Biting or Stinging Insects & Arachnids

The following are some tips for dealing with specific biological hazards:

Biting or stinging insects, and arachnids

• Wear long pants, socks, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat. Dark colors and floral or sweet scents can attract bees and it is harder to see ticks on dark clothing. Tuck shirtsleeves into gloves, and pant legs into boots.
• Know what habitats and conditions insects prefer (such as dark corners, dense vegetation, standing water, and early mornings), and keep an eye out as you work. Use a flashlight to look before putting your hand into any dark spaces.
• Use insect repellents with DEET or Picaridin. Read and follow all directions. Use sparingly, only applying to exposed skin. You may need to reapply regularly. Check with your supervisor about using such repellent around PPE, as it could weaken the potential protective capabilities of certain PPE. For ticks, you can apply permethrin on clothes; follow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.
• Avoid disturbing ant mounds. Exercise caution near corners, eaves, crevices, holes, and other areas where bees and wasps can nest. Clean up standing water in containers around the worksite to prevent mosquito reproduction. Avoid brushing up against vegetation, if possible, to prevent ticks from crawling on you.
• Understand that loud noises (such as equipment or mowers) can provoke bees.
• Shower thoroughly after working outdoors. Check for any insects or ticks that might have gotten on you.
• Shake out clothes and wash them in strong detergent and hot water.
• Check boots and gloves before putting them on.

To learn more about Outdoor Biological Hazards visit our Outdoor Biological Hazards Online Training web page.