Don't Let Insects Bites and Stings Ruin Summer Fun

• Spending time outdoors means you can be exposed to bites and stings from bees, wasps, spiders, ants, scorpion, and snake.
• Bee and wasp stings are the most common type of stings in Palestine and cause the most discomfort.
• Some individuals may experience a life-threatening allergic reaction to insect venom immediately after being stung.
• Follow the prevention tips below to help keep your summer fun and sting free.

Bites & Stings - Poison Prevention Tips

• Avoid attracting flying insects by keeping trashcans covered and putting leftover food away. Avoid wearing bright colored clothing and perfume because you will look and smell like a flower - bees like flowers. If a flying insect approaches, move away from the insect without waving your hands and arms.  Do not try to destroy bee swarms, beehives or wasp nests.
• Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet if you have a history of a life-threatening allergic reaction.  Ask your physician about prescribing an emergency bee sting kit to have in an emergency.
• All spiders are venomous with varying degrees of potency.Be careful reaching into dark corners.  Shake all shoes, clothing, towels and bedding that have been sitting around.  Dust and vacuum around windows, corners of rooms, and under furniture regularly.
• Watch out for ant nests.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Do not walk barefoot and be alert when doing yard work.
• Use insect repellent carefully and avoid spraying your face. DEET is a common ingredient in insect repellents and can have harmful effects if used in high concentrations.  Always read labels thoroughly before using any insect repellant.
• Follow pesticides label directions.  The three most common are insecticides, herbicides and rodenticides.  Keep pesticides in their original containers.  Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use.  Keep pesticides locked-up where children cannot see them or reach them. 

Preventing Snake Bites

• Snake seasons are spring and summer in Palestine. 
• Snakes seek shelter from the sun under rocks, bushes, in caves and animal burrows.
• At night when it is cooler, snakes become active hunting their prey.
• Preventing Snake Bites
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Walk in areas where the ground is clear so you can see where you step.
• Be aware of where you sit especially in shady areas.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long pants and hiking boots.
• Wear gloves when using your hands to move brush or rocks.
• Don't reach into cracks in rocks, animal burrows or under bushes.
• Don't walk around at night or sleep on the ground because snakes are most active at night.
• Don't tease, kill or handle snake.  It could be dangerous.
• If you encounter a snake, don't panic or blindly run away without looking carefully where you are going.

First Aid for Snake Bites

• Get to a hospital immediately.  The only accepted treatment is the appropriate serum, or antivenin, administered by a medical professional.  If the trip is a long walking distance, send someone for help.
• Remain calm.  Activity speeds your heart rate and your metabolism, which increases the rate the venom spreads through your body.
• Put a safe distance between you and the snake.
• Remove rings, watches, and bracelets from around the bite area.
• Keep the bite area immobilized and level with your heart.
• Carry a cell phone to call for help if needed.
• DO NOT attempt to capture the snake
• DO NOT use the "cut-and-suck" method
• DO NOT use ice on the bite