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NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:Insects and Scorpions |
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Stinging or biting insects or scorpions can be hazardous to outdoor workers. Stinging or biting insects include bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. Outdoor workers at risk of exposure to them include farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, gardeners, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, laborers, mechanics, and any other workers who spend time outside. The health effects of stinging or biting insects or scorpions range from mild discomfort or pain to a lethal reaction for those workers allergic to the insect’s venom. Anaphylactic shock is the body’s severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting and requires immediate emergency care. Thousands of people are stung by insects each year, and as many as 90–100 people in the United States die as a result of allergic reactions. This number may be underreported as deaths may be mistakenly diagnosed as heart attacks or sunstrokes or may be attributed to other causes. It is important for employers to train their workers about their risk of exposure to insects and scorpions, how they can prevent and protect themselves from stings and bites, and what they should do if they are stung or bitten. Bees, Wasps, and Hornets Bees, wasps, and hornets are most abundant in the warmer months. Nests and hives may be found in trees, under roof eaves, or on equipment such as ladders. U.S. Geographic RegionBees, wasps, and hornets are found throughout the United States. Recommendations for Protecting WorkersEmployers should protect their workers from stinging insects by training them about:
Preventing Insect StingsWorkers should take the following steps to prevent insect stings:
First AidIf a worker is stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet:
Additional ResourcesCDC Stinging Hymenoptera: Pictorial Key to Some Common U.S. Families National Ag Safety Database: First Aid for Bee and Insect Stings University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension – NebGuide: Stinging Wasps and Bees
Colorado State University Extension: Nuisance Wasps and Bees
Fire Ants Imported fire ants first came to the United States around 1930. Now there are five times more ants per acre in the United States than in their native South America. The fire ants that came to the United States escaped their natural enemies and thrived in the southern landscape. Fire ants bite and sting. They are aggressive when stinging and inject venom, which causes a burning sensation. Red bumps form at the sting, and within a day or two they become white fluid-filled pustules. U.S. Geographic Region
Mostly the Southeastern United States, with limited geographic distribution in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Recommendations for Protecting WorkersEmployers should protect their workers from fire ants by training them about:
Preventing Fire Ant Stings and BitesWorkers should take the following steps to prevent fire ant stings and bites:
First AidWorkers with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should consider carrying an epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen) and should wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace stating their allergy. Workers should take the following steps if they are stung or bitten by fire ants:
Additional ResourcesCDC Stinging Hymenoptera: Pictorial Key to Some Common U.S. Families Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Fact Sheet: Fire Ants Texas A&M University: The Two-Step Method of Fire Ant Control (in English and Spanish) U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service: Areawide Fire Ant Suppression Texas A&M University: Medical Problems and Treatment Considerations for the Red Imported Fire Ant Texas A&M University: Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project Scorpions Scorpions usually hide during the day and are active at night. They may be hiding under rocks, wood, or anything else lying on the ground. Some species may also burrow into the ground. Most scorpions live in dry, desert areas. However, some species can be found in grasslands, forests, and inside caves. U.S. Geographic RegionSouthern and Southwestern United States. SymptomsSymptoms of a scorpion sting may include:
These symptoms usually subside within 48 hours, although stings from a bark scorpion can be life-threatening. Recommendations for Protecting WorkersEmployers should protect their workers from scorpions by training them about:
Preventing Scorpion StingsWorkers should take the following steps to prevent scorpion stings:
First AidWorkers should take the following steps if they are stung by a scorpion:
Additional ResourcesCDC Scorpions: Pictorial Key to Some Common U.S. Species Page last updated: December 5, 2008
Page last reviewed: October 22, 2008 Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
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