Summer brings balmy outdoor days but also possible dangers from bites and stings by insects and other creatures. With the wasp season upon us, everyone should k now what to do if bitten by wasps, bees, hornets or other buzzing creatures.
Insect venoms can cause an immediate or a delayed reaction.
The faster the response the more serious it likely is. Biting insects such as blackflies, horseflies, bedbugs, lice, fleas and mosquitoes attack humans mainly in search of blood, and the saliva released to soften human skin can cause a serious reaction. Stinging insects such as bee s, hornets, wasps and yellow jackets attack either in self-defence or to subdue prey. Their stingers inject a remarkably toxic venom, in some instances powerful enough to paralyse prey by a neuromuscular block. The general management of insect stings or bites is to flick off the offending insect gently then scrape off the skin cleanly with a sharp blade or credit card.