proactive about prevention. Consider the following safety tips:

• Always ask guests if they are allergic or have had severe reactions to stings or bites.
• Never touch a rodent, whether dead or alive.
• Do not approach nests or dens.
• Never pick up, disturb or corner a snake. Move away immediately.
• Never pick up or disturb a spider.
• Avoid contact with animals that attract pests such as fleas, ticks, lice, mites, bees, wasps and hornets.
• Avoid areas such as swamps, dense woods, fields and brush, if possible.

Since it is not always possible to avoid potentially dangerous animals and other pests, taking appropriate protective measures is also important, including:

• Use insect or other types of repellents, as appropriate.
• Keep as much of your skin covered as possible. Pay attention to cuffed areas such as ankles and wrists.
• Wear clothing made of tightly-woven material, and tuck pants into work boots.
• Avoid wearing fragrances, scented lotions and brightly colored clothing
• Use caution when working near nests and hiding places, such as rock piles, lumber piles, tree stumps, old buildings and outdoor restrooms.
• Keep your work area clean, and control food and garbage odors.
• Check the skin for clinging ticks following exposure.

Reaction Safety

While some bites and stings may not cause too much of a reaction, some can be extremely dangerous. If anyone in your group begins to show any of these signs, call 911 immediately:

• Hives or raised rash
• Swelling
• Vomiting or nausea
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid heart rate

As you wait for help to arrive, the most important thing to do is ask that person if they are carrying an Epinephrine Auto Injector, commonly known as an EpiPen. If so, see if they need help injecting the medication. It’s wise to train your staff on  how to use EpiPens  so if they are ever in this type of situation, they’re prepared.

Extinguish Risks with CBIZ Adventure Sports

Just like bug spray keeps you safe from bugs, a strong policy protects your business from the unthinkable. To help keep you prepared, download our  guide to bites and stings. Hang it up in your office for a daily reminder. Get the protection you need today and  request a free CBIZ Adventure Sport Insurance quote.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. In an actual claim situation, coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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