Bites & Stings
Don't let snake-bite fears rattle the nerves
With the return of warmer weather, rattlesnake sightings become more frequent. While working in the field or orchard, you may come in contact with one of the venomous reptiles. If so, it’s important to stay calm and back away slowly. If you’re unsure if it is venomous, treat it as if it is. Some ways to avoid snake bites include:
Most rattlesnake bites are not fatal, if medical attention is sought promptly. If you or someone you know have been bitten, try to remain calm and still as possible to limit the spread of venom. Call 911 and get medical attention as quickly as possible. In the meantime, try to remember what the snake looks like to identify it from pictures later. Also:
- Wearing enclosed shoes, thick socks and long trousers;
- Avoiding walking in long grass;
- Avoiding stepping over logs without knowing what is on the other side;
- Avoiding lifting debris, such as rocks and corrugated iron with the ‘open’ side toward you, and;
- Avoiding putting your hands in cracks, under or in logs.
- Remove items that restrict circulation in affected areas, such as gloves, watches, rings and shoes.
- Keep the bite at or slightly below the level of the head.
- Don’t bleed the wound. This may lead to further complications such as blood poisoning or severe bleeding. Don’t suck the venom out, as you might ingest it.
- If swelling occurs quickly, place a 1-inch-wide constricting band about 2 inches above the bite. Set it so it would not fit so tightly that a finger cannot easily be slipped under it. Do not use a tourniquet, or constrictive bandage. The idea is to stop the spread of venom, not the blood flow.
- Attempt to keep the victim from moving rapidly about while transporting him or her to the nearest emergency medical facility as quickly as possible.
- Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink (particularly alcohol). Do not place the affected area in ice, and do not make any cuts or apply suction to the area. Do not attempt to give medications.
Bee/wasp stings
Reduce the risk of being stung:
- Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing.
- Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, deodorants, colognes or perfumes.
- Wear clean clothing and bathe daily. Sweat angers bees.
- Cover the body as much as possible with clothing.
- Check for new nests during the warmer hours of the day.
- Keep work areas clean. Social wasps thrive in places where humans discard food.
- If a single stinging insect is flying around, remain still or lie face down on the ground. The face is the most likely place for a bee or wasp to sting.
- Swatting an insect may provoke it.
- If several stinging insects attack you at the same time, run to get away from them. Bees release a chemical when they sting. This alerts other bees to the intruder.
First aid for stings
- The stinger can be removed with a credit card or fingernail by scraping over the area. Never squeeze the stinger or use tweezers. It will cause more venom to go into the skin.
- Have someone stay with the victim to be sure that they do not have an allergic reaction.
- Wash the site with soap and water. Apply ice or cool compress to reduce the swelling.
- Don’t scratch. This will cause the site to swell and itch more, and could lead to infection.
Allergic reactions
There are several signs of an allergic reaction to bee stings. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction usually happen immediately following the sting. Get the person immediate medical care if any of the following signs are present:
- Allergic reactions to bee stings can be deadly. People with known allergies to insect stings should always carry an insect sting allergy kit and wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace stating that they are allergic.
- Swelling that moves to other parts of the body, especially the face or neck.
- Difficulty in breathing, wheezing, swollen throat, dizziness or a drop in blood pressure.
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