Insect Bites and Stings Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting an insect bite or sting, take the following steps:

• Use insect repellents. These work against biting insects such as mosquitoes.
• Use caution around areas where insects nest. Areas include walls, bushes, trees, and open garbage cans.
• Reduce the amount of skin exposed when you are outdoors.
• Regularly treat your home for fleas during warmer months.
• Treat fire ant mounds with insecticides.
• Never swat at a flying insect.
• Keep foods covered as much as possible when eating outdoors.
• Cover outdoor garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Avoid sweet-smelling perfumes, deodorants, lotions, hair sprays, and colognes.
• Avoid wearing bright colors.
• Wear gloves when gardening.
• Stay away from areas where mosquitoes breed, such as areas around still water.
• Stay inside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Do not disturb bee or wasp nests.
• Be cautious in areas where spiders might be hiding. Areas include undisturbed piles of wood, seldom-opened containers, or corners behind furniture.
• Use flea and tick control for pets.