Fast Facts

Stinging Insects

Flying Insects

Outdoor workers are at risk of being stung by flying insects (bees, 

wasps, and hornets) and fire ants. While most stings cause only 

mild discomfort, some may result in severe allergic reactions that 

require immediate medical care and may cause death.

First Aid

If a worker is stung by a stinging insect:

■ Have someone stay with the worker to be sure that they 

do not have an allergic reaction.

■ Wash the site with soap and water. 

■ Remove the stinger using gauze wiped over the area or by 

scraping a fingernail over the area. 

ӽ Never squeeze the stinger or use tweezers.

■ Apply ice to reduce swelling.

■ Do not scratch the sting as this may increase swelling, 

itching, and risk of infection.

Protect Yourself

■ Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing. 

■ Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, and deodorants. 

ӽ Do not wear cologne or perfume. 

■ Wear clean clothing and bathe daily.

■ Wear clothing to cover as much of the body as possible. 

■ Avoid flowering plants when possible. 

■ Keep work areas clean. Some insects are attracted to 

discarded food. 

■ Remain calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying 

around. (Swatting may cause it to sting.)

■ If attacked by several stinging insects, run to get away. 

(Bees release a chemical when they sting, which attracts 

other bees.)

ӽ Go indoors. 

ӽ Shaded areas are better than open areas. 

ӽ Do not jump into water. Some insects (ex. Africanized 

honey bees) are known to hover above the water.

■ If an insect is inside your vehicle, stop slowly, and open 

all the windows. 

■ Workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect 

bites or stings should carry an epinephrine autoinjector 

and wear medical ID jewelry stating their allergy.

Protecting Yourself from
Present and Potential Ranges of Imported 

Fire Ant Infestation

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010–117

Telephone: 1–800–CDC–INFO

TTY: 1–888–232–6348

E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov

safer • healthier • peopleTM

Fire Ants

First Aid

■ Rub off ants briskly, as they will attach to the skin with 

their jaws.

■ Antihistamines may help. 

ӽ Follow directions on packaging. 

ӽ Drowsiness may occur.

■ Seek immediate medical attention if a sting causes severe 

chest pain, nausea, severe sweating, loss of breath, serious 

swelling, or slurred speech.

Protect Yourself

■ Do not disturb ant mounds.

■ Be careful when lifting items (including animal carcasses) 

off the ground, as they may be covered in ants. 

■ Fire ants may be found on trees and in water, so always 

look over the area before starting to work.

■ Tuck pants into socks or boots.

■ Workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to

insect bites or stings should carry an epinephrine 

autoinjector and wear medical ID jewelry stating their 

allergy.

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. Image courtesy of USDA